Indiana resource sharing update – May 2024

A lot of positive things have been happening in resource sharing these past few months, so we wanted to provide an update on how books are currently moving around the state.

InfoExpress courier service
We are pleased to report that the InfoExpress Courier Service, currently operated by Indianapolis’s NOW Courier, has almost completely recovered, and over 90% of expected stops are being made weekly. The Indiana State Library truly appreciates everyone’s patience and willingness to help with the recovery process, whether it was reporting missed stops, or visiting the Indianapolis warehouse to collect items.

The renewal period is open for participation for the 2024-2025 service year, with registrations being due June 1. Claims for lost materials are still being collected for any materials that were lost last summer during the courier transition. Indiana State Library staff encourage any libraries with extra shipping bags to return those to the State Library at their convenience, as supplies are running low. Finally, please let the InfoExpress coordinator know if your library will be closed for any portion of the summer.

Discovery to Delivery Conference
Plans are underway for this year’s Discovery to Delivery Conference, tentatively scheduled for Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Two big changes this year will include a change of venue – Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington – and a new virtual attendance option for many sessions. State Library staff are happy to be working with members of ALI and their Resource Sharing Committee on plans for the conference. A save the date announcement will be shared widely soon, as well as a call for proposals for conference sessions for anyone interested in presenting.

SRCS
The current SRCS contract with Auto-Graphics, Inc. expires Sept. 30, and the Indiana Department of Administration is currently completing the request for proposals – also known as an  RFP –  process for the continuation of the service which is required to be bid out periodically. A committee of State Library staff and volunteers from public and academic libraries statewide have reviewed the proposals, have participated in product demonstrations and have submitted recommendations to IDOA. The results of this RFP are still forthcoming, and the State Library will notify libraries about any upcoming changes to the service or its providers as soon as they are known.

Evergreen
Evergreen Indiana continues to grow, most recently welcoming the Morrisson-Reeves, Jasonville and Owensville Public Libraries, for a total of 132 of Indiana’s 236 public libraries sharing a catalog and transiting materials between each other.

The consortium also welcomes Courtney Brown, previously the Indiana State Library’s Southeast regional coordinator, as the new Evergreen Indiana Consortium director. We truly thank Ruth Davis for all her years of service and dedication to the consortium and Resource Sharing Committee, and wish her well in Virginia!

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

Digitzed items now accessible through ISL catalog

With digitization efforts going full swing at the State Library and staff scanning and uploading numerous materials to Indiana Memory, enhancements are being made to our local online catalog to increase access and exposure to these valuable items.

When searching the ISL catalog at evergreen.lib.in.us, be on the lookout for a link to any digitized versions under the Electronic resources section of the record.

ariel

Clicking on the link will transport you directly to the digital version in Indiana Memory where you can view the material in its entirety. Continue reading

ISL welcomes Lauren Patton as its new Circulation and Support Supervisor

As many of you may know, the Indiana State Library (ISL) is in the process of opening the Young Reader’s Center in the former manuscripts room on the second floor. Christy Franzman has accepted the position of young reader’s center librarian, which opened an opportunity for Lauren Patton to step in as the circulation and support supervisor.

Lauren Patton comes to the ISL from the Indiana State Museum where she was the store manager. For the past two years, Lauren has been volunteering at the ISL and possesses a Master of Library Science from Indiana University. “I was already familiar with the collections and a lot of the great people who work here,” stated Lauren.

Lauren_web

A long-time cardigan sweater enthusiast and volunteer at the ISL, Lauren’s transition from State Museum store manager to librarian just made sense. “You just can’t find that kind of comfort and convenience anywhere,” Lauren explained. “It’s not just a sweater; it’s a state of mind.”

On a serious note, the ISL is excited to have Lauren on board and looks forward to seeing what she can accomplish as circulation and support supervisor. “I’m here to assist and supervise the circulation and support staff to ensure that items are moving seamlessly within the library as well as out of the library,” said Lauren. “I can answer questions pertaining to registering for a library card, obtaining library materials through inter-library loan or Evergreen, and checking out materials. I have spent many years working in customer service, most recently the Indiana State Museum, and also have diverse experience within libraries. I’m excited to join the team here at the library and hope you come by and check us out!”

This blog post was written by ISL Communications Director Ryan Brown. For more information about the Indiana State Library, please visit http://in.gov/library/.