In This Issue

1. Pew Internet Report Outlines Recent Trends in Library Usage

2. February Gale Webinars Feature Inspire Resources

3. Two Weeks Remain to Submit Big Read Applications

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Pew Internet Report Outlines Recent Trends in Library Usage

According to a recent Pew Internet & Life Project report, "Library Services in the Digital Age," more than 90 percent of Americans ages 16 and older say public libraries are important to their communities. However, just 22 percent say that they know all or most of the services their libraries offer now. Another 46 percent say they know some of what their libraries offer and 31 percent said they know not much or nothing at all of what their libraries offer.

These factual tidbits are just the tip of the iceberg in this report that can be a valuable reference when advocating for your library. The report also highlights how people use libraries, internet usage, and how demographic and socioeconomic factors effect patrons utitlity of the library.

According to Pew, "This report explores the changing world of library services by exploring the activities at libraries that are already in transition and the kinds of services citizens would like to see if they could redesign libraries themselves. It is part of a larger research effort by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project that is exploring the role libraries play in people’s lives and in their communities. The research is underwritten by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation."

If you would like to learn more about this report, Lee Rainie, Director of the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, and other digital and library experts are hosting a webinar on February 13. They will offer a synopsis of the report and provide insight on what types of services Americans value in their library and what types of services they would like to see their library start to offer.

February Gale Webinars Feature Inspire Resources

Gale is offering a series of February workshops that cover popular INSPIRE titles such as Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL), Biography InContext and Health & Wellness Resource Center. While this is a live webinar series, courses will also be recorded and available for viewing via Gale's extensive On Demand library. Most webinars are eligible for Library Education Units (LEUs), but librarians of all types are welcome and encouraged to attend.

You may also recall that Gale recently developed helpful resources for maximizing your patrons' INSPIRE eBook experience, including instructions for downloading GVRL titles to mobile devices like iPads, Kindles and Nooks. This user guide and other valuable search and navigation tip sheets can be found on the INSPIRE training page. A direct link for GVRL is available using INSPIRE's "search by database" function.

Two Weeks Remain to Submit Big Read Applications

The Big Read is accepting applications until February 5th from libraries seeking funding to conduct month-long, community-wide reads between September 2013 and June 2014. The Big Read is a national program designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture. Organizations selected will receive a grant ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, access to online training resources, educational and promotional materials, inclusion of your organization and activities on The Big Read Web site, and the prestige of participating in a highly visible national program. Approximately 75 organizations from across the country will be selected by a panel of experts.

Visit The Big Read website to review the guidelines and application Instructions. For more information, contact Arts Midwest at 612.238.8010 or TheBigRead@artsmidwest.org

Join Hundreds of Indiana Schools and Libraries for Digital Learning Day on February 6

Welcome New Library Directors

Please join the State Library in congratulating the following two library directors on their new positions:

Ryan Rokicki, Director, New Harmony Workingmen's Institute

Ginger Rogers, Director, Owen County Public Library

Best of luck to you both!

Upcoming Workshops,
Events & Important Dates

Every Child Ready to Read Workshop
When: January 25 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Aurora Public Library

Overview of IndianaMap
When: January 30 @ 2:00 PM
Where: Live Online

Digital Learning Day
When: February 6, 2013 (all day)
Where: Across the Nation

Every Child Ready to Read Workshop
When: February 6 @ 9:30 AM
Where: Tipton County Public Library

Libraries and Pinterest
When: February 8 @ 10:00 AM (CST)
Where: Jasper County Public Library - Wheatfield

Central Indiana Children's Roundtable
When: February 11 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Morgan County Public Library - Martinsville

Collaborative Summer Reading Program Training
When: February 14 @ 1:00 PM
Where: Dubois County Contractual Public Library - Ferdinand Branch

Every Child Ready to Read Workshop
When: February 15 @ 9:30 AM
Where: Bartholomew Co. Public Library

Readers Advisory for Youth
When: February 21 @ 10:00 AM
Where: New Albany-Floyd County Public Library

Every Child Ready to Read Workshop
When: March 5 @ 9:00 AM (CST)
Where: Jasper County Public Library - DeMotte Branch

Discovery to Delivery IV: Connecting the Community
When: March 8 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Ball State University

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