 This week's new Indiana library jobs
*Please visit the Indiana State Library's jobs page for all of the latest library job listings in Indiana.
If you would like your Indiana library job posting to be listed in the Wednesday Word, the position, and its description, must be submitted to the Indiana State Library. Click here for submission guidelines and to submit.
Fountain County libraries still active in social distancing times
Attica Public Library and the Covington-Veedersburg Public Library
Documenting everyday life in Muncie during the COVID-19 pandemic
Ball State University Libraries and the Muncie Public Library
Library staff still reaching community despite stay-at-home order
Eckhart Public Library
Library’s virtual shift keeps us all connected
Hamilton East Public Library
The doors are closed, but libraries remain open - virtually
Indianapolis Public Library
Library offering online services, remote assistance
Jackson County Public Library
The hidden gem of history in Grant County
Marion Public Library
North Manchester Library offers online activities while closed
North Manchester Public Library
Counting Hoosiers in the new normal
St. Joseph County Public Library
*Please consult local news sources and library websites for the latest information on the closures of libraries and the cancellations of scheduled library events and programs in relation to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
Email news links for inclusion in the Wednesday Word's "In the news" section.
To be featured in the Wednesday Word, please email a press release and a photo.
 Follow the Indiana State Library's blog for weekly posts covering all aspects of the state library. Visit the blog here.
If you are an Indiana library employee and would like to contribute a guest blog, please send us an email here with your idea.
Back issues of the Wednesday Word are available here.
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The 2020 Gathering of Writers will now take place on Saturday, September 26 at the Indiana State Library from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Presented by the Indiana Writers Center, the Gathering of Writers is an annual assemblage of Indiana's best-established and emerging writers who meet for a full day of classes on the craft of writing. This year's theme is "Writing Lives: Memory and Imagination."
Keynote speaker Michael Poore will explore the idea that writers do not exist as themselves in his keynote address, “Playing the Dying Man.” Poore, the author of novels "Up Jumps the Devil," "Reincarnation Blues" and "Two Girls, a Clock, and a Crooked House," will also lead an intensive fiction writing workshop.
Breakout sessions in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry and playwriting will be presented by Maria Hamilton Abegunde, Liz Duffy Adams, Samuel Autman, Eric Freeze, Janine Harrison, Marc Hudson, Noley Reid, Barbara Shoup and Ania Spyra. Click here to read the presenter biographies and click here to read session descriptions.
Registration is $99 for Writers Center members, or $149 with inclusion of the Michael Poore master class. For non-members, registration is $175, or $225 with inclusion of the Michael Poore master class. Click here to register and for more event information.
Full-time students are eligible for a discount on registration with a teacher recommendation. Please email the Writers Center to learn more.
 TeachingBooks is delighted to announce Book Connections, a new service for Indiana libraries. Book Connections is a public library user interface that focuses on enriching everyone’s connections to children’s and young adult books.
Book Connections uses the exact same programming, infrastructure and content as TeachingBooks, but the interface is designed to meet the needs of public libraries and their communities. Book Connections is provided at no additional cost to the INSPIRE TeachingBooks license and emphasizes homework help, home school support and reader’s advisory for children and teens, with an additional focus on book promotion, library programming and professional development.
Code, buttons and widgets that can be copied and pasted into library websites where databases are listed can be found here. Those who want their access customized with a logo or who want to authenticate through a proxy, IP range or library cards can fill out this setup form.
Those needing assistance with Book Connections can call 800-596-0710 or send an email directly to TeachingBooks.
 The Indiana State Library has put together a collection of resources made available to Indiana public libraries and their patrons at no extra charge from providers in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
EBSCO is providing a free upgrade to Academic Search Ultimate, Business Source Ultimate and Masterfile Complete, in addition to an upgrade to the Academic eBook Subscription Collection for higher education users. These upgrades will be available until June 30.
myON by Renaissance has opened their base collection of over 6,400 e-books to all young Hoosier readers through June 30.
Rosetta Stone has opened up access to all levels of languages through June. Librarians must request access.
TeachingBooks.net has launched "Book & Reading Engagement Kit: Home Edition" to support e-learning. They have also rolled out geo-authentication.
TumbleBooks is now offering databases for free to libraries. Please note there is a sign-up process.
Links to these resources and instructions on how to sign up for or how to access the resources can be found on the Indiana State Library's "Free for now resources to support libraries during the pandemic" webpage, which can be accessed here.
Please contact Jen Clifton, Library Development Office director at the Indiana State Library, with any questions.
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Advanced Cataloging Part 1 - Evergreen Fundamental Skills
When: April 16, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Webinar
A Librarian's Guide to Attending GenCon
When: April 16, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Webinar
Advanced Cataloging Part 2 - Evergreen Fundamental Skills
When: April 17, 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Where: Webinar
Welcome to the Government Information Minute. Every week, government information librarians at the Indiana State Library cover current resources on governmental data at the state, national and international levels, all to keep the public well-informed. Follow the Indiana State Data Center on Facebook and Twitter and feel free to leave comments and suggestions.
 The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is the state agency representing ratepayer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and federal commissions, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. In addition to its regulatory duties, the OUCC helps Indiana citizens save money on utility costs with consumer tips, publications and information, which can be found on the agency’s website. The OUCC also publishes an online monthly newsletter, Consumer News...For You! The following information is adapted from the April 2020 issue and includes some COVID-19 related reminders.
Utility shutoffs are suspended under Gov. Holcomb's March 19 executive order. Providers of essential utility services such as gas and electric, broadband, telecom, water and wastewater services are prohibited from discontinuing service to any customer during the public health emergency. If a caller threatens to disconnect service immediately unless a payment is made, it's a scam. Consumers are still responsible for utility bills in the long run, but if an economic hardship will prevent paying bills in full and on time, contact the utilities now to make payment arrangements. To seek financial assistance, the 2-1-1 helpline can be reached from all 92 Indiana counties, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
With many Hoosiers staying home in this together, some may be thinking about doing yard work that involves digging. It is extremely important to plan ahead because many underground utility lines are shallower than homeowners may think. April is National Safe Digging Month, an annual reminder to always call 8-1-1 or to complete the online form a minimum of two business days before digging, no matter how small the project. “Know what's below. Call before you dig” is the Indiana811 slogan.
While doing home cleaning projects, follow these tips and plan to reduce summer electric bill costs. Vacuum the coils on the back of the refrigerator to help it work more efficiently and use less energy. Change the furnace/HVAC filter, dust ceiling fans and light bulbs, and clean the track under a sliding glass door to keep indoor air from seeping out. Reduce a water bill by identifying and preventing leaks. Do not flush disinfecting wipes, baby wipes or paper towels down the toilet because they can clog sewer lines and cause significant damage to pipes, pumps and other wastewater treatment equipment. Find more money-saving tips at Energy Saver, the U.S. Department of Energy's consumer resource on saving energy and using renewable energy technologies at home.
 Between March 24 and April 1, more than 2,500 public libraries responded to the Public Library Association's national survey of public library responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Library Association's press release detailing the initial results of the survey can be found here. Additional details of the survey, provided by PLA, can be found here. PLA is a division of ALA.
A webinar to discuss the findings has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 22 at 1 p.m. Central Time. Due to high demand, PLA is accepting up to 1,500 registrations for this event, but only the first 1,000 viewers will be able to attend live. The webinar room will open about 15 minutes before the start of the event, and PLA recommends attendees arrive early. Click here to register.
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