Indiana Digital Library to Bring Expanded Electronic Content Access to Nearly 200 Libraries

The Indiana State Library has announced the creation of the Indiana Digital Library (IDL), a new cooperative consortium of 199 libraries dedicated to expanding and enhancing access to digital materials for Indiana library patrons. Jesse Butz, Director of the Porter County Public Library System (PCPLS), and Stephanie Murphy, Director of the New Carlisle-Olive Township Public library, both leaders of the IDL development committee, worked closely with Indiana State Library to create the largest digital consortium in Indiana history. The IDL’s collection will create access to expansive collections of patron-focused content, with low waiting periods for materials. The IDL was formed in partnership with OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide, and was scheduled to launch on March 1, 2022.
“The Indiana Digital Library will be a crucial resource for library users across the state of Indiana, and the consortium structure will help libraries dramatically expand their offerings while being a good steward of their patron’s tax dollars,” said Butz.
The IDL’s content will be developed and maintained by volunteers from participating library systems, with a focus on providing materials that serve a wide range of interests while dramatically minimizing hold times. Library systems with service populations under 150,000 are eligible to join the IDL. Local participating libraries also include Lowell Public Library, Crown Point Community Library, Hammond Public Library, La Porte County Public Library System, North Judson-Wayne Township, Jasper County Public Library and Newton County Public Library. Here is a link at the Indiana State Library website for more information.