Indianapolis Public Library Wins 2016 ALA/Information Today 'Library of the Future' Award

CHICAGO — The Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL) has been selected to receive the 2016 Library of the Future Award, sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and Information Today Inc. publishing company. Thel library was selected for its innovative “eBook Tinker Station” project that provides one-on-one support for patrons as they navigate through today’s evolving discoveries in technology. Patrons also are introduced to downloading items from the Library’s growing digital collections of eBooks, eAudiobooks and free streaming videos and music.

Predicting a need to support the digital journey of patrons, IndyPL developed the Tinker Stations in response to an increased demand for eBooks witnessed as early as 2012. The stations were originally conceived with seniors as the target audience but rapidly expanded to include users of various ages, ethnicities and socio-economic statuses. The travelling eBook stations provide support at 23 Indianapolis branch libraries, in both urban and suburban areas.

The project has grown to attract a younger audience interested in greater usability and new applications. “An added benefit of the eBook Tinker Stations is their cross-generational nature. Many of the assistants manning the stations are college students sharing their knowledge with older generations. Our older patrons, in turn, are telling our assistants about favorite books or applications worth exploring. It’s empowering for both parties,” said Susan Davis, IndyPL adult project specialist.

Information Today Inc. publishing company is a leading provider for libraries to meet knowledge management resource needs. Designed to recognize innovative planning, applications or development of focused patron support relating to information technology in libraries, the award is given to an individual library, consortium, group or support organization.

The 2016 ALA/Information Today Library of the Future Award jury members include Christine Bradley, Norwalk Public Library, Connecticut; Rene Erlandson, Elkhorn, Nebraska; Dora Ho, Los Angeles Public Library; Rebecca Nous, SUNY Albany, New York; and Angela Williams, Syracuse University, New York, chair.

The ALA/Information Today Library of the Future Award will be presented at the ALA President’s program, Sunday, June 26, during the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando.

More information on the ALA/Information Today Library of the Future Award and how to submit a nomination is available on the ALA website (www.ala.org).