Advocacy Updates from Indiana Library Federation
May 30, 2018
Indiana General Assembly Highlights from May
Special Session on May 14
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.

We anticipate additional guidance about the sales tax exemption for sales of the following property by a public library (or a charitable organization formed to support a public library): (1) Items in the library's circulated and publicly available collections, including items from the library's holdings. (2) Items that would typically be included in the library's circulated and publicly available collections and that are donated by individuals or organizations to a public library (or to a charitable organization formed to support a public library). 

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.
Trust and support for libraries

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 Indiana Library Federation has prioritized communications and advocacy as a part of our Strategic Vision .

Best Wishes to Matt Long!
We say goodbye to Matt Long, who has served 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 and will soon identify a new primary account manager.

We may still see Matt in his new role as director of external relations for AT&T, as our work will intersect as we advocate for expanded broadband.
U.S. Senate Supports Net Neutrality
The U.S. Senate voted 52-47 to reinstate internet neutrality 5/16. The vote is one step in a long process to overturn the FCC's December decision to treat internet traffic equally. See  ALA's District Dispatch .
On the Hill for 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 at right, they met with Rep. Jackie Walorski (CD2, R).

Contact us for help with inviting your member of Congress to visit your library this spring.
U.S. Senate Committee Advances Marrakesh Treaty
The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations voted unanimously to advance the Marrakesh Treaty on 5/22 , which outlines copyright provisions related to access to books for people who are blind or with print disabilities. Your ILF provided key information to the national security team of Sen. Todd Young as he serves on the committee.
Summer - Don't miss opportunity for important visitors!
Summer reading programs start soon for children and adults alike. NOW is the time to invite your legislators, mayors, county council, business and community leaders. Consider inviting them to:
  • serve as a guest reader to the children (maybe even in costume);
  • test out your new makerspace or STEM program;
  • award certificates to top readers or participants; or
  • tour the e-resources that help students and employees skill up for college and career.
Need help with the invite? Contact us or check out our ILF Advocacy Planning Guide .

Photo above at right is of Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill displaying a 3-D printer creation after visiting with the Haute Create team of Vigo County Public Library.
Volunteer for Intellectual Freedom
Indiana Library Federation is seeking volunteers for an ad hoc committee on intellectual freedom. ILF ad hoc committees are assembled on an as needed basis; this one may require about 8-10 hours in 2018 for calls and document review. Ideally, we will have voices from academic, public, school and special libraries. Email Lucinda if you are interested.
Indiana Library Federation key links
The ILF 2018 Policy Priorities include a continued focus on broadband expansion initiatives, lifelong learning initiatives and support for effective school libraries and certified librarians in K12 education.

You might also review the Indiana Adult Literacy Study which is referenced in the policy priorities.

Working closely with ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom , we also remind you to report challenges to the ALA office and allow them to share the aggregated information with us or email us an update--even when the challenge is resolved positively. ILF members may review our recent guidance on Marlon Bundo books (login required).