volume #4 issue#22

May 31, 2007

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

READ Software Group Purchase
PALS is coordinating a group purchase of ALA READ software disk 1, ALA READ software disk 2, and Photoshop Elements 5. The READ disks contain files to create custom READ posters with your own photos. Many of the files can be used with Microsoft Publisher or Microsoft Word, but some of the more involved files require Photoshop Elements to create posters. READ 1 and READ 2 contain different files and can be ordered separately. An overview of the files on the disks is available at http://www.alastore.ala.org/img/641.pdf.

The cost for each READ 1 or READ 2 will depend on the quantity of the group purchase, but should not exceed $60, which includes postage. Your library will receive an invoice from PALS. Photoshop Elements 5 is a graphics program that gives you additional options for working with graphics. You can use Elements to edit your photos or create publications, as well as create READ posters. Information about Elements is available at http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/overview2.html. The cost of Elements is $96.99, which includes shipping. Your library will receive an invoice from PALS.

If you would like to order READ 1, READ 2, or Photoshop Elements, please fill out the form at http://www.palsnet.info/members/purchase/. To help us maintain accurate records, no orders will be accepted without a completed order form. The deadline for ordering is June 30, 2007. For more information on the READ software, contact Rhonda Krahl at rhondak@palsnet.info or ext. 3151. For more information on Photoshop Elements, contact Kacy Kelly at kacyk@palsnet.info or ext. 3251.

Two Elections Now Underway
Each member library may cast a ballot for the current nominees for the PALS Board of Directors and for the PALS Librarians' Advisory Committee. Unless the library makes other arrangements, we expect the Library Director to cast the library's ballot. If your library needs to make arrangements so PALS will count the ballot from someone other than the Library Director, please contact Cori Swanson at coris@palsnet.info.

PALS Board of Directors Election
Deadline for submission is June 15, 2007.
If you would like to learn more about the nominees go to http://www.palsnet.info/about/board/candidates.asp.

PALS Librarians' Advisory Committee Election
Deadline for submission is June 22, 2007.
If you would like to learn more about the nominees go to http://www.palsnet.info/members/laccandidates.asp.

Feel free to contact Cori Swanson if you have any questions regarding the election or your ballot. Happy voting!

ILA Bookmarks
Prairie Area LS still have boxes of the ILA bookmarks if anyone would like more.

If interested call:
Brenda at 309-799-3155 x. 3152
or email brendar@palsnet.info

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

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.

PALS to Offer Two CPLA Courses
In partnership with the Public Library Association, PALS has been selected to offer two CPLA courses. http://www.pla.org/ala/pla/plaevents/cplacourses/CPLAcourses.cfm

For information about the Certified Public Library Adminstrator program.
*On October 24-25, 2007, PALS will host "Serving Diverse Populations."
The event will be held at the Rockford Public Library Main Auditorium at 215 N. Wyman St, Rockford IL 61104.

*On April 1-2, 2008, PALS will host "Current Trends."
The event will be held at the Moline Public Library at 3210 41st St, Moline IL 61265.

For more information about these events, please contact Dawn DiVenti, Library Services Coordinator, Continuous Learning,
dawnd@palsnet.info

Member News

Best of Show!
The Kankakee Public Library is excited and proud to announce that they've received Best of Show from ALA’s Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) Swap & Shop Competition in the category of Websites. LAMA identifies excellence for public relations with its annual Swap & Shop awards. This is the second year in a row they’ve won the ALA LAMA Best of Show competition. In 2006, they won Best of Show for Young Adult Reading Club Materials. Kankakee Public Library Director Cindy Fuerst will accept the award at the ALA conference in Washington D.C. in June. Check out the Kankakee Public Library website by clicking here.

Bettendorf Library Hosts Spy Scavenger Hunt for Teens
On Friday, June 1, from 7:00 – 8:30, your team can crack the codes, dodge the obstacles, and find the clues to be the first to unscramble the secret message to win the Bettendorf Public Library’s Spy Scavenger Hunt. The library will be closed, so would-be spies won’t have to worry about disturbing civilians, or having their covers blown. Middle and high school students can sign up for this free event scheduled for Friday, June 1, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

To register for the scavenger hunt, call 344-4178, stop by the Bettendorf Public Library's Youth Services department or go online to http://www.bettendorflibrary.com/teen/events.htm.

Malta Township Library is reopened and doing business.

"My Favorite Book Project"
is on now on at the Moline Public Library, 3210 41st Street, Moline. This series of stunning black and white photographs taken by Dispatch photographer, Todd Mizener, features library staff and patrons with their all time favorite book. The 30 individual photographs and two composites were taken when the new library opened last fall.

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.

The following items have been in transit to MNBB for several months:
*641.5945 Del - Everyday Italian: 125 simple and delicious recipes BY: Del aurentiis, Giada
*CD Rock Aerosmith - Aerosmiths greatest (Musical hits) FIC REE - Pirates! By: Rees, Celia

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.

For Sale
Prairie Area Library System has 2 sets of van shelving for sale that have never been used. One set is at the Coal Valley Service Center and the other is at the Shorewood Service Center.
We are asking $250.00 per set, please check out the pictures.
the large unit dimensions are 79" L x 46" H x 12.5" W,
the small unit dimensions are 37.5" L x 36.5 H x 12" W.

If interested contact:
Coal Valley: Brenda Roman, brendar@palsnet.info or 309-799-3155 ext. 3152.
Shorewood: Shirley Grasty, shirleyg@palsnet.info or 815-729-3345 ext. 2706

Kaplan University
is offering the books in the attached list free of charge.

If interested contact:
Jennifer Smith
jsmith@kucampus.edu

Davenport Public Library
has the following weeded reference items to give away:
American Motor Carrier Directory, 2006 ED
Atlas of American Agriculture, 1996
The Corporate Directory of U.S. Public Companies, 2004
Business Rankings Annual, 2004
Business Rankings Annual, Cumulative Index (1989-2004)
Ward’s Business Directory of Private and Public Companies in Canada and Mexico, 2003 – 2 vol set
Ward’s Business Directory of U.S. Private and Public Companies, 2006 – 9 vol. Set (includes supplement)

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

Reddick Library
has to giveaway:
1) CQ's state fact finder 2005
2) Cq's state fact finder 2004
3) ABA LSAC official guide to ABA-approved law schools 2006
4) Nations of the world 2005

If interested contact:
Elaine Chapman
E-mail: emchapman@reddicklibrary.org

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.

No Job Openings this week.

Reference and ILL News

Business Reference @ Schaumburg Township District Library
June 1 is the deadline to sign up for our visit to one of the premier business reference departments in Illinois, at Schaumburg Township District Library. John Ericson, the library's Corporate & Small Business Liaison Librarian, will provide a tour and talk about online business resources, including free websites. Tuesday, June 5, 10:00am-Noon. http://www.palsnet.info/events/?Action=Details&EventID=2999 We'll meet at Schaumburg Library's main building, but PALS is offering rides from all three Service Centers. Contact Brian Smith (brians@palsnet.info) if you need a ride.

OCLC How-To's
Linking to PrairieCat from WorldCat
For many PALSGroup libraries – whether full or union listing members – holdings information in OCLC’s WorldCat still links to the old catalogs. Instructions for editing these links to connect with PrairieCat were emailed out last week. If your library needs the instructions again, please see Technical Bulletin 24 on the PALSGroup secure site or contact Brian Smith (brians@palsnet.info).

Setting Schools to Non-Supplier Status
School libraries which are OCLC interlibrary loan suppliers during the school year need to switch to non-supplier status over the summer. If you need instructions on how to make this temporary status change through OCLC’s ILL Policies Directory, please contact Brian Smith (brians@palsnet.info).

Youth Services and School Library News

Nancy Drew Fun
With the upcoming Nancy Drew movie scheduled for release on June 15, Warner Bros. has added some fun features to their website at http://nancydrewmovie.warnerbros.com. “Nancy Drew Calls You” allows you to customize a voice message from the film’s star, Emma Roberts to a cell phone or home phone. “Nancy Drew Get a Clue Text Game” can be played from any cell phone.

Public Library News

March 25-29, 2008
Plan to attend the best conference for the public library world--the PLA National Conference! Meet with your colleagues and take advantage of more than 100 top-quality continuing education programs, several social events, and a bustling exhibits hall. Learn why the PLA National Conference has a reputation for excellence. The preliminary schedule and registration rates are available at http://www.placonference.org.

The 2008 PLA Conference will be in Minneapolis next Spring. It is a great conference for public libraries and this is about as close to home as it will get. Attending this Conference would be a valuable experience for library directors, staff, and trustees. PALS hopes to provide some van transportation to the Twin Cities. Check it out and watch for our announcements.

Applications sought for PLA Results Boot Camp 3
CHICAGO – Applications are being accepted now for the Public Library Association’s (PLA) intensive library management training, Results Boot Camp 3, to be held October 29 – November 2, 2007, in Salt Lake City. This weeklong, interactive workshop will include both individual and group activities, and will focus on current library issues using case studies describing real library situations. By the end of the week, participants will have the skills necessary to develop and implement a strategic plan in their library. Additionally, participants will be able to:

* Identify community needs
* Understand and explain the new public library service responses
* Write goals and objectives that will enable measurement of progress toward achieving your strategic plan
* Incorporate outcome measures in a strategic plan
* Identify and select the most effective activities to support the priorities in a strategic plan
* Identify current staff workload and skills and determine the staffing requirements to accomplish selected activities
* Understand the issues that affect the allocation of collection, technology, and facilities resources in a Results environment
* Review current library policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure that they support the strategic plan
* Manage change in your library more effectively

Boot Camp 3 will be presented by Sandra Nelson and June Garcia, both of whom have written books in the PLA Results series of publications. Participation is limited to ensure an environment that fosters group interaction and active participation. Acceptance to the Results Boot Camp 3 is competitive. PLA Results Boot Camp 3 will be held at the Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown. A limited number of rooms have been reserved at a special rate. Reservations can be made by calling (801) 531-0800. An early bird discount is available for applications received at the PLA Office by July 1, 2007. Additional course information, pricing, and applications are available through the PLA Web site, www.pla.org. For more information on this and other continuing education programs sponsored by PLA, contact the PLA office at 800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit PLA’s Web site, www.pla.org.

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.

E-Rate Corner
No E-Rate Corner this week.

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

Library News Around the State & Nation

The Illinois Library Systems Web Site Has Changed!
On late Friday, May 25, The Illinois Library Systems Web site (http://www.illinoislibrarysystems.info) unveiled some changes. The look of the Web site is the same, but many of the links have changed. If you would like to voice your opinion about the new site, or need help finding something, please either complete the survey (the link on the front page of the new Web site) or contact Amanda McKay, Special Projects Coordinator, at amckay@lincolntrail.info.

Reaching Forward South
This year's conference is being held on September 20 & 21 at the Northfield Inn in Springfield, IL.

If you are interested, please go to http://www.reachingforwardsouth.org to register.

Libraries of All Types and Sizes, Share Your Creative, Great Public Relations Efforts With Your Colleagues!
Gain international exposure for your library’s best marketing and promotional items by sending them to “Swap & Shop: Celebrate PR!”, at the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The annual Swap & Shop event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 24, in the Washington Convention Center Special Events Area, behind Aisle 600 on the exhibit floor. Library professionals will have the opportunity to fill their free tote bag full of the very best ideas in library public relations (annual reports, newsletters, reading promotions, and more). More than 850 library professionals attended Swap & Shop in 2006. Items must be received by Friday, June 15. All shipments (please send 100-200 copies of your items) must include a Swap & Shop Shipping label, available at http://www.ala.org/ala/lama/lamacommittees/publicrelationsb/swapandshop/07_s&s_shipping_label.pdf. We will display your materials proudly at Swap & Shop, which will also feature the winners of the Best of Show (a juried selection of the best PR materials produced in the past year), the 2007 John Cotton Dana Awards for outstanding achievement in library public relations, a PR Makeover, and more. For more information contact: Luke Vilelle, Chair, Swap & Shop, at the Virginia Tech Libraries, (540) 231-1108 or lvilelle@vt.edu. Swap & Shop is sponsored by the Swap & Shop Committee, from the Public Relations and Marketing Section of the Library Administration & Management Association (LAMA) Division of ALA.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Illinois Filters Hit Snag
Chicago Tribune, May 30
Opponents of a bill that would require filters on public library computers to block objectionable images on the internet may have won a reprieve, as the proposal appears stalled in the Illinois Senate. But library officials worry that the legislation, proposed several times before in different forms, could still be revived or return next session in a new bill. More article

Wrapping Up the Final Scheduled Week for the Legislative Session
May 31st marks the final scheduled week for the Illinois General Assembly. While hopes for agreement are high, the reality appears to be that it’s still lacking. The House and Senate are scheduled to adjourn on May 31. While they had been scheduled to work over the weekend, both Chambers cancelled session for Saturday and Sunday and returned late Monday. You most likely saw your legislators taking part in Memorial Day parades and various remembrance ceremonies back in their home districts. Both Chambers are now plowing through bills on 2nd and 3rd reading. Our own Rep. Sacia is unlikely to be the only legislators who introduced bills even at this late date.

The House has over 400 bills on the calendar this week while the Senate has more than 500 action items. The library mandatory filter bill is among those that are on the backburner for now and hopefully, isn’t called. A note of caution on this bill in that it’s unlikely to go away. It died in Rules last year. Passed out of Rules as well as the House this year. It shouldn’t be a surprise if Rep Joyce introduces it yet again. The House continues to hold committee hearings to process Senate bills. The Senate however, hasn’t scheduled committee hearing for that purpose for the last two weeks and House bills that were passed to the Senate after the committee deadline remain in the Senate Rules Committee (HB 1727 among them) Rest assured that ILA is keeping a very close watch on activity.

Grant News

ALA and NEH Announce We The People “Pursuit of Happiness” Bookshelf Awards to 2,000 libraries
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announced that they have selected 2,000 school and public libraries throughout the country to receive a collection of 15 classic books from the We the People Bookshelf project. The theme of this year’s Bookshelf is the “Pursuit of Happiness.” For a list of Bookshelf recipients, visit www.ala.org/wethepeople.

NEH Chairman Bruce Cole announced the new awards as part of the NEH’s We the People initiative, which supports projects that strengthen the teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture. “The 2007 We the People Bookshelf includes classic books that are rich in stories about individuals who embrace the 'unalienable' right of free people–the pursuit of happiness,” said NEH Chairman Bruce Cole. “NEH is proud to offer Bookshelf grants to support libraries as they work each day to encourage young people to explore their own paths to happiness through reading.” A record 3,150 applications were received for the “Pursuit of Happiness” Bookshelf, and a total of 2,000 libraries in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands were selected to receive the grant. The awards were given to public and school libraries, including those in private schools, community colleges, tribal schools and home school consortia. Successful applicants will receive the set of 15 books as well as four of the titles in Spanish translation, a bonus CD with traditional music referenced in the “Little House” series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and supplementary materials, including bookplates, bookmarks, and posters. Libraries selected will receive the Bookshelf in spring 2007, and organize programs or events to raise awareness of these classic books and engage young readers.

Congratulations to PALS member libraries who received the grants:
Byron Community School District #226 Libraries
Coal City Public Library District
Cortland Community Library
Joliet Public Library
Lockport School District #91
Manteno High School Library
Oswego Public Library District
Rockford Public Schools #205
North Suburban Library - Roscoe Branch
Somonauk Public Library District
Sterling Public Library

A complete list of participating libraries and additional information about the We the People Bookshelf can be found online at www.ala.org/wethepeople or www.humanities.gov. Information about the upcoming 2008 Bookshelf will be posted in July 2007. The Bookshelf grants are part of the NEH's We the People initiative, which aims to encourage and strengthen the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture through libraries, schools, colleges, universities, and cultural institutions. NEH plans to issue a Bookshelf each year on themes related to American ideas and ideals. Since 2003, ALA and NEH have awarded We the People Bookshelves to 6,000 public and school libraries.

ALA and Scholastic Library Publishing Announce 2008 National Library Week Grant
“Join the circle of knowledge @ your library” named official theme
(CHICAGO) Libraries across the United States are invited to apply for the $5,000 Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant, which will be awarded to a single library for the best public awareness campaign incorporating the 2008 National Library Week theme, “Join the circle of knowledge @ your library®.” The grant is sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing, a division of Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, and is administered by the Public Awareness Committee of the American Library Association (ALA). This year’s application deadline is October 1, 2007. National Library Week is April 13-19, 2008. All proposals must use the “Join the circle of knowledge @ your library” theme, which incorporates The Campaign for America's Libraries’ “@ your library” brand, on any and all promotional and publicity material supporting National Library Week activities. Guidelines for using the brand are available on the campaign Web site at www.ala.org/@yourlibrary under the “download logos” section. A grant application form and guidelines are available on the Campaign for America's Libraries Web site. Information also is available from the ALA Public Information Office. Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 2148. E-mail: mmcfarlane@ala.org.

Just So You Know
No Just So You Know 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.