Focus on Indiana Libraries
April 21, 2020| Vol. 74 No. 8
In this issue:
How ILF and how Indiana's libraries are serving during the pandemic





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National Library Week, COVID-19, and Collaboration
During this National Library Week , we celebrate how Indiana's libraries are rising to the occasion to meet the changing needs of their communities.

Librarians have always been good collaborators. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred new collaborations and innovations. Academic, school and public libraries are sharing resources to meet the needs of students, patrons, and customers. Read more .
How ILF Serves during the Pandemic
Indiana Library Federation (ILF) has led conversations and the development of tools and resources in response to COVID-19 . The publicly available resources are posted here. ILF provided Indiana libraries a link to a one-stop shop for ILF-developed tools, government-issued memos, guidance docs, idea compilations, highlights from sharing meetings, and sample policies. Lose your link? Contact staff or attend a meeting at right.

Networking & Sharing
Join your colleagues around the state as we come together to to offer support, best practices, challenges and successes. These discussion opportunities are open to  everyone in Indiana libraries.  Watch the ILF Calendar for more (click Month View).
  • Public Library Directors Only 4/22, 4/23, 4/28
  • Small Library Directors
  • Academic Librarians 4/29
  • Monday Meet-ups for School Librarians 4/27
  • Management 5/1
  • Marketing 4/24
  • Public Services (ILL/Circ, Ref) 4/28
  • Technical Services 4/30
  • Youth Services 4/27
  • If you have an idea for a topic-based meeting or learning to share, please contact us.
How Indiana's Libraries Serve during the Pandemic
While library facilities are closed to protect the health and safety of the public, libraries are being creative in the way that they work to meet the evolving needs of communities. A few examples are below: 
News articles
Below you will find a news article from Northwest Indiana Times 4/14/20 about resources from many libraries in Lake, Porter and Jasper counties, a news article about Eckhart Public Library from KPC News on 4/11/2020 .
Sample promotions
Below you will find an ad developed by Greenwood Public Library, a Wi-Fi promotion from Alexandrian Public Library in Mount Vernon.
Libraries Extend Wi-Fi

ILF has advocated for expanded broadband for many years. Until all residents have internet access, libraries work to meet the need by lending mobile hotspots and providing internet within and beyond the library walls.

School and academic libraries provide internet access. Most of Indiana's 236 public libraries extended their Wi-Fi to the parking lots in over 350 branches in order to meet the needs of residents who either do not have access to internet or may not be able to afford it. ILF compiled a map of Wi-Fi across library branches, where you may hover over a branch for its address and website.

During the 2009-2010 recession, residents relied on the public library for help in applying for benefits. Not only did Hoosiers rely on the library internet and computer access, but also they depended upon the skilled librarians and staff to help them apply for unemployment, SNAP, and health coverage, as well as help with job search, resume-writing, document services and more .

While the stay-at-home orders restrict access inside the library, many libraries are preparing to help those who lost jobs or income or whose families have experienced changes due to COVID-19. 

Indiana Library Federation is working with state agencies to provide special training for libraries and fellow local units of government.  Click here for training, slides and more information . 
Advancing library services for the future
How will population, workforce, property and local income tax shifts affect public libraries in the future? Since last July, the PL2030 Committee and staff team completed research and analysis about operating, financial and other metrics that impact the environment in which Indiana's public libraries operate and the sustainability of current business models. Library leaders agree that a sustainable system of thriving libraries includes sustainable funding, meaningful standards of service, and a shared commitment to all Hoosiers having access to a thriving public library. In the wake of COVID-19, our PL2030 work is even more important.

To that end, the PL2030 Committee developed a self-assessment tool of qualitative and quantitative factors that contribute to a thriving library. All Indiana's 236 public libraries are encouraged to complete the self-assessment and submit scores to ILF by May 29. We aim to identify needs to address proactively the barriers to long-term sustainability and success. Watch the recording , view the slides , and learn more here .
Awards & Scholarships

It's time to nominate a person, library or organization for an ILF Award. Who demonstrates excellence in Indiana public, academic or school libraries ? Who goes out of their way to advance literacy, marketing, intellectual freedom or library advocacy?     Learn more  about eligibi lity, past winners or criteria. 

Consider nominating someone for the new “Everyone Counts” Award , which recognizes any personal or institutional member who or that has demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in policies, practices, programs, and/or initiatives. ILF encourages creativity in responses to this pilot award, which may evolve into a permanent award.  

Help support the future of librarianship by helping outstanding teachers and library staff pursue the Master of Library and Information Science at IU or IUPUI or the AS through Ivy Tech. Help us promote   ILF Scholarships.

Please consider nominating or applying.  Deadline for nomination packets is June 30  .
Member Services
Archived ILF Webinars for Members

ILF is providing members with archived webinars which include modified content that was planned for our five regional conferences and is available to personal & institutional members . Those who watch any of ILF's archived webinars will receive LEU/TLEU certificate. Public Library Members are listed here.
Indiana Library Federation
941 E. 86th St., Suite 260
Indianapolis, IN 46240 www.ilfonline.org