|
 The
Indiana Library & Historical Board on January 15, 2010 voted
unanimously to adopt revised public library standards that take
effect on January 1, 2011. The revised standards focus on
enhancing public library patrons’ access to online services and
library collections. Most notably:
-
Access to Online Catalogs
– This standard addresses the need for every library to have
a functional website with an online library catalog that can
be accessed from any computer connected to the Internet. The
Indiana State Library provides a free website service (Access
Point) and free online catalog system (Evergreen
Indiana) to assist libraries in meeting this
standard.
-
Public Access Terminals
– Public libraries will provide public access computers with
a minimum Internet connection speed of 1.5 MBps per fixed
location. Libraries will also meet a minimum amount of
accessible public assess terminals determined on the class
(based on population served) of the library.
-
Free Statewide Interlibrary Loan
– Patrons will have access to holdings of other Indiana
public libraries free of charge (other than reimbursement
for direct photocopy and postage costs) via statewide or
local reciprocal borrowing agreements.
-
Minimum Hours of Service
– Libraries will be open to the public at least 20 (Class C)
to 55 (Class A) hours a week and maintain a minimum amount
of evening (after 6:00 p.m.) and weekend hours.
The revised
standards were drafted by the Public Library Standards
Committee, which consisted of representatives from the State
Library, Indiana
Library Trustee Association and the Indiana Public Library
Association. Visit
http://www.in.gov/library/standards.htm for more
information and the latest copy of new standards rules.
Talking Book Library Now Offers Downloadable Books
By
Autumn Gonzalez,
Indiana Talking Book & Braille Library Supervisor
 The
Indiana Talking Book and
Braille Library recently unveiled enhanced
services as part of the
BARD (Braille
and Audio Reading Download) program from National Library
Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). BARD
enables registered patrons to download over 22,000 digital books
and over 40 digital magazines directly from the program’s
website.
Anyone registered as an Talking Book patron can have
access to BARD after completing the
online application.
The service does require a high-speed internet connection from
home or through the patron’s local public library and a NLS-authorized
digital book player and flash drive cartridge. Most, but not
all, commercial USB flash drives are also compatible.
Patrons interested in joining the Talking Book Library program
can visit our
official website
for registration and eligibility information. Additional
questions about BARD or other Talking Book services may be
directed to 1-800-622-4970 or
LBPH@library.in.gov.
AASL Releases School Libraries Count! Survey Results
 The
American Association of School Librarians (AASL) recently
released the “School Libraries Count! National Longitudinal
Survey of School Library Media Programs.” The report found
that although school library media centers increased their hours
and collections, a majority of schools received less funding for
information resources in 2009, compared to 2008. Results from
5,824 respondents consisted of both public and private schools
varying in enrollment size, location, and school level.
The report also found that school
libraries are open more hours per week yet there was no increase
in the average number of school library media specialists. School library collections
also grew modestly,
except in the periodical subscription area where there was a
large 29% increase. Additionally, investment into networked computers and remote access
significantly tapered off last year. School librarians also
increased time spent planning and instructing last year, while
spending the an equal amount of time on budgeting.
More information and
full survey results are available for download on the
AASL's website. |
