Press release from the Indiana State Library:
Ten Indiana Libraries Receive “America’s Star Library” Designation
(INDIANAPOLIS, October 5, 2010) – Ten Indiana public libraries were ranked among the top 3.5% nationwide earning them “America’s Star Library” status by Library Journal. Three of these ten, Allen County Public Library, Bell Memorial Public Library, and Spencer County Public Library, received 5-star top designation. The ratings are based on the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, which offers an overall indication of library performance compared to peer libraries with similar budgets. The index measures four per capita areas that indicate public service – circulation, visits, program attendance, and public Internet use. The rankings are based on 2008 data reported by local libraries to their state library agencies. A total of 258 libraries received star rankings out of 7407 included in the evaluation.
Below is a complete listing of “America’s Star Libraries” from Indiana:
- 5-STAR: Bell Memorial Public Library (Mentone)
- 5-STAR: Spencer County Public Library
- 5-STAR: Allen County Public Library
- 4-STAR: New Carlisle & Olive Township Public Library
- 4-STAR: Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library
- 4-STAR: Butler Public Library
- 4-STAR: Ligonier Public Library
- 4-STAR: Waterloo-Grant Township Public Library
- 4-STAR: Evansville-Vanderburgh Public Library
- 3-STAR: North Manchester Public Library
“Indiana’s public libraries are among the finest in the nation. These rankings are testament to the high-quality programs and services offered at your local library,” said Roberta L. Brooker, State Librarian of Indiana. “I would like to congratulate Indiana’s star libraries on this great achievement.”
Indiana had three newcomers among the 2010 America’s Star Libraries, including the Butler Public Library, Ligonier Public Library, and North Manchester Public Library. Bell Memorial and Spencer County public libraries received 5-star designation for the third-straight year.
For more information about your local library, the Indiana State Library maintains public library statistics from all 238 public library districts statewide. More evidence of how Indiana’s public libraries benefit their communities may be found in “The Economic Impact of Libraries in Indiana” report. The State Library commissioned the Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business to conduct this study to measure the economic benefits of Indiana’s public libraries in 2007. The study focused not only on the economic benefits of libraries, but also the role they play in supporting business and economic development in their communities.
About America’s Star Libraries
The Library Journal Index is a national rating system designed to recognize and promote America’s public libraries, to help improve the pool of nationally collected library statistics, and to encourage library self-evaluation. The index Service rated 7,407 public libraries, giving stars to 258. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor’s Bibliostat, the 2010 ratings are based on 2008 data from the Institute of Museum & Library Services, reflecting service since the onset of the recession.
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