volume #4 issue#6

February 8, 2007

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Belated Welcomes!
Welcome to two new PALS staff members who began employment in January. Dawn DiVenti is the Library Services Coordinator, Continuous Learning, and works out of the Rockford Service Center. Dawn can be reached at dawnd@palsnet.info or ext. 4463). Dawn now serves as the liaison for Freeport neighborhood libraries and as the PALS liaison for academic members. Cori Swanson is the Administrative Assistant, and works out of the Coal Valley Service Center. Cori can be reached at coris@palsnet.info or ext 3163.

It's Statistics Time!
Once again, PALS is asking that member libraries that receive vehicular delivery from PALS count the items that your library receives for the two week period of February 19 through March 2, 2007. Forms will be sent to each library in the next week. If you have any questions, please contact your delivery hub supervisor:
Coal Valley - Brenda Roman (brendar@palsnet.info, or ext. 3152)
Rockford - Marilyn Janssen (marilynj@palsnet.info, or ext. 4470)
Shorewood - Shirley Grasty (shirleyg@palsnet.info, or ext. 2706)
We really appreciate your willingness to complete these counts for us twice annually.

Events/Continuous Learning
CLeO: All continuous learning events sponsored by PALS are open to all staff or representatives of member libraries. Registration is required for all PALS continuous learning programs. To register, visit the PALS CLeO at http://www.palsnet.info/events/

Information on registration, how to set up a CLeO account, and PALS procedures for continuous learning can be found on the PALS website at: http://www.palsnet.info/services/cl/default.asp

PALS Events by Month

PALSGroup Training
Numerous PALSGroup training sessions have been scheduled for the coming months and are available for registration in CLeO. Please contact Rhonda Krahl at ext. 3151 or rhondak@palsnet.info if you have any questions.

Please go to http://palsnet.info/events/ to register and to get additional details.

FirstSearch/OCLC ILL training
Sign up for hands-on FirstSearch workshops. Classes on searching, interlibrary loan, and the OCLC policies directory are scheduled during March at all three PALS service centers. ILL is offered in the morning, and policies directory in the afternoon of the same day.
the afternoon of the same day.

Searching FirstSearch: Coal Valley, Rockford, Shorewood

Interlibrary Loan: Coal Valley, Rockford, Shorewood

OCLC Policies Directory: Coal Valley, Rockford, Shorewood

Test drive some databases!
Description: PALS has arranged trials for a number of online products, with the goal of identifying candidates for group purchases. Based on the response from members, we will try to negotiate a discounted group subscription to one or more of these products for PALS members.
Trial logins are available for:
EBSCO School Databases
Facts on File News Services
LearningExpressLibrary
Marshall Cavendish Digita
Morningstar Library Edition
NewsBank
Teachingbooks.net
Teen Health & Wellness
unitedstreaming.com
Value Line Investment Survey (direct discount offer)

For links and logins, visit our Vendor Discounts page (CLeO login required for access) and click the link for Current Database Trials.

ILA Sponsors Workshop on Intellectual Freedom at Reddick Library in Ottawa and other locations around the State
Defending Access with Confidence by Catherine Lord is a step-by-step program that takes participants through the history of intellectual freedom and the law, related policies, and approaches to challenges against intellectual freedom in the context of libraries. Utilizing this program, trainers will help participants understand their role in protecting the right to access in library settings and find alternative ways to satisfy patrons whenever possible. This workshop is being offered in eight locations, throughout the state. The training is for all library staff members. Each workshop runs from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

The Reddick session is on Tuesday, May 1st. Registration is through ILA at https://www.ila.org/events/reg_dawc.htm.
March 9, 2007 DuPage Library System in Geneva
March 22, 2007 Lincoln Trail Libraries System in Champaign
March 29, 2007 Shawnee and Lewis & Clark Library Systems at the Mascoutah Training Center
April 12, 2007 Rolling Prairie Library System in Decatur
May 1, 2007 Prairie Area Library System at the Reddick Library in Ottawa
May 3, 2007 Alliance Library System in East Peoria
May 10, 2007 North Suburban Library System in Wheeling
May 17, 2007 Metropolitan Library System in Burr Ridge

Member News

Welcome!
The Genesis Health System is pleased to announce that Jason Young is the new medical librarian at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport. Jason, formally the medical librarian at Ottumwa Regional Health Center in Ottumwa, Iowa, began his new job on January 24th.

NYT Bestselling Author Elizabeth Berg @ the Kankakee Public Library
Join us Thursday, February 22 at 7:00pm on the first floor of the Kankakee Public Library as New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Berg will speak. Berg, popular writer of 17 works of fiction, including several New York Times bestsellers and an Oprah’s Book Club selection (Open House) in 2000, will read from some of her most recent work and also from selections requested by local book club members.
This is a Friends of Library sponsored program. It is free and open to the public. Copies of Elizabeth Berg books will be available for sale at this event, and the author will sign books after her talk. We suggest that you arrive early for a good seat.
Questions? Call the friendly staff at the Kankakee Public Library at 815-939-4564.

Missing Books - we've added a new section to Prairie Views where members are welcome to post information about materials that are missing in transit. As with all Prairie Views submissions, please send to prairieviews@palsnet.info.

No Missing Books this week.

Freebies/Exchanges/For Sale/Wanted

Prairie Area Library System offers a means for members to share discarded items to needy libraries. Procedures are outlined in the Reference Member Services Guide http://www.palsnet.info/services/reference/reference_guide.asp They are also outlined below.

Libraries wanting to offer up materials can email to Prairie Views, providing the following information:
*Library's name and phone number
*Title(s) of the items discarded

A list will be compiled for inclusion in the weekly Prairie Views newsletter. Anyone interested in freebies are to contact the library directly, (no earlier than Monday following the listing). Members are responsible for making their own arrangements. The PALS van delivery may be available for transporting items, as space and time permits. Contact your Service Center Delivery Manager to arrange for delivery of large shipments.

PALS Members - please remember that you are asked to not request or release any items whether they are Free or For Sale until Monday following the publication of the announcement in Prairie Views. This gives library staff a chance to see the message and request the materials if they are interested. Thanks for your cooperation - we have had several complaints in recent weeks about items being released before Monday.

Davenport Public Library
has the following items to give away:
* V.I.P. Address Book, 2006 Edition - "More than 30,000 addresses of the powerful, famous and influential" *Who's Who in America, 2006 ED. 2-vol. set

If interested contact:
Brenda Ross
Phone : 563-328-6835
E-mail : bross@davenportlibrary.com

Genesis Health
Giveaway list.

If interested contact:
Barb Tharp
Phone:309-792-4360

Lemont Public Library
*2006 Illinois Manufacturers Directory

If interested contact:
Debbie Somchay
Phone: 630.257.6541

Kaplan University
is offering the books on the attached list.

If interest contact:
Jennifer Smith
jsmith@kucampus.edu

Job Openings
Jobs can be submitted on the PALS website at http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/ or by sending them to prairieviews@palsnet.info. All jobs submitted by either method will be included in Prairie Views for one week and will be posted for 120 days on the PALS website unless the library posting the job requests that it be removed before 120 days. Visit http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/ to views all the job ads that PALS currently has posted.

Job ads for WIU library
http://www.wiu.edu/employment/emp.sphp?id=441

Head of Network and Technical Services.
(Full time) The Messenger Public Library of North Aurora, IL will have a position available April 1, 2007 for Head of Network and Technical Services. This supervisory position works 37.5 hours per week and is responsible for administration and coordination of the technical services department, including ordering, receiving, cataloging, and processing new material. Other responsibilities include planning, implementing, and evaluating the new SirsiDynix library system, maintaining the LAN, Exchange server, Internet, and other computer services. Experience with or knowledge of personal computers, servers, automation, current technology, wireless devices, printers, and digital recording devices preferred.
* Qualifications: MLS from an ALA accredited school; experience with library/business computers and software strongly recommended; and supervisory experience preferred.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and list of job references to:
G. Kevin Davis
Library Administrator
Messenger Public Library of North Aurora
113 Oak St.
North Aurora, IL 60452
gkdavis@northaurora.lib.il.us, or (fax) 630/896-4654.

Technical Services Coordinator
Pro-active, full-time librarian responsible for overseeing acquisitions, cataloging, technical services and library technology systems. Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from ALA accredited institution, technical services experience, and supervisory experience required. Review of candidates will begin on February 26, 2007 and continue until position is filled.

Applicants should send cover letter, resume with names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references to:
North Central College
Office of Human Resources
30 N. Brainard St.
Naperville, IL 60540. EOE

Special Collections Librarian
Augustana College (IL) seeks a Special Collections Librarian with a passion for connecting undergraduate students to primary source materials and rare books. Our Special Collections is a vibrant research center with nearly 300 student reference interactions per academic year, as well as many more with faculty and the public. The size and scope of the archival and rare book collections are substantial for a liberal arts college of this size. The successful candidate will join an existing Special Collections Librarian, a half-time assistant, and several student employees. We strive to make our Special Collections central to the college curriculum, including our students’ senior capstone projects. The successful candidate will focus on the rare book collections and their potential use in instruction and individual student research. Responsibilities include reference and research assistance in the Special Collections reading room as well as at the library reference desk; original and copy cataloging; collection analysis and purchase or acceptance of additional rare books; group and individual instruction in using archival materials and rare books; identification of items requiring conservation work, and recommendations for and coordinating of such work; and the ability to effectively communicate the unique characteristics and activities of Special Collections to other librarians and to faculty members.
* Required qualifications include an MLS from an ALA accredited program or equivalent qualification, excellent oral and written communication skills, intellectual dexterity, and a sense of humor. Strong preference will be given to those candidates with special collections experience in an academic setting. Those with archival experience who are interested in learning more about rare books are encouraged to apply.
* Desirable qualifications include experience with descriptive bibliography, original cataloging, digital initiatives, and the history of the book or the book arts in western societies. Initiative and enthusiasm coupled with internships, volunteer experience or coursework may satisfy these preferred qualifications.
* This is an entry-level position with a full-time benefit package. Librarians at Augustana College have 10-month, academic year contracts. Augustana College is a highly selective, four-year, liberal arts institution of 2,350 students, most of whom live in residence halls on a wooded 115-acre campus. Rock Island, Illinois is one of the Quad-Cities of Illinois and Iowa, a diverse metropolitan area on the Mississippi River with 350,000 residents. Augustana College is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from women and persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on age, race, color, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability or creed. A more extensive job description can be found at www.augustana.edu/library.

Send a letter of application, resume, contact information for three references and a one-page statement of your philosophy of librarianship to:
Carla B. Tracy, Director
Thomas Tredway Library
Augustana College
639 – 38th Street
Rock Island, Illinois, 61201.
Questions may be directed to CarlaTracy@augustana.edu Closing date for receipt of applications is March 5, 2007. This position begins in late August, 2007.

High School Librarian
(School Media Specialist) – Wilmington HS (This position is considered an administrative position and is not tied to the Union contract.)
*Qualifications: Master’s degree in Library/Information Science or equivalent, with Illinois Teaching Certification for Grades 6-12 OR Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 18 hours in library/information science with Illinois Teaching Certification for Grades 6-12. Ideal candidate would have Media Certification for K-12, a Supervisory Endorsement in Media and experience.
*Reports to: District Media Services Supervisor and Building Principal
*Job Goal: To manage the Wilmington High School Library/Media Center: also known as the Instructional Media Center (IMC)
*Salary: $30,000 - $40,000 + Benefits: Board Paid TRS, Health Insurance

Send letter of intent, resume and transcripts to:
Mr. Joseph Hermes, Principal
Wilmington High School
715 S. Joliet Street
Wilmington, IL 60481
Phone: 815-476-2846

Grant Funded Community Computer Instructor
The Kankakee Public Library has been awarded a Bridging the Digital Divide grant by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development to provide community wide on-site basic computer instruction. We are seeking an outgoing, motivated individual, with a positive community outlook to provide instruction to a variety of at-risk populations, such as seniors, ESL populations, and at-risk youth. Teaching topics will include, but are not limited to: basic computer use, basic Microsoft Word, basic Internet use, basic Email use, basic computer troubleshooting, basic Microsoft PowerPoint, and basic Microsoft Excel. The successful candidate will also be responsible for some grant management duties and will act as liaison to participating community organizations. The position will average 15 to 25 hours weekly and include daytime, evening and some weekend hours. This temporary grant funded position runs from March 2007 to January 2008. Total funding for this position is $15,000. The successful candidate will have a high school diploma, competency in PC usage and troubleshooting, experience with Microsoft Office software, and proven capabilities in technology training for new users; and must have a vehicle to use for visits. A Bachelor’s Degree and Spanish skills are preferred.

To apply, send a résumé to:
Stephen Bertrand
c/o Kankakee Public Library
201 East Merchant St.
Kankakee, IL 60901.

Grant Funded Computer Instructor Assistant
The Kankakee Public Library has been awarded a Bridging the Digital Divide grant by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development to provide community wide on-site basic computer instruction. We are seeking an outgoing, motivated individual, with a positive community outlook to assist in instruction to a variety of at risk populations, such as seniors, ESL populations, and at risk youth. Teaching topics will include but are not limited to: basic computer use, basic Microsoft Word, basic Internet use, basic Email use, basic computer troubleshooting, basic Microsoft PowerPoint, and basic Microsoft Excel. The successful candidate will assist the primary instructor in set-up and take-down of equipment at teaching sites and will assist as needed during instruction. The position will average 10 to 15 hours weekly and include daytime, evening and some weekend hours. This temporary grant funded position runs from March 2007 to January 2008. Total funding for this position is $4,000. The successful candidate will have a high school diploma, competency in PC usage and troubleshooting and experience with Microsoft Office software. Spanish skills are preferred.

Apply by visiting the Kankakee Public Library, or download an application at
http://www.lions-online.org/jobs.html and mail the application to:
Stephen Bertrand
c/o Kankakee Public Library
201 East Merchant St.
Kankakee, IL 60901.

Reference and ILL News
No Reference and ILL News this week.

Youth Services and School Library News

Caudill Nominees Have Been Announced
2008 Rebecca Caudill list Next year's list of Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Choice Award nominees has been announced. Go to http://www.rcyrba.org/ for the official list. The new list for the Monarch Award will be coming out after Feb. 15th and the new Abe list will be announced in mid-March.

Public Library News

Deadline for Public Library Funding and Technology Access Survey Extended to March 1
(CHICAGO) The American Library Association (ALA) has extended the response deadline for the new Public Library Funding and Technology Access study to March 1. The multi-year survey seeks information from public libraries regarding their Internet connectivity, public computing, technology training, and other public library roles as public access technology centers in their communities. The study, funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and managed by ALA Office for Research & Statistics Director Denise M. Davis, continues work by John Carlo Bertot and Charles R. McClure since 1994. It provides important information for policymakers, ALA, and library advocates regarding public library Internet and public computing needs and issues. “The success of the survey rests largely on the overall and individual state response rates,” Davis said. “Our goal is to achieve a response rate of 70 percent in each state. We encourage all public libraries to log on to our survey page and provide us with the information we need to create the most complete picture possible of technology in our nation’s public libraries. Our thanks also to all the libraries that already have completed the survey.”

Libraries can log on and fill out the survey at http://survey.pnmi.com/. Preliminary results from the study will be available at the ALA 2007 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., June 21-27. For more information on the study, please visit http://www.ala.org/plinternetfunding.

Academic Library News
No Academic Library News this week.

Special Library News
No Special Library News this week.

Support Staff News
No Support Staff News this week.

Technology Services News
No Technology Services News this week.

New Books at PALS
No News Books at PALS this week.

Library News Around the State & Nation

ALA Applauds Library Funding Increase in President's 2008 Budget
WASHINGTON - The American Library Association (ALA) applauds the funding increases for libraries proposed in President Bush's fiscal year (FY) 2008 budget and thanks the Administration for its consistent support of increased library funding. In an extremely tight fiscal environment, the President's commitment to increase federal funding for libraries demonstrates his recognition of the many ways libraries serve communities.

The President's Budget requests $226,182,000 for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), an increase of $15,585,000 over FY 2006 and an even bigger increase than LSTA would have received for FY 2007. The LSTA number includes an increase in the Grants to States program, bringing funding for that program to $171,500,000. The ALA has actively supported an increase in Grants to States funding as this funding level will allow full implementation of a 2003 law to provide a more equitable distribution of state formula grants. “This administration has demonstrated once again how important libraries are to this country,” said Leslie Burger, President of the American Library Association. “The need for Federal support is greater than ever, as libraries work to do more with less. These funds will allow for the continued development of countless valuable services that libraries provide, including Internet access, public meeting spaces, mentorship programs, cultural development series, and of course traditional library materials.”

The Budget also includes $4 million for policy research and statistics. By investing in this analysis, the government can evaluate which library services best serve the needs of patrons, and librarians can adapt policy to changing trends accordingly. The ALA applauds the administration for this proposal and agrees it will strengthen help to better meet Americans' needs from their libraries. The Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program was level-funded.

“It's wonderful to see another increase in funding for libraries,” said Emily Sheketoff, Executive Director of the ALA Washington Office. “The Improving Literacy through School Libraries program will help school libraries continue provide students with up-to-date technology and top-quality, age-appropriate reading materials. These resources are essential in order to ensure that America has a strong 21st-Century workforce.”

The Budget request includes $26,500,000 for The First Lady's Twenty-First Century Librarian Program, a $2,740,000 million increase over 2006. The funding increase demonstrates a consistent commitment by the President and the First Lady to ensure that the nation has another generation of trained librarians to serve their communities.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

HB688 Limitations on Extensions of Library-Purpose Taxes - Request for Action
On behalf of 15 public libraries in Southern Cook County and Northeast Will County, Representative Will Davis has introduced HB688. While we have been seeking relief from tax caps for the last few years by trying to change the equation from CPI to ECI or by exempting pensions from the cap, we have tried to change the focus this year due to the devastating damage from the new minimum wage law. HB688 requires that a rate can never fall below .15% or 90% of a higher voter approved rate in the corporate fund. We are asking all of you to help us reach out and spread the message to all libraries. We are looking for co-sponsors to sign onto the bill; and, letters and phone calls from library trustees and Friends of the Library. We also need the names and contact information for any Trustees or Friends who would be willing to go to Springfield to testify before a committee hearing. Key talking points are attached but first and foremost is the fact that from 2004-2010 the minimum wage will increase 60%, and while the State of Illinois doesn’t hire minimum wage workers, we do, and this is going to cost libraries thousands.

Why Attend Illinois Library Day?
As a teenager I had the honor of receiving the Daughters of the American Revolution award from former Representative John B Anderson and in 1970 entertained the late Senator Paul Simon in my home. Both of those experiences introduced me to politics but having the opportunities to attend Illinois Library Day has made me understand the importance of being involved at the local, state and national level. Just being in the capital complex made me catch the enthusiasm of watching the progress of bills, contacting my legislators and encouraging my Board, Patrons and Friends members to also write letters voicing their opinions. It is invaluable to personally know your legislators and invite them to your community regardless if the issues are Library, Education, taxes and etc. I am glad Inara McGroarty encouraged me to attend a State budget hearing because I have a little better concept of hundreds of agencies competing for those limited dollars and what difficult decisions are made of what to fund and what to cut. Try to fit the State wide dinner and strategy session into your schedule on April 18th. Kip Kolkmeier will present an informative briefing on current issues and the mingling and sharing with colleagues is stimulating. I would like to persuade you to attend Illinois Library Day this year and you’ll become an annual attendee.
Janie Dollinger, Lanark Public Library

Illinois Library Day Strategy Session and Dinner - Wednesday, April 18, 2007
There will be a dinner at the Northfield Inn, Suites & Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Drive in Springfield from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The dinner, featuring a cash bar, is an opportunity to mix and mingle with your colleagues and develop your strategy for visiting legislators. Kip Kolkmeier, Legislative Consultant for the Illinois Library Association, is scheduled to speak on the latest legislative issues. Register by April 11, 2007. To register, go to the DLS Continuing Education calendar at http://www.dupagels.lib.il.us/calendar/detailpages/1165875762.html. The cost is $30, payable in advance to the DuPage Library System. While the Northfield Inn is totally booked and rooms are no longer available, PALS has blocked rooms across the street. Call Ramada Ltd, 217-523-4000, ask for rooms at the state rate of $74 for 2 bed double rooms under PALS (Prairie Area Library System).

Illinois Library Day Bus from Shorewood
In addition to PALS transportation options already posted on CLEO, DuPage LS is hosting a bus to travel to Springfield on April 18th. The bus will depart from the DuPage Library System at 11:00 a.m., making a stop at the Wheaton Campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology, 201 East Loop Road, Wheaton, at approximately 11:45 a.m. and another at the Prairie Area Library System (PALS) Service Center in Shorewood at approximately 12:30 p.m. There will be beverages and snacks available on the bus. For the return journey, the bus will leave Springfield promptly by 2:30 p.m. on April 19th. The cost of the bus will be $20.00. For more information and to register for the bus, go to the DLS Continuing Education calendar at http://www.dupagels.lib.il.us/calendar/detailpages/1170284049.html. Please note that if you take advantage of this opportunity, you need to make overnight hotel reservations. You may also want to take part in the dinner Wednesday night to hear Kip Kolkmeier, ILA lobbyists, give up to the minute information on bills that affect us. This will give you information when you meet with our legislators either at the Legislative Breakfast or visiting legislators in their offices in the capitol. Hotel and dinner information is posted on the PALS web site. The dinner will also give you an opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the state.

Just So You Know
No Just So You Know this week.

Grant News
No Grant News this week.

On the Internet
Our website picks of the week are supplied by Marylaine Block, Writer, Internet Trainer and "Librarian Without Walls," http://marylaine.com/.

NEAT NEW STUFF February 8

BirdHouses 101:
Detailed birdhouse specifications for over 50 North American birds
If you're craving the return of spring and birds, now's a good time to start making your yard a welcoming place for birds. Here's advice on building or buying birdhouses, attracting birds, and protecting your avian visitors, as well as info on bird watching equipment, books, etc.
http://www.birdhouses101.com/

Cemeteries and Cemetery Symbols
This site, which explores "the meaning of cemetery symbols and other graveyard mysteries," might be an interesting addition to your genealogy tools. Entries are illustrated with photos of gravestone artwork. Browsable by categories like Christian, Jewish, Knights Templar, Angels, Flowers, etc.
http://cemeteries.wordpress.com/

The Digital Ice Age
Yet another reminder that it's not enough to digitize something; if you don't commit to migrating it to changing formats over the years, your digital content may be lost forever.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4201645.html

Images of American Political History
Aims to "support the teaching of American political history by providing quick access to uncopyrighted images for inclusion in teaching materials." The search function doesn't seem to be working right now, but this is well worth browsing by era or by special topical collections.
http://teachpol.tcnj.edu/amer_pol_hist/_browse.htm

IT and Sympathy
[ALA TechSource]
Now that Karen G. Schneider is on the other side of the Librarian/IT divide, she has some advice on the kind of care and treatment of your IT staff that will make it easier for them to help you. Incidentally, if you aren't regularly reading ALA TechSource, you're missing out on ideas and commentary by some of our profession's most interesting thinkers: Karen G. Schneider, Jenny Levine, Tom Peters, Michael Stephens, Michelle Boule, and Teresa Koltzenburg.
http://www.techsource.ala.org/blog/2007/01/it-and-sympathy.html

JPG Magazine:
Brave New Photography
Billed as "The photography magazine made by you," each bi-monthly themed issue includes photos, features and interviews. Contribute your own photos on suggested themes, and vote on the photos to be included in the next issue. View the magazines in pdf, or subscribe to the physical copy.
http://jpgmag.com/

Language Log
If you care passionately about the use and abuse of the English language, you'll have fun with this blog. Recent entries have dealt with topics like language in cartoons, superbowl ad language, taboo words, the dangers of analogies, etc. Searchable but not browsable.
http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/

National Council for Teacher Quality
These advocates for reforming regulations and policies that stand in the way of effective teaching, this organization compiles and analyzes data. Among the reports available here: ratings of all reading texts, teachers' collective bargaining agreements and school board policies from all 50 states. Coming shortly: the 2007 State Teacher Policy Yearbook
http://www.nctq.org/nctq/

PaperCuts
[Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library]
This is one of the more enjoyable library staff blogs, with archives grouped under headings like Fantasy, Audio, Genealogy, Kid Picks, Inspirational, "The Best Books You Aren't Reading," etc.
http://papercuts.tscpl.org/
TSCPL has an equally enjoyable teen blog, Grafitti
http://graffiti.tscpl.org/

Science Photo Library
Stock science images
Searchable and browsable by categories, newly added images, or special photo techniques. Additional features are available with registration.
http://www.sciencephoto.com/

Top 10 Things You Probably Didn't Know Your Library Offered
Since all libraries offer resources even lifelong users aren't aware of, you might want to post something like this on your own library's web site.
http://www.libraryforlife.org/blogs/lifeline/?p=2651

Weather Bonk
Live Weather, Forecasts, WebCams, and More
Besides offering live weather conditions and webcams for the location of your choice, this offers a travel mapping service that incorporates weather data along the route. If they'd add road condition info from every state as well, it would be a perfect travel planning site.
http://weatherbonk.com/

Prairie Views will be published weekly on Thursdays on the PALS website. PALS member libraries are encouraged to send items for inclusion to prairieviews@palsnet.info by Tuesday of the week you would like your information to appear.

We will send an email reminder each week when the new issue is available on the PALS website. If you do not currently receive email reminders, please send a message to prairieviews@palsnet.info to have your email address added to the reminder mailing list or visit http://mailman.palsnet.info/mailman/listinfo to subscribe or unsubscribe yourself.