Focus on Indiana Libraries
Aug. 25, 2020| Vol. 74 No. 16
In this issue:

Great Things from IN libraries

Racial Justice and Inclusion and resources from session on Black Voices in the Library Collection

ILF Policy Priority Survey and video explaining the process

Time sensitive - Census and You Can Vote! campaign

Volunteers needed on several committees.

Member News - back by request

Your Voice Matters
We heard you. And now we need more input. Members and library stakeholders asked Indiana Library Federation (ILF) to be proactive in advocacy for libraries. Library advocacy is one of our most important roles as your state association. Members reaffirmed this in the ILF Membership Survey completed in June, where library advocacy ranked as the most valued service that ILF provides. 

The ILF Advocacy Committee is responsible for shaping the policy priority agenda for library advocacy with policy makers. How do we do that? We pay attention to issues and trends in taxation, economy, technology, and library services. We listen to our members and key stakeholders throughout the year. And we conduct a formal policy priority survey every summer to shape our specific initiatives for the following session of the Indiana General Assembly. Read more.
Great Things Are Happening in Indiana Libraries
Wabash Carnegie Public Library and Wabash City Schools are partnering to provide Digital
Access cards for your student. Digital Access Cards (DAC) will allow students easy access to many of Wabash Carnegie Public Library’s digital resources including electronic databases, as well as, e-book and e-audio book resources from home or school.

Bloomfied-Eastern Green Public Library Partners to distribute food at local locations
The Bloomfield-Eastern Greene Public Library partnered with their local Farmers to Families Produce & Dairy distribution as well as the Bloomfield School District Food Box program. The Library participated at both events at the fairgrounds and every week of the food box program. They provided books, coloring pages or crafts for each box.
Resources for the library community
The ILF Ad Hoc Committee on Racial Justice and Inclusion held a community-wide dialogue on 8/12 about Black voices in library collections. You may find the working list of resources in the middle of this page. Stay tuned for future opportunities to discuss important issues of racial justice and authentic inclusion in Indiana's libraries.
Criminal History Checks through ISP

Public libraries must adopt a policy about criminal history checks for adult employees and volunteers by 12/31/2020. To that end, ILF has facilitated trainings both on best practices in policies and on how to use the Indiana State Police for fingerprint checks. Check out the Online Learning about Criminal History Checks.
Time-sensitive Resources and Tools
Yes! You Can Vote Campaign
Quiz: Who on the list above is eligible to vote? ALL!

Libraries are trusted resources in communities. Libraries help dispel myths and promote facts about voting rights for citizens who were previously incarcerated, recently naturalized, or in college, as well as for transgender people and individuals with disabilities. Libraries may order posters and cards from the ACLU-IN or visit here to learn more.
Final Push for Census Outreach

September 30 marks the deadline for residents to complete the Census. Find your county's non-complete rate and other promotional tools. Note that rural areas of the state have the highest rates of non-responding households.

Below are a few ideas you might consider:
  • Invite children or teens to create a chalk message on your sidewalk: Are you counted? Complete the Census.
  • Ask the Census question at the checkout desk. If they had completed it, offer to help.
  • Change up your signage - Move the Census posters, as people likely look past them
  • Partner with a food, book, or curbside distribution - Include little slips “Have you been counted? Let us help you complete it. Or visit census.gov” in the curbside pick up packet

Join Katie Springer at the Indiana State Library for a webinar on Sept. 1.
Member-Only Access To Tools and Resources
For any of the opportunities below, please contact us if you need assistance logging in. 

Volunteer Opportunities in ILF
Have you thought about volunteering to serve on a committee in ILF? Volunteer here. Tisa Davis will contact you to explore possible matches within the organization. Current open positions include Youth Services, Technical Services, Advocacy and Intellectual Freedom Committees--especially looking for trustees, academics, and managers. It is not too early to be considering a leader term that begins in 2021.

Answering questions about your Public Library Budget
Questions about your public library budget? ILF's Budget Tactical Team members are available to institutional or personal members. Members also have access to these PL Budgeting resources.

Special Updates from Bose Public Affairs
Bose Public Affairs provides weekly updates with inside information about COVID-related issues and resources. Visit the Advocacy News page, login with your password and scroll down. You may find issue from 8/17.

Member News
Hires
  • Ellen Underwood has been hired as the new library Director of the Mitchell Community Public Library (MCPL). Ellen worked for several years for the Bedford Public Library before moving to MCPL.

Promotions
  • Kim Riley has been promoted to Director of the Sheridan Public Library.

Deaths
  • Faye Terry passed away unexpectedly on August 11. Faye retired from Indiana State Library in 2010, but also worked for Boonville Public Library, Lincoln Heritage Library, Oakland City-Columbia Township Library, Indiana Library Federation, and was currently serving as the Assistant Director at Pike County Library.

Have some member news you would like to include in an upcoming Focus on Indiana Libraries? Email Tisa with your news!
Indiana Library Federation
941 E. 86th St., Suite 260
Indianapolis, IN 46240 www.ilfonline.org