Focus on Indiana Libraries :
Volume 72 Number 5, May 2018
Reflections from the President’s Chair:
 
Looks like we jetted right past Spring into Summer! A giant tip of the hat to our Indiana public libraries gearing up for Summer Reading, our busiest time of the year, and often a time of adjusting to new ideas and new approaches to this long-standing library tradition.  Read More
In This Issue
  • President's Column
  • Volunteers Needed
  • Mini-Advocacy Update
  • Support School Librarians
  • Read Aloud Award
  • Awareness to Funding Report
  • Intellectual Freedom Update
  • Conference Registration Open
  • Award & Scholarship Deadline
  • Great Things in Libraries
ILF NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
* BOARD - has two vacancies, one trustee/supporter and one public librarian.
* COMMITTEES - We need a few more academics and trustees/friends/supporters on a few committees and any members with specific marketing, social media, videography or copyright expertise, as well as interest in intellectual freedom.
* PRESENTERS/PANELISTS - We are still seeking outstanding presentations for our Youth Services and Annual Conference. See Call For Programs and Speaker Recommendation Survey for specific skills needed. Who is great at speaking about cross-library partnerships, the challenge of Netflix-type subscriptions on digital resources in your library, Friends' fundraising, early education, outstanding workforce development in libraries and STEM activity-based programs?
GOT THESE SKILLS OR INTERESTS? Complete the volunteer form or email us . The Board aims to confirm appointments to the committees and Board on June 12.
Mini Advocacy Update
Special Session
The Indiana General Assembly held its special session on May 14. The governor signed all five bills , including a bill that includes language clarifying sales tax exemption for sales by Friends and libraries will become law.

Interim Study Topics
The Legislative Council assigned interim study topics. Topics of interest to libraries include local income tax revenue allocations, tax incentives, effectiveness of workforce related programs, autism and public education and career counseling in elementary and high schools.

Primary Election Results

All twelve (12) School Referenda passed, providing increased funding for capital and operational projects. See news report from Indiana Public Media .
Net Neutrality
The U.S. Senate voted 52-47 to reinstate internet neutrality on Wednesday. The vote is one step in a long process to overturn the FCC's December decision to treat internet traffic equally. See report from The Hill .

National Library Legislative Day
Robin Crumrin and Terry Rheinheimer joined with over 500 library advocates for National Library Legislative Day on May 7-8. In the photo below, they meet with Rep. Jackie Walorski (CD2, R).
School librarians deserve celebration, too! 

The following letter appeared on editorial pages in many daily newspapers across the state May 8-11. This is part of our key messaging strategy to increase awareness that certified school librarians are licensed teachers who are critical to student outcomes.

During this Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate school librarians. Many people do not realize that school librarians are licensed teachers who attain additional certification for school librarian. Unfortunately, many Indiana school districts have cut the number of certified school librarians, further risking our children’s digital and information literacy and achievement in college, career and life. The modern school library is not only a hub for print and e-books, but also is a bustling center for interactive learning projects in the arts, STEM and computer coding. The school librarian is an instructional leader. In fact, two of the top ten finalists for Indiana Teacher of the Year 2018 were school librarians —Kathleen Rauth of Indianapolis Public Schools and Lena Darnay of MSD of Pike Township. We encourage you to support your school library and certified school librarian. Celebrate this very special teacher — a school librarian — who is critical to school and student success. 

Presidents of the Indiana Library Federation
Edra Waterman, president and public library director
Susie Highley, vice president and retired school librarian
David Peter, PhD, past president and retired dean of a university library
Champions of Reading Aloud?
Help us promote the new Read Aloud Champion Award.

What individual or organization has demonstrated commitment to reading aloud to children? Nominate a staff member, volunteer or community partner organization.

Reading aloud strengthens vocabulary, builds a connection between the written and spoken word, increases attention and so much more.
Takeaways from the Awareness to Funding Report
What 1-2 things should ILF do to bend the curve?
A must-read for EVERY librarian and library advocate, the 2018 From Awareness to Funding report shows a shockingly fast softening of support by voters for library funding.

While libraries still enjoy higher trust and support than other institutions, a sharp decline demands our attention and immediate response. Your ILF Board and Communications Committee are taking actions to bend the curve.

Intellectual Freedom - Responding to Questions
  • The two "Marlon Bundo" books provide opportunity for library leaders to discuss collection development, donation and reconsideration policies with their staff, volunteers, boards and administrators. ILF prepared a special guidance document in response to questions raised in schools and children's departments. The document explains the background with the books and offers two pages of resources for libraries. (Requires member login or email the office).
  • We encourage members to report challenges to ALA's Office of Intellectual Freedom (checking the box to share information with ILF)--even when issues are resolved quickly or positively.
Register early for Conferences.
Awards and Scholarship Deadline is June 30.
ILF Budget Preparation Workshop  - May 24 in Pendleton. This step-by-step, form-by-form workshop is designed for the new library director.  Learn more  and last chance to  register .

Register for the Youth Services Conference  - Aug. 19-20 in Muncie. See award-winning authors  Kelly DiPucchio  and Tiffany Jackson. Learn skills and trends for your children or teen library programs--in and out of the library.

Annual Conference  - Nov. 12-14 in Indy; note that IPLA will hold a pre-conference on Nov. 12. Budget about $200-$700, depending upon membership status, distance and hotel nights. Registration is open ; preliminary program coming soon.
June 30 is coming soon. Do not miss out on your chance to apply for an academic scholarship or to nominate a person, library or organization for an ILF Award.

Learn more about eligibility, past winners or criteria. Help support the future of librarianship by helping outstanding teachers and library staff pursue the Master of Library Science at IU or IUPUI or the AS through Ivy Tech. Help us promote ILF Scholarships.

Please consider nominating your peers or library! Deadline for nomination packets is June 30 . Awards are presented at our Annual Conference in November.
Great Things
Campus bus becomes 'cash cab' to celebrate IU Libraries, IU Day
The red flags, flashing lights and cardboard cutout of the late former Indiana University President Herman B Wells startled Nicole Karlin when she stepped on the bus. Read More

Library celebrates 200 years in Jefferson County, Indiana 
The Jefferson County Public Library was founded 200 years ago -- on April 18, 1818 -- by a group of 25 men in a tavern blocks away from where the library currently sits. Read More

Lilly Library features new Frankenstein exhibit
In 1818, one of the most famous literary monsters was introduced in the anonymously published “Frankenstein; Or, the Modern Prometheus.” Read More

Local college, library receive grants
A poet will come to Franklin College and a festival based on beloved children’s books at the Johnson County Public Library was helped by a statewide grant. Read More

Creating a better world for everyone
Tucked away on the third floor of the Indiana University Southeast Library, a little-known multicultural treasure chest overflowing with artifacts and countless learning opportunities is available for the community to enjoy. Read More

VITAL Quiz Bowl gets underway
The area’s annual team trivia competition got underway Monday night at the Monroe County Public Library. Read More

Participants call IUPUI's Human Library educational, thought-provoking
The Human Library at IUPUI, a campus-funded Welcoming Campus Initiative, was designed to provide a safe place for conversations around difficult subjects and help advance understanding among a community of diverse people. Read More

Honey Creek Middle School wins Vigo's Battle of the Books
The Vigo County School Corporation Middle School Battle of the Books was held at Ivy Tech Community College on April 13. Read More

Library holds sixth annual Starlight Gala
The sixth annual Starlight Reception took place Friday evening at the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, featuring the work of printmaker Becky Heimann. Read More

Hendricks County Senior Services celebrates "Frankenstein"
Hendricks County Senior Services is participating in the statewide One State / One Story: Frankenstein program. Read More

Flash mob takes over Indy library to raise awareness, funds for Alzheimer’s Association
American Senior Communities put on a flash mob on Thursday to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. Read More

Indiana library becomes latest to end overdue book fees
A southern Indiana library has become one of the latest in the state to stop charging late fees for overdue books.  Read More

Stationary reading bike comes to NCPL on trail run
Noble County Public Library will try a new stationary reading bike at each of its branches, Library Director Sandy Petrie announced at the May 10 board meeting. Read More
From our partners
Update about Indiana Archives
  • The Education in Early Indiana exhibit runs through July 31, 2018 in the Archives' Reading Room. Free and open to the public.
  • The Indiana World War I Centennial Committee is planning events throughout the state.
  • The Indiana Archives will request funding to support a new facility in the 2019-2021 state budget.
Libraries Read: 1 Book
Libraries Read: 1 Book is an annual “library community read” project of Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) focusing on professional development. Library staff from all types of libraries are encouraged to participate by voting on which book should be selected, then participate in the discussion, whether online or in-person. Voting is open through May 31!
How to vote: Review the finalist
You can vote on the poll on the Facebook event or by emailing engagement@mcls.org!
Members Only benefits
ILF Members have access to
* discounts at conferences and events
* eligibility for certain awards, honors and scholarships
* serving in leadership within ILF--Volunteer to help with your favorite goal area in the Strategic Vision
* certain voting rights (election of the ILF Board of Directors, etc.)

Forgot your login or password?    Contact the office   and we can tell you and/or reset. A member from a prior year? Please " renew . " By clicking "join," you might create a duplicate account. 
Quick Links
So much is happening at ILF . Here are a few quick links:
* Calendar - note that you may print a month 
* Volunteer form (at bottom)
* Renew ,  Join   (only if never a member), or Donate
Note that several of the links go to "members only" documents. 
Donations
ILF relies on charitable contributions in addition to sponsorships, membership dues and conference fees. Designate your contribution to specific awards and scholarships or to ILF general support. We post our   IRS 990 and Annual Report   for full transparency.
Indiana Library Federation
317-257-2040 | 317-257-1389