On Aug.15, 22 new Indiana public library directors attended the annual New Directors Workshop at the Indiana State Library. The workshop is a chance for new directors to meet each other, as well as Indiana State Library staff, and to receive an orientation to their many duties. Public library consultants Hayley Trefun and Angela Fox hosted the workshop, and various other State Library staff and Indiana public library directors presented on multiple topics.

The workshop offered an orientation to the many resources of the guidebook and its 19 chapters that inform directors on the many tasks and responsibilities necessary for the day-to-day management of public libraries.

The opening presentation focused on the distinct roles of the director versus the board, including standards and library laws. Additional presentations covered certification and resource sharing – including Indiana Share, INSPIRE and Evergreen Indiana. The morning concluded with a walking tour of the Indiana State Library, where participants visited and met staff from the state’s Talking Book and Braille Library, Genealogy, Indiana and Reference divisions.

In the afternoon, directors learned about employment practices and workers’ rights from Beka Lemons, director of the Huntington City-Township Public Library, and budgeting from Lynn Hobbs, director of the Pendleton Community Public Library. Directors received an overview of the E-Rate program and State Board of Accounts. Finally, Kyle Hickman from the Indiana Library Federation closed out the day with an inspiring invitation to participate in the state’s professional association and activities.

A second-day follow up conference was held via Zoom on Aug. 20. The follow-up conference included presentations from Jamie Scott, director of the North Madison Public Library; Michella Marino, deputy director of the Indiana Historical Bureau; and Amy Christiansen, records management liaison at the Indiana Archives and Records Administration. The workshop concluded with an overview of the Professional Development Office and Children’s Services from the Indiana State Library by Paula Newcom.

New directors who begin after this year’s workshop was held can expect to receive an invitation to the annual workshop in the summer of 2025, or can contact Hayley Trefun for more information.

This blog post was written by Jen Clifton, Library Development Office.