Saturday, February 25, 2012

"Not all good news" @ the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library

 Page 1 of 3.  Link to Strategic Plan.

Matthew Tully: For lovers of libraries, there's some good news, and some sobering statistics. Indianapolis Star, 2/24/2012)

ExcerptThe problems plaguing the system will remain. People are checking out fewer print books. While e-book rentals are skyrocketing, they make up only a small portion of the library's circulation. Although computer usage is strong and most libraries see strong traffic, iPhones and e-tablets have made it easier than ever to access information from home or the coffee shop. Meanwhile, all systems of local government will be under constant financial scrutiny in coming years. 

Times are changing fast, Nytes said, and the library system must adapt. Her goals include keeping circulation strong by meeting the needs of a diversifying population and changing tastes, while also finding ways to expand the library's role in improving the educational outcomes of the city's children. Most important, she wants the library to serve as a source of pride for the city and a place for the community to gather.  

Related articles:
2012 budget should allow library to restore reduced hours at branches.  (10/17/2011)
An informed, engaged Indianapolis will find the resources for its public library.  (7/4/2011)
Bramble's retirement leads to search for 21st-century visionary to lead IMCPL.  (6/3/2011)
Library funding a front-burner issue.  (6/3/2011)
Empty cup at the finish line?  (4/30/2011)
Indiana House passes library funding bill before Democrats take a much needed road trip.  (2/22/2011)
Indiana Senate moves more quickly than House on library bill.  (2/10/2011)
No rest for IMCPL 'loyalists'.  (2/9/2011)
'Library loyalists' provide a remedial lesson in funding priorities.  (2/8/2011)
Legislative effort to provide more funding for IMCPL continues.  (2/4/2011)
Show of support by IMCPL advocates.  (1/25/2011)
Library angel.  (1/17/2011)
Indianapolis Star editorial: "Give library a fair share of tax"  (1/13/2011)
Sustainability in the form of a share of county income taxes.  (1/12/2011)
Township deals comes undone.  (1/8/2011)
Vote to restore library hours and rehire staff: Thanking God again in Wayne Township, Indiana.  (12/16/2010)
Wayne Township's $200,000 for IMCPL:  "Thank God it's a nice purpose".  (12/8/2010)
Temporary fix (not yet approved ) to keep 4 IMCPL branches open.  (11/19/2010)
ICMPL to lay off 37 employees.  (11/12/2010)
Cuts in library hours, materials budget.  (9/15/2010)
Library announces 26% cut in hours.  (9/14/2010)
Indianapolis resident recommends book to local officials.  (9/6/2010)
Library board votes to include 'shortfall appeal' option.  (9/1/2010)
Library board to consider 'shortfall appeal'.  (8/30/2010)
In close vote, library board cuts hours, staff.  (8/20/2010)
Library grapples with its sustainable future.  (8/16/2010)
Library projects a $7.3 million deficit by 2014.  (7/29/2010)
Library board sez no branch closings in 2011.  (7/15/2010)
Library supporters question Pacers deal. (7/15/2010)
High performance government team report.  (7/11/2010)
Library board delays decision on libraries.  (6/5/2010)
Another big turnout for libraries.  (5/13/2010)
Mayor vows to keep library branches open.  (5/12/2010)
Residents speak up for their libraries.  (5/11/2010)
The neighborhood library as refuge.  (5/2/2010)
Indianapolis Star editorial board keeps library funding issue front and center.  (4/25/2010)
Efficiency experts look for ways to keep branch libraries open.  (4/23/2010)
More than 1400 sign petition to keep Glendale branch open.  (4/20/2010)
Editorial:  Find resources for library.  (4/19/2010)
What's in store for Indianapolis-area libraries?  (4/17/2010)
Indiana Pacers bailout talks continue.  (4/16/2010)
Postscript.  (4/15/2010)
Look what's at the top of Indianapolis's to-do list.  (4/14/2010)
A Challenge to Indianapolis-Marion County:  Stand Up for Libraries.  (4/13/2010)

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