Indiana Library Federation held its annual Legislative Fall Forum on Thursday, October 6. Fall Forum followed the Indiana Public Library Association conference on Wednesday, where Drew Klacik from IU Public Policy Institute prepared our thinking with data from the Thriving Communities, Thriving State project. Population and workforce projections generated a rich conversation about the role of libraries to help Indiana with workforce and quality of life strategies for the State. Chief Strategy Officer for IN Department of Workforce Development Nick Goodwin spoke at the Fall Forum. Check out presentations from Drew Klacik or Nick Goodwin .

Fall Forum participants reviewed ILF survey data about specific policy proposals received from members over the last year. The survey asked views about the extent to which specific policy proposals would build library supporters, be important to the ILF mission and vision and be easy to pass and implement. The "ah-ha" moments of the day related to the interdependence between certain proposals and the sustained efforts that many ideas require for success.

Recognizing the need for long-term strategies, participants divided into groups to take a deeper dive into specific issues. Each table analyzed the barriers, strategies and resources needed to advance a policy idea. The Legislative Committee will take the information gleaned from the survey and from each table's analysis and then draft the policy priorities for 2018 and beyond. The Committee identified a clear consensus around support for expanded broadband and libraries' roles in information literacy, education and workforce development , though the specific proposals are not fleshed out. More info will be shared in the coming months.

Participants were excited to receive the first copies of the ILF Advocacy Planning Guide (member login required).

At top, Legislative Committee co-chair MacKenzie Ledley describes the proposal discussed at her table. View the photos from IPLA and Fall Forum .

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) awarded ILF a contract to lead the Adult Literacy Study , as a result of SEA108 . ILF is contracting with Community Solutions, an experienced research and consulting firm, to complete the study with input from experts in and providers of adult literacy services. Key stakeholders recognize that individuals who test below a 6th grade reading level often do not have the same access to certain state-funded or federally-funded programs and rely on community-based programs. This study will help policymakers understand the universe of providers, the breadth, depth and gaps in services.

If your library or community offers any type of adult literacy below the High School Equivalency (HSE) , please contact us with "Adult Literacy" in the subject line , as we want to make sure your community's programs are in the sample. Also contact us if you would like to be a part of the ad hoc adult literacy workgroup, which met last month in preparation for the DWD bid. We are required to deliver the report to DWD by November 15, for a report to the Indiana General Assembly.

Interim study committees are wrapping up in October at the Indiana General Assembly . ILF is monitoring a few that relate to work in libraries.

Later this month, the committee is expected to address the state's plan for compliance with the Every Student Succeeds Act .

Upcoming study committees:

ILF and our contracted lobby firm Bose Public Affairs continue to monitor committees for issues that relate to libraries or our Strategic Vision and Policy Priorities.

Only a few days left to register at the current rates for the ILF Annual Conference . If you are interested in increasing your understanding or skills in advocacy, register to attend the ALA Advocacy Bootcamp, on Monday afternoon, Nov. 13 . Staff experts from ALA will lead participants through sessions about advocacy in the current political climate, effective communications and overall strategy. This half-day pre-conference is also ideal for trustees, friends and directors who are thinking about a referendum or capital project in the near future.

The American Library Association (ALA) recently published an article about our legislative success and strategies in the 2017 session. The Office of Communications described our use of the Libraries Transform Indiana campaign. See the ALA article , which features a quote from Dr. Tim Brown , chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

See how Vigo County Public Library promotes its role in helping patrons with job skills and applications . Or see how Westfield Washington Public Library promoted their sessions on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook . Many thanks, and compliments from DWD, to the ho

Matt Long serves as our primary account manager with Bose Public Affairs , our contracted firm for government affairs. Through our contract, we have access to the entire team of government affairs experts.

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