Focus on Indiana Libraries
May 5, 2020| Vol. 74 No. 9
In this issue:
How ILF and how Indiana's libraries are serving during the pandemic


Key links:

Your ILF member benefits includes FREE Webinars ! Register today or watch an archived webinar.
President's Column
May was ushered in this past weekend with the smell of mown grass, a mix of sun and clouds, and feel of gentle winds. Finally, the harsh cold, ice, and snow seem behind us. This weekend also brought an update from Governor Holcomb about the coming weeks in Indiana’s plan for dealing with COVID-19. Though the weather is better, many libraries and library staff may feel like the storms are just ahead.  Read More
SAVE THE DATE
Youth Services Conference: COUNT ME IN
August 16-17
Embassy Suites
6089 Clarks Creek Rd
Plainfield, IN 46168

Registration is now open ! We will offer sessions on literacy in the home, childhood grief, creating an efficient and effective team, teens in the library and more! Check out the preliminary for registration rates, hotel accommodations and session descriptions.
How ILF Serves during the Pandemic
On May 1, the Governor released his Back On Track Indiana plan ,  and   Executive Order 20-26 ,  which gives Indiana’s public libraries the ability to phase in services according to local needs, staff capacity, and the community’s situation. See ILF's response and FAQs .

Indiana Library Federation continues to support the library community as Indiana's public, school, academic, and special libraries respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic. See ILF's COVID-19 page .
Tools and Resources
ILF developed planning tools and compiled sample policies, practices and promotions for sharing within the Indiana library community ( email us to request access to the hidden page).

Networking & Sharing
Hundreds of library staff have participated in ILF's sharing sessions held online every day since March 16. As library staff return to libraries, ILF will continue to hold sessions through the spring. Staff share best practices, challenges and successes as services evolve due to the pandemic. These are open to  everyone in Indiana libraries.  Register through the ILF Calendar for more (click Month View).
How Indiana's Libraries Serve during the Pandemic
Libraries will phase in services over time. While most library facilities remain closed to protect the health and safety of the public, libraries are creative in the way that they work to meet the evolving needs of communities. A few examples are below: 
In the News
Learn how the University Information Technology Services and the library at IU Kokomo ( IUK News 4/15/20 ) su pport students in remote learning .

Many of our libraries are beginning to offer curbside pick-up, document services and computer usage by appointment while still offering virtual services

Learn how Allen County Public Library is preparing for the deluge of book returns before beginning curbside service ( FW Business 4/30/20 ).

The News and Tribune (5/5/20 ) highlights how three Southern Indiana libraries, The Floyd County Public Library , Jeffersonville Public Library , and Charlestown-Clark County Public Library will phase in services safely.
Virtual Programming
Monticello-Union Township Public Library 's Amanda Bowles, Teen Librarian, posts an online cooking class for teens. Check out Cheeseburger Skillet .
Libraries are finding creative ways to do art projects with their patrons. Check out this video on ice cube painting with Kelly from Bartholomew County Public Library.
Sample promotions
Check out a few videos from:

Below you will find social media posts by Hamilton East Public Library and Bremen Public Library announcing their curbside services.
Please share how Public Libraries Offer FREE Wi-Fi

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.

About 700 library staff have started the training series to learn how to help residents apply for unemployment, SNAP, and health coverage.

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
Indiana Library Federation launched its  PL2030 , public library sustainability initiative . After spending eight months completing research and planning, the PL2030 Committee members shared the data analysis and PL2030 self-assessment tool developed to help public libraries thrive into the future. Learn about library services, finances, population, and workforce trends.

You may view the   slides   or   recording . Indiana's public libraries are asked to submit the
self-assessment scores by May 29.
Nominate a peer or library for an ILF Award today!

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 eligibility, past winners or criteria for ILF's 22 awards. 
  • Consider nominating someone for the new “Everyone Counts” Award, which recognizes commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
  • Help us promote ILF Scholarships.

Please consider nominating or applying.  Deadline for nomination packets is June 30  .
Voting for YHBA and Eliot Rosewater is OPEN and ONLINE
Student readers vote or submit through teachers by June 1
Voting for YHBA and Eliot Rosewater is OPEN until June 1
Member Services
Managing Stress & Your New Environment as Your Library Plans to Re-open
May 7 @ 10am ET/9am CT

Join Peace Learning Center facilitators as they work you through managing your stress, and the stress of your staff, as you plan your library reopenings in this COVID-19 environment. These expert facilitators will work through presentation and interactive exercises acknowledging professional and personal wellness, as well as techniques for regulation. The information gained in this session will help you lead by example once returning to your physical library space.

This session with Peace Learning Center has been adapted from previously planned regional conference content and is available to  personal members of the Indiana Library Federation. 
Archived ILF Webinars
for Members
ILF provide members access to archived webinars, which include modified content that was planned for our five regional conferences and is available to personal & institutional members . Public Library Members are listed here.

Leadership in ILF
ILF has openings for members to serve in leadership. As we transition from pandemic crisis response to our "new normal," we are eager to orient new member leaders. Volunteer here . Megan Zanto, member engagement manager, will contact you to explore possible matches within the organization. Current open positions include Youth Services (SW), Technical Services, Advocacy and Intellectual Freedom Committees--especially looking for trustees, academics, and managers.
Indiana Library Federation
941 E. 86th St., Suite 260
Indianapolis, IN 46240 www.ilfonline.org