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In This Issue
- Indiana library jobs
- In the news
- Upcoming workshops and important dates
- Bennett-Tinsley student paper award submissions open
- Indiana Humanities partners with the Smithsonian to bring democracy exhibit to libraries
- Population data for the new year
- North Webster Community Public Library receives donation in memory of Pirkko Miller
- Professional Development Roundtable reminder
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This week's new Indiana library jobs
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| Those who would like their Indiana library job posting to be listed in the Wednesday Word must submit the position and its description to the Indiana State Library. Click here for submission guidelines and to submit. |
| Is your library making news?
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. news links for inclusion in the Wednesday Word's "In the news" section.
To be featured in the Wednesday Word, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. a press release and a photo.
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Follow the Indiana State Library's blog for weekly posts covering all aspects of the State Library.
Indiana library employees who would like to contribute a guest blog, please send an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with an idea.
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Miss an issue of the Wednesday Word?
Back issues of the Wednesday Word are available here. |
| Free training for librarians and library employees on LinkedIn Learning |
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Bennett-Tinsley student paper award submissions open
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The Indiana Historical Bureau, a division of the Indiana State Library, is now accepting submissions for the annual Bennett-Tinsley Award for Undergraduate History Research and Writing. This award encourages undergraduate research in a broad range of subjects related to Indiana and the Midwest, and rewards excellence in history research and writing. Many aspects of the region’s past, especially related to the history of women, minorities, refugees, peace and social justice issues and the environment, have received limited attention in the historiography. The purpose of this competition is to recognize students who examine these topics and produce scholarship that advances our knowledge of these understudied areas of Indiana and midwestern history. Entries may be submitted by those who are currently enrolled as undergraduate students and by those who are no more than 12 months beyond college graduation by the due date. The student does not need to be a declared history major, but preference will be given to students in related majors that are equipped to conduct primary source and archival historical research. Entries must also be accompanied by a signed letter of recommendation from a faculty member or other professional mentor who provided feedback to the student on preliminary drafts and can verify that it is an original work of scholarship. Judges will award winners a cash prize of up to $500. The winners will have their papers published on the Indiana Historical Bureau’s web page. Additionally, the Indiana Association of Historians will invite the winners to receive their awards at IAH’s annual meeting which will take place on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5 at Hanover College. Click here to learn more. Completed papers and letters of recommendation must be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. of the Indiana Historical Bureau by Monday, Feb. 7. |
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Indiana Humanities partners with the Smithsonian to bring democracy exhibit to libraries
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Indiana Humanities has partnered with the Smithsonian to bring a new Museum on Main Street traveling exhibit to Hoosiers across the state. In 2026-27, six towns of under 10,000 residents will host "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" for six weeks each. Tax-exempt organizations - including libraries - are eligible to host the exhibit. The exhibit shows aspects of American democracy and encourages visitors to think about their own role as a citizen in their community.
Applications to host the exhibit are now open and close on Jan. 31. If selected, a library will develop a companion display and programming through collaborations with the Indiana Humanities team. The organization would also receive grant funds, publicity materials and training opportunities to support the library's time hosting the exhibit. Past Museum on Main Street hosts have found that hosting an exhibition is a chance to build connections with new audiences, resources, volunteers and funders.
Those interested in learning more can visit Indiana Humanities’ websitehttps://indianahumanities.org/program/voicesandvotes/"> to view the requirements to host a Museum on Main Street exhibit. Those interested can also watch a recording of an informational webinar about the application process. Please email Indiana Humanities staff member This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions about the application process. |
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North Webster Community Public Library receives donation in memory of Pirkko Miller
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| North Webster Community Public Library staff members Pamela Long and Amanda Demster accept a donation from Carolyn and Patrick Perry. |
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The North Webster Community Public Library has announced a generous donation made in memory of Pirkko Miller, a beloved former resident of the area. Miller dedicated over 30 years of her life to the field of medicine, many of those years spent as a compassionate and skilled nurse in the emergency room. Known for her love of the community and its people, Miller’s legacy of care and commitment continues to inspire.
This heartfelt donation was made possible through the contributions of Kent and Cheryl Stouder, Patrick and Carolyn Perry, Thomas Perry, Charles and Heather Perry, Ellen Clark, Ara and Diane Wade, Steve and Sue Stouffer, Scott and Carrie McKenna, Everett and Cathy Germon, Elaine Coblentz, Becky Pressler and others. Their collective generosity reflects the deep impact Miller had on those who knew her.
The library is deeply grateful for these contributions, which will help support ongoing programs and services that benefit the entire community. Miller’s memory will live on through the continued growth and enrichment of the North Webster Community Public Library.
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Upcoming workshops and important dates
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Color Our World: Summer Reading 2025 In-Person Workshop
When: Jan. 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Jackson County Public Library
Color Our World: Summer Reading 2025 In-Person Workshop
When: Jan. 23, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Danville-Center Township Public Library
What's Up Wednesday - Artificial Intelligence in Libraries
When: Jan. 29, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Color Our World: Summer Reading 2025 In-Person Workshop
When: Jan. 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Pike County Public Library - Petersburg Branch
Color Our World: Summer Reading 2025 In-Person Workshop
When: Jan. 31, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Franklin County Public Library District - Brookville Branch
What's Up Wednesday - "Sorry, I Don't Speak Librarian: Finding Your Voice and Writing for Your Audience"
When: Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Online
Virtual Webmaster Roundtable
When: Feb. 18, 2-3 p.m.
Where: Online
Using TeachingBooks at the Public Library
When: Feb. 19, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Online
Indiana State Library Bicentennial Architectural Tour
When: Feb. 25, 12-1:30 p.m.
Where: Indiana State Library
What's Up Wednesday - Bookmarking Success: Partnering with the School Care Team to Enhance Library Impact
When: Feb. 26, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
What's Up Wednesday - ILF and Advocacy
When: March 12, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Youth Services Leaders Virtual Roundtable
When: March 18, 2-3 p.m.
Where: Online |
| Welcome to the Government Information Minute. Every other 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. |
| Population data for the new year |
The United States Census Bureau recently issued its latest population projections as of Jan. 1, 2025 for the world and for the United States. The current world population projection is 8,092,034,511 and the current United States population projection is 341,145,670.
Listed below are the most reliable sources for national and international population data to use throughout the year.
Census Bureau
- International Database.
- U.S. and World Population Clock.
- U.S. Population by Topic.
- Data.Census.gov.
IPUMS
- International.
- USA.
Population Reference Bureau
- International Data.
- United States.
United Nations
- World Population Prospects.
- Population Data Portal.
State and local data is also available from several excellent sources, including the Indiana State Data Center at the Indiana State Library and via the below resources.
StatsIndiana (Indiana Business Research Center)
- Indiana InDepth.
- Population.
Hoosiers by the Numbers (IN DWD)
- Demographics: Who We Are.
The Polis Center (IU Indy)
- SAVI.
Researchers can rely on state data centers for assistance in locating the latest data for their research in Indiana and throughout the U.S. Contact the Indiana State Data Center 24/7 here. |
| Professional Development Roundtable reminder |
With the year's first Professional Development Roundtable recently completed, the Indiana State Library would like to remind library staff that there are three more roundtables scheduled in 2025.
The roundtables are designed for those who would like to connect with other library staff members in Indiana who are tasked with professional development. The roundtable allows attendees to share skills, brainstorm and mentor each other.
The upcoming roundtable will take place virtually via Zoom on April 10, July 17 and Oct. 9. Each roundtable will take place between 2-3 p.m. Eastern Time. Click here to register. Please note that registering for one roundtable will register an attendee for all of the scheduled roundtables.
Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Northwest regional coordinator at the Indiana State Library, with any questions. |
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