Advocacy Updates from Indiana Library Federation
January 12, 2017
Off and running with the Indiana General Assembly
The Indiana General Assembly initiated its short session on Tuesday, January 3. The first week of session was full of announcements of priorities and coming retirements. Here are some quick links:
Indiana Library Federation releases 2018 Policy Priorities
The ILF Board of Directors approved its 2018 Policy Priorities , including a continued focus on broadband expansion initiatives, lifelong learning initiatives and support for effective school libraries and certified librarians in K12 education.

See and print our 2018 Policy Priorities for what we actively advocate, support and monitor.

ILF's Legislative Committee meets monthly to discuss and take action on current issues. See last issue for description of how.
HB1005 and potential impacts
HB1005 outlines a process for the 300 smallest townships (with fewer than 1,200 residents) to merge with larger townships or with each other over five years. The ILF Legislative Committee is actively monitoring this bill, which is scheduled for a hearing on 1/16. The ILF office opened a survey of library directors to identify potential impacts and considerations . Check populations of townships .
Volunteer with the ILF School Library Census
Do you have strong relationships with your local schools or school district? We seek volunteers to help with ILF 2018 School Library Census Survey .

Many schools have not replaced retiring school librarians or have reduced the number of certified school librarians. We aim to create a point-in-time report about the staffing and features of school libraries across Indiana.

Prospective volunteers may find information here and submit the volunteer form (include the school district you will survey). We estimate volunteers may spend between 20 minutes to 2 hours gathering information per district.
Indiana Adult Literacy Study released
The Indiana Adult Literacy Study was completed in November and submitted by Indiana Department of Workforce Development to the Indiana General Assembly in December.

Members and partners of Indiana Library Federation aim to:
  • elevate the importance of functional literacy to be able to function within the home, community and workplace;
  • advocate the importance of literacy programming for education and workforce development; and
  • explore solutions that result in improved literacy in Indiana.
Interested in joining the workgroup? Contact us .

Attend Third House sessions
Save the date! graphics
Legislators meet with constituents in " Third House " or " Meet your Legislator " events within districts. Most legislators will offer a preview or update of the types of legislation being considered during the short session of the Indiana General Assembly . Let us know if you plan to attend one of the upcoming sessions. We aim to have our Policy Priority document available in the next issue.
  • Vigo County - January 13 at 10am
  • Greater Goshen - January 19 at 8am
  • Muncie Delaware - January 19 at 11:30am
  • South Bend - January 19 at 12 noon
  • Greater Lafayette - January 20 at 7:30am
  • Marion-Grant - January 20 at 8am
  • Elkhart - January 20 at 10am
Thanks to Indiana Association of United Ways for maintaining the statewide calendar or the printable version . More dates are added as they are scheduled or known.
Legislative Updates from Bose Public Affairs
Matt Long serves as our primary account manager with Bose Public Affairs , our contracted firm for government affairs and lobbying. Through our contract, we have access to the entire team of government affairs experts.

See the latest report from Bose Public Affairs for a summary of news from the Statehouse. (Remember that Bose Reports require your ILF Member Login. Contact us if you forgot your login or password.)