volume #4 issue#16

April 19, 2007

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Nominations Are Now Being Accepted for the FY2008 PALS Librarian's Advisory Committee - Deadline May 11, 2007
Nominations are sought for the Librarians Advisory Committee from persons working in the Freeport, LaSalle, Rockford, Shorewood, and Sycamore neighborhoods. Terms of office are for two years beginning July 1, 2007. The Librarians Advisory Committee is comprised of 15 representatives. Eight representatives are elected and seven are appointed by the PALS Executive Director. The committee's elected representatives who will be serving the second year of their term in FY2008 are Ava Ketter (Coal Valley), Cynthia Fuerst (Kankakee), and Gail Wright (Sterling). Nominees are being sought to represent the four remaining PALS neighborhoods for FY2008-2009. Self nominations are welcomed. Nominees should complete the online form or send a paper form to Cori Swanson at the Coal Valley Service Center (CVSG) no later than May 11, 2007. Please, follow this link to electronically submit a nomination form.

PALS Day 2007
PALS Day 2007 will be held on Friday, April 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Starved Rock Lodge in Utica, IL. Find more information on the PALS website or print off the attached brochure. Registration for PALS Day is limited to 225, and we have more than half that number registered already, so don't delay! Register for the event in CLeO. We have reserved blocks of hotel rooms at Starved Rock Lodge for both Thursday and Friday nights. If interested in staying, please call the hotel and tell them you would like one of the rooms in the PALS block. Rate is $70 single or $80 double occupancy, but deadline to get this rate through the PALS block is March 26. Please ask Judy Hutchinson (judyh@palsnet.info) or Nancy Smith (nancys@palsnet.info) if you have any questions about PALS Day.

An extra feature at this year's PALS Day is that Peggy Barber of Library Communications Strategies will be providing 15 minute one-on-one consultations with member libraries on their promotional materials or questions they have about marketing for their libraries. There are eight of these consultation timeslots, so if you are interested, sign up now! Contact Debbie Fowler (debbief@palsnet.info) to sign up for a consultation.

Register for Rides to PALS Day
PALS will be providing free bus transportation from each of the Service Center areas to Starved Rock Lodge for PALS Day on April 27th. For information and to register go to http://www.palsnet.info/events and find the bus serving the location from which you wish to travel. Please register as soon as you know your plans. Bus seats are limited.
Remember to register separately for the event itself!

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

NIU Class at PALS Service Centers this Fall
"Instructional Technology Tools" (ETT 530) will be offered this fall via videoconference at the three PALS Service Centers (Rockford, Shorewood, and Coal Valley) from Northern Illinois University. The class will run on Thursdays from Sept. 13-Dec. 13 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. There are also two lab sessions required on the NIU campus in DeKalb. Those will be held on Sat., Oct. 20 and Sat., Dec. 1st from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

A second class, "Introduction to Educational Research" (ETR 520) will also be held this fall. Students can take it online or attend class at NIU--Rockford, NIU--Naperville, or NIU--DeKalb. Both classes are media electives for those interested in school media certification, endorsement, or the master's degree in Instructional Technology. For specifics on registering or further information on the NIU/PALS program partnership, please contact Karen Woodworth Roman, Program Advisor, at 815-753-9321 or kwoodworth@niu.edu, Jane Lenser janel@palsnet.info, or Norma Applegate normaa@palsnet.info.

Fall 2007 LTA Classes at Rockford and Coal Valley Service Centers
Attention library support staff! Are you looking for opportunities to learn more about the library world? Are you looking toward advancement in your current position or in your career? Then the LTA (Library Technical Assistant) Program may be for you. In past years, PALS has offered the LTA program from the College of DuPage via videoconference at both the Rockford and the Coal Valley Service Centers. We are considering offering this opportunity again in fall 2007.

If you are interested or for additional information, please contact Dawn DiVenti dawnd@palsnet.info
This is a great way to enter or re-enter the academic environment.
Check http://www.cod.edu/LTA for more information.

How Not to be the Library the Press Attacks
When you hear "I demand that you take that terrible book off the shelf!” do you run for cover, get angry, or give in? Are there alternatives? The Illinois Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee invites library staff and boards to a Defending Access Workshop coming soon to your library system. 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.
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

To register for this program go to https://www.ila.org/events/reg_dawc.htm

Workshop On Shareable Metadata
The Illinois State Library will host "Metadata for You & Me: A Workshop on Shareable Metadata" on Friday May 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p. m. The workshop addresses the needs of library, museum and cultural heritage professionals in the creation, development and use of interoperable or shareable descriptive metadata. The content of workshops is based on the Best Practices for Shareable Metadata, an initiative of the Digital Library Federation and the National Science Digital Library, that provides guidance for creating metadata that can be easily understood, processed and used outside of its local environment. Registration and more information can be found at http://images.library.uiuc.edu/projects/mym/register.html

Member News

Check out YouTube
Moline Public Library now has advertisement for their library on YouTube, check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hVwCvHq8zU
or http://www.youtube.com/molinelibrary

Meet Harriet Tubman, Conductor of the Underground Railroad
Thursday, April 26 at 7:00pm on the first floor of the Kankakee Public Library to “Meet Harriet Tubman, Conductor of the Underground Railroad.” Kathryn M. Harris, Library Services Director at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, will present Harriet Tubman “in person.”
This library program is free and open to the public. Children and young people are especially encouraged to attend. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Kankakee Public Library. For more information about this or other library programs, contact 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.

Please search your shelves for 2 lost books belonging to Stockton Public Library "SKLY"
Sparks, Nicholas "Three Weeks With My Brother" Juv. 741
Coope, Katy How to Draw More Manga
Thanks Jessica Arnold
desk@stocktonlibrary.org
(815) 947-2030 Fax

Missing Book
Title: Bloodstones
Author: Anthony, Evelyn
Call Number: LT FICTION
Owned by: Musser Public Library (MUSG) returned from MOHG.

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.

Deere & Company Library
has 3 old utility carts to give away. These are older steel utility carts with removable bins on top, measuring 15 ½ inches wide by 21 ½ inches deep and 32 inches high. All 3 are beige with assorted dings and scrapes. Pictures
Must arrange pickup.

If interested contact:
Susan Reimensnyder
309-765-5165
or email ReimensnyderSusanA@JohnDeere.com

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.

Library Director
Winnebago Public Library, in Winnebago IL, has an immediate opening for the position of Library Director. This is a professional library position with supervisory and managerial responsibility, answerable to a seven member elected board of trustees. The director will be responsible for developing and implementing library goals and objectives, overseeing staff and staff training, participating in community relations activities, collection development and programming and community outreach. This position is fulltime and may require some evening or Saturday hours.
A master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited school is preferred. Starting salary is $36,000 with two weeks paid vacation.
For additional information about the library district, go to http://www.winnebagopubliclibrary.org. Review of applications will begin immediately; position will remain open until filled.

Submit cover letter, resume and three references to:
Cindy McIntyre
Trustee Board Secretary
c/o Winnebago Public Library
210 North Elida Street
Winnebago IL 61088

Media Specialist
Lockport Township High School district 205 is seeking a media specialist for the 2007-2008 school year. Requirements: Initial/Secondary Certification from the State of Illinois. Master's Degree in Library Science - preferred Media endorsement - required Strong organization and communication skills Willingness and ability to establish and maintain a positive student/staff rapport. The media specialist will be responsible for the day to day operations of the library, including reference services, instruction in use of databases and resources,audiovisual equipment scheduling, and supervision of 1 paraprofessional and student aides.

Apply online at http://www.lths.org
Send letter of interest, resume, copies of transcripts, and 3 letters of reference.
Todd Wernet
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel
1323 East 7th Street
Lockport, IL 60441

Library Customer Service/ Circulation Manager
Cherry Valley Public Library District
Full-time supervisory position requires excellent inter-personal skills, extensive computer experience, and a broad knowledge of library automation and materials. The successful candidate will manage the front desk staff and implement all aspects of the circulation department including information assistance, interlibrary loan, library card registration, stack maintenance, overdue procedures, and statistical reports. The circ manager hires, trains, schedules, supervises, and evaluates circ staff, as well as works with the library management team on displays, special events, programs, collection development issues, and participates in a regional library automation cooperative. The successful applicant must be a high school graduate with at least one year of supervisory experience. Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree preferable. Innovative Interfaces automation experience a plus. Hours include one evening per week, one weekend day per month. Two weeks paid vacation, paid health insurance, and IMRF pension. Salary commensurate with experience and education. Review of applicants will continue until position is filled. E.O.E.

Send resume including salary history, education, and reference contact info to:
Cherry Valley Public Library District
ATT: Director 755 E. State St.
Cherry Valley, IL 61016
Or email same to: evek@cherryvalley.lib.il.us

Children’s Services Assistant
The Children’s Services Department at Des Plaines Valley Public Library District has an opening for a Children’s Services Assistant at the Crest Hill facility. This position reports to the Children’s Services Professional. Duties include working with children in implementing library services including Baby Lap-Sit, Story-Time, special programs including our Winter and Summer Reading events, craft preparation, etc. This part-time, (15-18 hours per week, non-IMRF) person would be scheduled to work days, evening and occasional weekends.
* Starting Hourly Wage is $9.06 per hour, commensurate with experience.
* Minimum Qualifications include: one year work experience with children and a High School diploma. An Associate Degree, or higher, is strongly preferred. Computer knowledge is a plus.

For further information, please contact Children’s Services Professional, Patricia Kulesza at (815) 725-0234 or email resume at pkulesza@dpvlib.org.
Resumes may be mailed to the following address:
Des Plaines Valley Public Library District
Attn: Patricia Kulesza
1298 Theodore Street
Crest Hill, IL 60403

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

Youth Services and School Library News

ISLMA Collection Development Webinar
Don't miss ISLMA's next professional development event, the Collection Development Webinar led by Kathryn Miller of National-Louis University. The registration form and information about the event can be found at http://www.islma.org/webinar07.htm . The webinar will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2007, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., and will address issues surrounding building and maintaining a quality school library collection for all members of a school's learning community. A webinar is an online seminar attended virtually using a computer with Internet access. After registering, participants will be emailed the URL for the event and receive information about pre-event technical checks to ensure that equipment is set properly for participation. Kathryn Miller is associate professor at National-Louis University. She is currently teaching the collection development course in the new Library Information Specialist Course of Study at NLU.
The fee for the event is $40. Gail Janz can be contacted with questions about the webinar at gjanz@mchs.grundy.k12.il.us.

Registration for 2008 Monarch Award
Spring is in the air...well it was...and will be again soon. Time to register for next year's Monarch Award 2008! Our 4TH year!!! 753 schools and libraries registered last year and over 120,300 children voted! Be a part of this great program! Do it NOW...There is a registration form online at http://www.islma.org/monarch.htm OR watch for the Monarch Brochure to be mailed in the next month. P.S. The 2008 list is possted at the website plus Ideas for using every one of the 20 books. Check it out!
Questions? Contact Pam Storm pstorm@charleston.k12.il.us

Summer Programming
Please check out the summer programming that was just recently added to Cleo:

AskAway Illinois Basics Plus
MySpace: Know by Doing
MovieMaker: Beyond PowerPoint
Collection Development: Hmmmm! I Think I Have a Policy on That

Each of the programs has been scheduled for each of the service centers. If you have any questions, call or email Norma (X2705 normaa@palsnet.info) or Jane (X4461 janel@palsnet.info ).

Public Library News

Construction Grant Workshops
The State Library will present four workshops this spring on the FY2008 Live & Learn Construction Grant Program for libraries interested in the program or considering applying for a grant this coming fall. ISL Staff will review the specifics of the program and discuss the application process. Registration is required and can be made through the State Library's CLeO website. The locations, dates and times are:
Tuesday, April 24 1-3 PM Metropolitan Library System, Burr Ridge
Thursday, April 26 10-Noon Alliance Library System, East Peoria
Tuesday, May 1 1-3 PM Illinois State Library, Room 403
Thursday, May 3 1-3 PM Benton Public Library, Benton

Academic Library News

Immersion '07
The Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), with the support of the Illinois State Library, will be hosting Illinois Immersion '07, the regional ACRL Immersion Institute for Information Literacy, July 13-18, 2007. Space is still available for this program. Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 27, 2007. Online applications must be received by 3:00 p.m. CDT; those delivered by hand or by mail must be received prior to the CARLI office closing at 4:30 p.m. CDT. More information about the program and application instructions may be found at http://www.carli.illinois.edu/immersion07.html. If you have any questions, please contact either Elizabeth Clarage, Director of Collections Services, CARLI, or Lorna Engels, Library Systems Coordinator, CARLI, for any additional information. They also may be contacted by phone at (toll-free) 866-904-5843.

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.

E-Rate Corner

In an effort to provide more assistance to our members and to encourage program participation, we are establishing an E-Rate corner to offer help to those of you who have struggled with your E-Rate filing and to encourage those of you who have given up on the process to try again. PALS offers help every step of the way and we encourage you to request the funds that you are entitled to even if it is only for your basic telephone service. Each week we will publish timely facts and offer tips on filing and collecting your money. Help is always available by contacting Marilyn Janssen at the Rockford Service Center. By email: marilynj@palsnet.info And by phone: 815-229-4470.

The information below is from the Illinois State Library and the Schools and Libraries News Brief

E-Rate's Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) staff has begun sending new inquiries to applicants who are requesting Internet access funds, which asks, "Please indicate the specific type of connections that will be utilized with your Internet access funding request." The correspondence gives six specific examples of possible use, and asks the applicant to indicate what percentage of bandwidth is being used for each function. BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL when answering this question, as not all of the examples on the list are E-rate eligible. If you don't know exact percentages, use a reasonable guess. But be aware that if you are using your Internet Access bandwidth for any of the ineligible functions, PIA will require you to do a cost allocation to remove a proportionate share of your request. If the total percentage you list in the 'ineligible' functions equals 30% or more, the entire request will be denied under the 30% rule. Be aware that, in general, Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, Videoconferencing and/or Distance Learning, and Direct connectivity between school or library sites, although listed, are NOT eligible. Also, most "Other" entries would likewise NOT be eligible.

Additionally, if you have not yet submitted the Item 21 Attachment for one or more of your FY2007 FRNs, please do so as soon as possible. You can file online from the Item 21 Attachment link on http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp using your Form 471 application number and security code, or you can use the email, fax, or mail options in the Item 21 Attachment guidance at http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step07/form471-attachments.aspx?WT.mc_id=sl-newsbrief-20070330 on the USAC website.
(Item news from the March 30, 2007 Schools and Libraries News Brief, which is published by the Universal Service Administrative Company.)

New Books at PALS

New at the Shorewood Service Center
2006 LACONI library salary survey, LS 023.9 LAC

Library News Around the State & Nation

Public Open House
Please join the library in honoring their director Dr. Frederick A. Schlipf on his retirement after 32 years of service to The Urbana Free Library and the Urbana community Sunday, May 6, 2007 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Front Reading Rooms The Urbana Free Library. As part of the celebration, please bring cards or letters to add to our basket full of memories for Fred. If you cannot attend, please send your congratulations or favorite memories of Fred to the library in care of Rebecca Brown or via email to rbrown@tufl.info. The Urbana Free Library 210 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801

"Library Appreciation Night" at the White Sox
Baseball season is getting underway so it is time to make plans for "Library Appreciation Night" at the Chicago White Sox game on Thursday, July 5th at 7:11 p.m. On this special night, bargain priced tickets are available to librarians, library staff, trustees, and their families and friends. Tickets normally priced at $35 and $16 are available for $17.50 and $8 respectively. Tickets must be ordered ahead of time with a deadline of June 1st. Please see the flyer for more details.

New Data on U.S. Libraries Shows Almost Two Billion Served Predicted Demise Due to Internet Fails to Materialize
(CHICAGO) Ten years after some experts predicted the demise of the nation's system of libraries as a result of the Internet explosion, the most current national data on library use shows that the exact opposite has happened. Data released April 16 by the American Library Association (ALA) indicates that the number of visits to public libraries in the United States increased 61 percent between 1994 and 2004. According to the 2007 State of America's Libraries report, there were nearly two billion visits to U.S. libraries in fiscal year 2004. The study was released as the nation begins its observance of National Library Week, April 15-21. In the case of academic libraries, the number of visits exceeded more than one billion for the first time in 2004, up more than 14 percent in just the previous two years.

"Far from hurting American libraries, the Internet has actually helped to spur more people to use their local libraries because it has increased our hunger for knowledge and information," said Loriene Roy, president-elect of the American Library Association. According the ALA report, virtually every library in the United States - 99 percent - provides free public computer access to the Internet, a four-fold increase in the percentage of libraries providing such free access over the last decade. By comparison, Roy pointed to another study released in March showing that only 69 percent of U.S. households have Internet access. But unlike the Internet, particularly when accessed at home, Roy said libraries still serve a unique function in providing those who seek knowledge and information with guidance from trained and educated professionals.

Even as libraries continue to evolve their services in response to changing needs and technologies, the report shows that people continue to go to their public library to read or check out a book in record numbers. Overall circulation at public libraries in the U.S. rose by 28 percent during the decade, partly driven by significant growth in circulation of children's materials, which grew by 44 percent. Attendance in library programs for children was also up 42 percent for this same period. The 2007 State of America's Libraries reports that while use of libraries continues to increase and while the general public supports strong funding for libraries, many school library media centers are experiencing budget cuts resulting in staffing reductions, shortened hours, and even closures. The new federal requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act are cited most frequently as the reasons for these funding cuts. "Our libraries are investments in our communities and in our future, with an incredibly high return on each dollar spent," said the ALA's Roy. Roy pointed to the report's findings from studies in Florida and Ohio that provide a compelling case for the return on public investment in libraries. Every dollar of public support spent on Florida's public libraries produced an increase of $9.08 in gross regional product and an increase of $12.66 in total state wages. A similar study of nine public library systems in southwestern Ohio reported an annual economic impact nearly four times the amount invested in their operations. Other data in the report describes how public libraries build a community's capacity for economic activity and resiliency. The report also highlights the library community's continued work in defense of the First Amendment against intrusive legislation, including the USA Patriot Act, and to refute challenges that would restrict the free flow of information and ideas to all adults and children. The 2007 State of America's Libraries also follows up on last year's report, which described the library community's response to Hurricane Katrina. Since its creation, the ALA's Hurricane Katrina Library Relief Fund has raised more than $500,000 in donations, which has been distributed to libraries by ALA chapters in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. By August 2006, 62 percent of the libraries in metropolitan New Orleans that were open before Katrina had reopened their doors. A full copy of the 2007 State of America's Libraries is available at www.ala.org/2007State.

Jesse White Salutes Librarians
Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White is applauding Illinois librarians and library staff who will mark National Library Week April 15-21 and National Library Workers Day April 17. "As State Librarian I am very proud to be associated with so many outstanding men and women in the library community," White said. "As I visit our libraries throughout the state, I see firsthand that librarians are some of our most dedicated, hard working and knowledgeable public servants. Our libraries are very important to our communities, and during National Library Week I urge citizens who use and enjoy libraries to thank their local librarians and library staff for all of their good work." White said libraries continue to be the best and most reliable sources of information available to citizens. "Whether they are looking for books, magazines, videos, CDs, answers to reference questions or free Internet access, library users know they can count on librarians and library staff who have the training and skills to meet their needs," White said. "Illinois has a strong network of 4,000 academic, public, school and special libraries and nine regional library systems that are unquestionably the finest in the nation."

White also paid tribute to library trustees and volunteers who work in libraries. "Our library trustees implement library policies and allocate taxpayer dollars that pay for library services. Occasionally they must confront controversial issues. I commend all of our trustees for working so hard to keep our libraries running smoothly. Many of our libraries could also not function without the countless volunteers who generously work as library support staff and provide invaluable assistance to professional library staff. "

White said he is also proud that 26 Illinois public libraries serve as hosts for his innovative statewide mentoring program, Project Next Generation. Project Next Generation is a program for sixth through ninth graders, where qualified mentors help students develop technological skills and serve as positive role models. "Our public libraries are the perfect environment for Project Next Generation," White said. "At every site I've visited, kids are having fun and developing technological and life skills that will serve them well for the rest of their lives."

Would YOU Like To Be An LSTA Grant Reviewer?
The Illinois State Library is inviting librarians to nominate themselves for consideration as a grant reviewer of FY2008 LSTA grant applications. If you are interested in helping the State Library select LSTA grant applications for funding, please e-mail a letter of application, limited to two pages:
1) We are looking for representation from all types of libraries, so indicate if you are a school librarian, public librarian, academic librarian, special librarian or regional library system staff. Also indicate if you have multitype experience.
2) You must currently work in an ILLINET member library or a regional library system, so tell us where you work.
3) Geographic representation of our diverse state is important, so indicate the city where you work and your library's regional library system.
4) Demonstrate evidence of being an experienced grant writer. What successful grant applications have you written?
5) Personal knowledge of what it takes to manage a successful grant project is important in understanding the applications, so please indicate if you have managed or served as the project director for a competitive grant.
6) Show that you are aware of regional or statewide issues and library trends, and confirm that you would evaluate with an objective perspective.
7) Explain your participation in regional library system activities, or if you work at a regional library system, explain your involvement with member libraries.
8) Briefly explain your background and knowledge in at least one of the following:
* General grant writing
* Safety issues
* Digital imaging
* Innovative, creative and collaborative projects
If you are interested in nominating yourself as a reviewer, please send a letter of application addressing the above eight points to kegan@ilsos.net prior to May 1. Reviewers may submit and/or partner on applications. If a conflict of interest arises, the reviewer will excuse himself from the discussion and abstain from that vote.

Each LSTA grant application is reviewed on its own merit, and all applications and comments are confidential until the awards are announced. Review comments will be shared with the applicant, but the name of the reviewer is not shared. If you are selected as a reviewer, the State Library will host an online reviewers' orientation (using OPAL) in late May. During June and July, the reviewers will independently read, score and write comments about the applications within one grant category. There may be as many as 100 applications to evaluate. In late July/early August, there will be a two-day grant review session in Springfield for the reviewers to meet and make their recommendations to the State Library. The grant review sessions are open and subject to the Open Meetings Act. There is no pay or honorarium for being a reviewer. However, reviewers will be reimbursed at the state rate for hotel, mileage and per diem for the review session in Springfield. Reviewers are expected to fully participate during all of the review sessions. The Illinois State Library strives to maintain a reputation of objectivity, fairness and equity in its grant programs. Funding for LSTA grants is awarded by the Illinois State Library, a division of the office of Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the federal Library Services and Technology Act. We look forward to hearing from you!

Simple Repairs for Circulating Book Collections:
A Hands-On Workshop
This workshop will be offered twice, once at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb on April 25th and again at the Illinois State Library in Springfield on May 1st. For more details and to register go to http://www.carli.illinois.edu/mem-serv/mem-train/register/070425pres/index.php CARLI registration .
This workshop is being partially subsidized by CARLI. The registration fee for individuals from a CARLI member library is $30. The registration fee for non-CARLI members is $60. The registration fee includes morning coffee, lunch, training, and approximately $40 of preservation materials. The trainers for the day will be preservation staff from Illinois State University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

News from Vendors

No News.

Legislative/Advocacy News

No Legislative News This Week.

Just So You Know

Attention library support staff!
Joliet Junior College is a great place to learn and form life long networks. We are accepting registrations for the following LTA courses. Interested in knowing more about the LTA program at Joliet Junior College?

Contact Catherine Suchy at 815 280 6604 or visit http://www.jjc.edu/lrc/ and click on Library Careers. Current course offerings are:
Sum LTA 204 Libraries and Technology with Susan Prokopeak starting 5/15 T/R Fall
LTA 202 Readers’ Advisory and Programs with Mary Soucie starting 8/23 R
LTA 201 Cataloging and Classification with Catherine Suchy starting 8/22 W
LTA 101 Introduction to Libraries with Susan Prokopeak starting 8/20 M

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 April 2007

No Neat New This Week!

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.