volume #4 issue#24

June 14, 2007

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

PALS Board Meeting
The PALS Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday, June 19th, at 10:00 a.m. at the PALS Shorewood Service Center. The board agenda is now available on the PALS website.

You're Invited!
Mary Anne Stewart will retire from the Prairie Area Library System as of June 29, 2007, after 34 wonderful years. We hope you’ll join us in congratulating Mary Anne.

WHEN: Thursday, June 28, 2007—two opportunities to celebrate!

WHERE:

2:00 p.m.— 3:30 p.m (immediately following the PALSGroup Administrative Council Meeting)
LaSalle Public Library Meeting Room
305 Marquette St.
LaSalle, IL

6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m
Harley’s Tavern
3127 Avenue of the Cities
Moline, IL

Invitation attached and all are invited to drop in and wish Mary Anne well in her future endeavors.

The PALS Videoconference Network Is Expanding!
PALS is pleased to announce that we will be offering opportunities for member library staff to attend events at more convenient locations thanks to our expanded videoconference network. "Neighborhood" videoconference units have now been installed at the LaSalle Public Library, the Kankakee Public Library, and the Sycamore Public Library. Installation is scheduled for later this month at the Sterling Public Library. The last new site will be installed later this summer at the Elizabeth (IL) campus of Highland Community College. Along with the three PALS Service Centers, that will mean up to eight locations where it may be possible for member staff to attend meetings or continuous learning events, based on availability and format of the event. PALS is grateful to our partner libraries that have agreed to be host videoconference sites. Watch for more information coming soon and notice of events available in a neighborhood near you!

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.

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

Congratulations!
Rock Island - Denkmann School has also been awarded the Picturing America award.

Kankakee Public Library a SirsiDynix Better Communities Finalist
Kankakee Public Library is one of 15 international finalists in the SirsiDynix Better Communities Award. They will be in competition for 6 $10,000 prizes to be awarded at ALA later this month. Stephen Abram, vice president of Innovation at SirsiDynix said, “This awards program is a way that SirsiDynix can celebrate and reward libraries that are stepping outside of their comfort zone and turning their focus to their users. They have all exhibited innovations and creativity in how they serve their users through technology. We are proud to have such an impressive field of finalists for 2007." Other Illinois nominees include Alliance Library System, Lincoln Trails Library System, and Carl Shepard Library at the Illinois College of Optometry.
For more details see http://www.imakenews.com/sirsi/e_article000824357.cfm?x=b9Hrhjh,b4pGRfM8.

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.

Lemont Public Library has the following:
American Library Directory, 58th ed. 2005-2006, 2 volumes.

If interested contact:
Debbie Somchay
Phone: 630.257.6541

The Davenport Public Library has the following discarded items to give away:
How to Draft Real Estate Leases (With Forms), 1989
The Non-Lawyers Living Trust Kit, 1992
The Non-Lawyers Will Kit, 1992
Birnbaum's Walt Disney World, 2005
Obscenity and Pornography Decisions of the United States Supreme Court, 2000
Emily Post's Complete Book of Wedding Etiquette, 1991
Illustrated Catalogue of Arms and Military Goods, 1961
Former Secrets: Government Records Made Public Through the Freedom of Information Act, 1982
Iowa's State Parks (Also Forests, Recreation Areas, and Preserves), 1991
State Parks of the Midwest, 1993

If interested, contact:
Brenda Ross, Technical Services Supervisor
Davenport Public Library
321 Main Street
Davenport, IA 52801-1490
Phone : 563-328-6835
E-mail : bross@davenportlibrary.com

Davenport Public Library is giving away the following discarded items:
Current Biography Yearbook 1940-2006 (must arrange to pick up at DPL)

If interested, contact:
Brenda Ross, Technical Services Supervisor
Davenport Public Library
321 Main Street
Davenport, IA 52801-1490
Phone : 563-328-6835
E-mail : bross@davenportlibrary.com

The Matson Public Library has
the 9 volume set of the 2004 Illinois Revised Statutes to give away. Also included is the 2 volume 2005 Supplement. They will be available only until June 30th upon which they will be given to our Friends group for the yearly book sale. The library wanting the set must make arrangements for picking up the items as they are too heavy to send on the van delivery.
Please notify Jill at jmvanacker@matsonpubliclibrary.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.

Events Coordinator
The Plainfield Public Library District is looking for a friendly, outgoing, and organized individual with an interest in program and events planning! Working with other staff, you will develop, plan and organize community programs and secure appropriate speakers and performers for library engagements. Flexibility in scheduling is a must as well as access to a vehicle. Averages 30 hrs/week including nights & weekends, $15.83/hr. High School diploma required with five years working experience, including two years customer service and general office. Send cover letter, resume and names of three references to:
Ceil Carey, Head of Outreach and Young Adult Services,
Plainfield Public Library District,
15025 S. Illinois Street,
Plainfield, IL 60544
or to ccarey@plainfield.lib.il.us.
Position available immediately.

Library Director
Due to retirement, the Peru Public Library seeks a service-oriented administrator with responsibilities for planning and budgeting, providing leadership and coordination for all library operations, maintaining library property, and representing the library in the community. Experienced and congenial staff of ten (full and part-time). Progressive and cooperative Board, supportive City government, enthusiastic clientele. Beautiful modern facility 20 years old, in friendly and growing community of 10,000, at intersection of Interstate 80 and 39, ninety miles west of Chicago. Excellent schools, churches, mall, downtown redevelopment, recreation, health care, and community college. Budget of $312,000. Annual circulation of 150,000+ from a collection of 40,000. SirsiDynix automation system.

Requirements: MLS, minimum 3 - 5 years of varied library experience at the professional level, including supervision/administration. Working knowledge of all aspects of librarianship. Technology experience essential. Demonstrated success in working well with staff and patrons. City residency required following appointment. Competitive salary and benefits package.

Apply by mail with cover letter, resume, expected salary range and three references to:
Laurie Smoron, Chair, Personnel Committee,
Peru Public Library,
1409 11th Street,
Peru, IL. 61354.

Systems Support Specialist I
Part-time, 20 hours per week.
The Helen M. Plum Memorial Library (Lombard Public Library) is currently accepting applications for Systems Support Specialist I. Working as an Information Technology team member your primary duty is to provide systems support for library personal computer systems. Systems support will consist of helping staff and patrons, troubleshooting, diagnosis, problem resolution, preventative maintenance, repair, installation, configuration, and testing of personal computers, printers, and other hardware and software as assigned.
* High School Diploma and demonstrated technical competence with personal computer hardware and operating systems required.
* Certificate or College Degree in a library or technical discipline is preferred. Must be service oriented with exceptional patience and able to deal with a wide range of personalities, skill levels, staff, and patrons in a respectful, mature, and courteous manner. Excellent oral and written communication skills are needed.
* Starting wage is $11.11 per hour. Benefits include enrollment in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.

Please submit letter of interest, resume, and references to:
Curt Stacey
Information Technology Department Head
Helen M. Plum Memorial Library
110 W. Maple St.
Lombard, IL 60148;
cstacey@plum.lib.il.us;
Fax (630) 627-0336
For job description see: http://plum.lib.il.us/bo_employment.shtml

Systems Support Specialist II
Part-time, 20 hours per week The Helen M. Plum Memorial Library (Lombard Public Library) is currently accepting applications for Systems Support Specialist II. Working as an Information Technology team member your primary duty is to provide systems support for library Information Technology operations. Systems support will consist of helping staff and patrons, troubleshooting, diagnosis, problem resolution, preventative maintenance, repair, installation, configuration, and testing of personal computers, printers, servers, firewalls, switches, hubs, routers, and other hardware and software as assigned.
* High School Diploma with a minimum of two years library or computer systems work experience and demonstrated competence with Information Technology required.
* Certificate or College Degree in a library or technical discipline is preferred. Must be service oriented with exceptional patience and able to deal with a wide range of personalities, skill levels, staff, and patrons in a respectful, mature, and courteous manner. Excellent oral and written communication skills are needed. Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft workstation and server operating systems, local and group policy, network infrastructure, and TCP/IP protocols and ports.
* Starting wage is $16.16 per hour. Benefits include enrollment in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.

Please submit letter of interest, resume, and references to:
Curt Stacey
Information Technology Department Head
Helen M. Plum Memorial Library
110 W. Maple St.
Lombard, IL 60148;
cstacey@plum.lib.il.us;
Fax (630) 627-0336
For job description see: http://plum.lib.il.us/bo_employment.shtml

Youth Services Assistant
The Wilmington Public Library District is now accepting applications for the position of Youth Services Assistant. Under the supervision of the Youth Services Coordinator, this position provides reference and readers advisory assistance at the reference desk and assists in the development and implementation of Youth Services programs.
* This position requires an LTA or Bachelor’s degree in Education or Child Development and two years previous experience with children. Previous library experience is preferred. This part-time 25-30 hour per week position requires day, evening and weekend hours.

The job description for this position is available at the library. Applications will be accepted until June 25. Please direct questions about this position Nikeda Webb, Assistant Director.

Library Assistant
Nights Department
* Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
* Full Time, Non-Exempt Hours: Monday-Friday 12:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
* Description of Responsibilities: The Library Assistant is responsible for the successful completion of a variety of assigned tasks and projects supporting the AHC Library in the sareas of Access, Collection Management, Information & Instruction and Special Services departments. *Position Qualifications Required: Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent; plus two years additional related experience and at least one year of related work experience. Basic knowledge of MS Office and database software. Must have demonstrated knowledge of public service/contact practices.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Tracy Reitan
Human Resources
Palmer College of Chiropractic
1000 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52803
fax to 563-884-5802
e-mail: hr_dept@palmer.edu

Library Assistant
Days Department
* Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
* Full Time, Non-Exempt Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
* Description of Responsibilities: The Library Assistant is responsible for the successful completion of a variety of assigned tasks and projects supporting the AHC Library in the sareas of Access, Collection Management, Information & Instruction and Special Services departments. *Position Qualifications Required: Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent; plus two years additional related experience and at least one year of related work experience. Basic knowledge of MS Office and database software. Must have demonstrated knowledge of public service/contact practices.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Tracy Reitan
Human Resources
Palmer College of Chiropractic
1000 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52803
fax to 563-884-5802
e-mail: hr_dept@palmer.edu

Network Administrator
The Hinsdale Public Library (www.hinsdalelibrary.info) seeks new leadership to serve as Network Administrator. The Village of Hinsdale has a population of 18,000 and is located 21 miles west of Chicago. The library’s budget for FY2007-08 is approximately $2m and supports a staff of 16 full time employees and 31 part time employees. The library is currently undergoing a $3.5m renovation project which is estimated to be completed in early 2008. Hinsdale Public Library is a member of the Metropolitan Library System’s – System Wide Automated Network (SWAN) a shared online catalog of over 7 million items. The Network Administrator reports to the library’s executive director and is part of a seven member management team.

Responsibilities include: the management and ongoing development and maintenance of all automated systems within the library; budgeting and monitoring expenditures; developing and coordinating training for staff within the areas of library automation and technologies.

Hours: 37.5 hour workweek

Requirements: Bachelors degree with courses in relevant fields of study such as computer networks, programming and telecommunications. The successful candidate will have proven experience managing integrated systems, WANs/LANs, personal computers and websites. Candidates must show strong inter-personal skills and commitment to public service. Library experience highly desirable.

Salary: Salary begins at $48,000 Comprehensive benefits package

To apply: Send resume, cover letter and three references to:
Nancy Marvan, Office Manager
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
Hinsdale, IL 60521
nmarvan@hinsdale.lib.il.us

Reference Librarian (Part-Time)
The University of St. Francis Library (Joliet) seeks a flexible, dependable, enthusiastic, progressive, and service oriented professional to join our pool of reference librarians. Primary responsibilities include providing reference assistance (in person, via telephone, and electronically), teaching library instruction classes as needed and creating access tools and guides to the library collections. This is a part-time (up to 20 hours/week) position, with a strong possibility of both daytime and evening/weekend hours. Qualifications include an ALA-accredited MLS or an equivalent combination of education and experience, excellent communication and training skills, the ability to work well with faculty and students, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

To apply, please submit a letter of application describing strengths which match these qualifications, a resume, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references to:
Julie Dahl, Head of Public Services,
University of St. Francis Library,
600 Taylor St.,
Joliet, IL 60435.
For electronic applications, please visit our web site at www.stfrancis.edu/working.htm.

Technical Services Specialist
The Des Plaines Valley Public Library District is seeking an energetic, motivated technical services department employee for a full-time (40 hours per week) non-supervisory position. This Technical Services Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Technical Services Manager and will be responsible for cataloging, classification and data entry of all District materials. Minimum Qualifications: Library Technical Assistant (LTA) certificate with one year of relevant full time work experience, or public library experience with the condition of completing the LTA program. Also requires the ability to pass relevant qualifying exams as prescribed by the State Library and/or the Prairie Area Library System. Pay range starts at $12.05 per hour, commensurate with experience in a technical services department. We offer an excellent benefits package, as well as tuition reimbursement.

Please submit a resume and list of job references to:
Brandon Swarthout, Technical Services Manager,
Des Plaines Valley Public Library District,
121 E. 8th Street,
Lockport, IL 60441.
E-mail bswarthout@dpvlib.org
or fax (815) 838-9131

Resumes will be accepted until position is filled. The Des Plaines Valley Public Library District is an AA/EEOE.

Reference/Teen Librarian
The Scott County Library System (Eldridge, Iowa) invites applications for a Reference/Teen Librarian position. This is a full-time position in Eldridge, IA. Eldridge is five miles from Davenport and the Quad Cities. Primary responsibilities: provide general reference service, select books and other library materials, plan and develop teen programs with youth librarian, oversee department scheduling and work with OPAC and web services such as blogs and My Space.

Qualifications: MLS from an ALA accredited program; effective oral and written communication skills; knowledge of current developments, trends, practices and philosophy in library services.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. May graduates are encouraged to apply. Please send a cover letter, resume and names of three professional references to:
Paul H. Seelau, Director,
Scott County Library System,
200 N. 6th Avenue,
Eldridge, IA 52748
or email pseelau@scottcountylibrary.org

Reference and ILL News

E-RICH Web Page Revamped
The Illinois State Library's Electronic Resource Service web page has been completely revamped. A new exciting feature of this page is the Consideration Application. The Consideration Application allows for electronic resource suggestions for possible inclusion in the menu of E-RICH offerings. These suggestions may originate from librarians, patrons, and vendors.

Youth Services and School Library News
No Youth Services and School Library News this week.

Public Library News

EBSCO Free Trail for Illinois Public Libraries
EBSCO Publishing is offering free access for Illinois public libraries to several of their premier databases. The premise of this trial is for participating libraries to preview the databases and report back as to which would of interest to your library. It is anticipated that this process will result in access to popular EBSCO databases at discounted rates. This trial, arranged on behalf of the Illinois Library Systems and the Library Partnership Trust (LPT), runs until July 15, 2007. The databases available on this offer are:
· Home Improvement Reference Center
· Auto Repair Reference Center
· Small Engine Repair Reference Center
· Consumer Health Complete
· Salud en Espanol (Consumer Health Complete Spanish version)
· Points of View Reference Center
· History Reference Center
· Science Reference Center
· NextReads

Links to the databases and feedback form, along with contact information can all be found on the Library Partnership Trust website at: http://www.lptrust.org/offer_detail.aspx?psID=9 Preliminary pricing information has also been added to the LPT website, but it may go lower depending on how many libraries participate. Some bundled pricing for specific database groups will also be considered. For further assistance, as noted on the LPT website, contact Heidi van Gennep at HvanGennep@ebscohost.com or Dale Lawrence at dlawrence@nsls.info.

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

New Employee at the Illinois State Library
Lawren Tucker of Petersburg has been hired as the new Chief Deputy Director of the State Library. He begins work on June 18th. Lawren most recently served as Policy Director for Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. and the Senate Democratic Caucus. Lawren succeeds Mike Ragen, who retired in January.

ILA Conference Poster Sessions & Talk Tables
It is also not too late to become part of the program by presenting a poster session or talk table at the Illinois Library Association Conference in October. For more information on these activities see the program or contact Connie Steudel, Carbondale Public Library 618-457-0354 or csteudel@shawls.lib.il.us The deadline to submit applications is July 20, 2007.

ALA Joins MySpace and the Illinois Library Association to Promote Online Safety
MySpace will distribute one million free Internet safety bookmarks at the 2007 ALA Annual Conference during National Internet Safety Month
CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) announced that it has joined with MySpace and the Illinois Library Association (ILA) to distribute one million free bookmarks containing tips on Internet safety at the 2007 ALA Annual Conference on June 21-28, in Washington D.C. The bookmarks are printed as a series, each aimed at a specific audience including kids, teens, and parents. By distributing these bookmarks, MySpace and the library community hope to help educate youth and parents to make safe and informed decisions online. The launch of the bookmarks also coincides with National Internet Safety Month which is held annually in June. "We are delighted that MySpace is printing another one million bookmarks for the 2007 ALA Annual Conference,” said ALA President Leslie Burger. "Millions of Americans of all ages depend on libraries for access to essential information, including a lot of important services provided through social networking software. Libraries are already one of the safest places in our communities for families and children to use the Internet, and these bookmarks are a great example of how libraries all around the country are making this happen.”

The partnership between MySpace and the library community reinforces a commitment to keeping youth safe online while they are using social networking sites. The Internet Safety Bookmarks act as a powerful tool to disseminate these messages free of charge to a large and applicable audience. The bookmarks also provide parents with tips on social networking and communicating with their children about their online activity. "One of the primary concerns of the library community is the safety of children. These bookmarks are just one example of how the library community is partnering with MySpace, parents, and police to help children learn how to use the Internet and to become savvy users of information," said Robert P. Doyle, ILA Executive Director. "We know there are legitimate concerns about the Internet. We know, however, that the best way to protect children is to teach them to guard their privacy and make wise choices. These bookmarks provide an excellent starting point for parents, educators, librarians, and police to start the discussion and to promote safe use of the Internet."

The Internet Safety Bookmarks contain information on the safety topics below, as well as links to additional online resources.
*Dealing with Cyberbullies: Tips for Kids
*Safe Blogging: Tips for Teens
*Social Networking: Tips for Parents
"Through this partnership, our goal is to educate both parents and teens and empower them to talk to one another about online safety," said Hemanshu Nigam, chief security officer for MySpace. "Education is the key to online safety and these bookmarks are an effective tool to teach smart online practices that teens and parents can use anywhere on the Net, including on MySpace."

The Internet Safety Bookmarks are also available to download at www.ila.org/netsafe. Users can customize the bookmarks and print them locally. In designing the bookmarks, space was created allowing for parents, youth and teens to add information about their library and/or their favorite Web sites on this topic. MySpace, the American Library Association and the Illinois Library Association hope all users make the Internet safety bookmarks their personal bookmark of choice.

Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center Is Asking You to Save this Date!
On September 19, 2007 a MITBC Day workshop will be held in East Peoria at the Alliance Library System/Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center. This year’s keynote speaker will be the Director of the Veteran’s History Project at the Library Congress. Libraries that participate in this year’s workshop will receive free materials to help stage successful veteran’s history projects at their own libraries. You’ll learn how to use free software to record oral histories and be guided through interview questions to use. MITBC is hoping that public libraries will partner with local teachers and students in this effort. In fact, MITBC is applying for a $10,000 History Channel grant to supplement this program. The first 20 twenty libraries that reply – with a school class partner – are eligible to participate in the grant, as well. The grant runs from September 2007 through June 2008 so school classes have the entire school year to work with your library. Danvers and Hudson Public Libraries are already participating. Please contact Jessica Singh JSingh@alliancelibrarysystem.com at the Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center for more information.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Legislative Update
The Illinois House returned to Springfield on Tuesday, June 12th and the Senate on Thursday, June 14th. There are 500 legislative bills on the Senate calendar and about 240 on the House calendar. These are in addition to the negotiations on the budget and key issues to be considered by the legislators. Our HB 1727, mandatory filters, can’t be counted as dead until they actually conclude this session. To find the status of the bills being tracked by ILA this year, go to CapWiz at the ILA’s web page and select the Advocacy tab. http://www.ila.org/

Legislators Hold Program on Protecting Children From Internet Predators
Congressman Manzullo, 16th Congressional District (NW Illinois ) is holding programs for parents at various locations in the district on internet safety. Other representatives have also offered these in their own home districts around the state. It’s an opportunity to show our legislators that we’re proactive and that we don’t need legislation affecting our libraries. It’s an opportunity for librarians to attend, introduce themselves if you don’t know your congressman, or even better, say hello if you do. Make your interest and presence known. Show what you’re doing at your library because we’re equally concerned about safety on the internet. Bring along sets of the three wonderfully done ILA bookmarks and ask if these could be set out for parents along with the congressman’s material. During the Q & A part of the program that I (Inara) attended, some parents asked what is a cyberbully. They weren’t familiar with the term. This is exactly the subject of one of the bookmarks.

You have an opportunity to be even more proactive than to just attend a porgram. At this point, only a few of these workshops have been held, but many more are planned and locations are not yet firmed up. You could offer your library as a site for the program. Just call your representataive’s district office and make the offer. This would hold for all our representatives, not just Manzullo. With increased news coverage and stories on the potential danger of the internet, we can and should be a part of education and awareness. This can be a wonderful PR opportunity for your library. Seize the opportunity.

Local Librarian Testifies Before Illinois House Committee
(Springfield, IL) State Representative Bob Pritchard welcomed Jane Pace, a librarian at Indian Creek High School, Shabbona, to testify before the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee recently. Pace spoke about the merits of offering high school classes over the internet and against legislation which would prohibit students from taking on-line classes. “Because Indian Creek is a smaller school, it cannot offer typical classroom courses in subjects only a few students want to take,” said Pace. “Through Illinois Virtual High School, students have access to over a hundred different subjects over the internet. We currently have students taking online courses in Latin, French, Oceanography, and Biotechnology.” Pace monitors the progress of the students, assures that they are doing the work and oversees testing. “The students adapt well to computer learning and benefit from the greater selection of courses. They shouldn't be limited simply because of the resources of the school,” Pace said.

House Bill 232 prohibits schools from establishing, maintaining, or supporting virtual classes to students. It is intended to stop the Chicago Public School District from offering classes through a virtual charter school. Pritchard said “The way I see it, if we can challenge students and supplement their curricula with online education programs, we will be enhancing the quality of our children's education and expanding their opportunities.” The debate over House Bill 232 will be continued. Pritchard said the committee benefits from testimony by citizens like Pace who understand an issue first hand. “Virtual classrooms appeal to not only our best and brightest students but also those that have a specific interests and special needs,” said Pritchard. “It is apparent that students who take online courses have good understanding and comprehension of the subject matter and stay engaged in school. We must continue to look for efficient and effective ways to help students learn and broaden their horizons further from just the basics that schools have to offer.”

Grant News

Grant Opportunity From Alibris
“The Alibris Collection Award is an annual grant of up to $3000 worth of books to an academic, public, special, or K-12 library supporting specific collection development projects that advance the mission, priority areas, and goals of the selected library. The purpose of the Award is to help provide materials for libraries with replacement projects, retrospective collection development projects, or routine collection building needs.”
For application instructions and other information, see http://www.alibris.com/librarians/collection_award.cfm.
The deadline is December 1.

Just So You Know

State and Federal Minimum Wage Increases This Summer
The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 increases federal hourly minimum wage rates for the next three years:

$5.85, effective 60 days after the date of enactment (July 24, 2007)
$6.55, effective July 24, 2008
$7.25, effective July 24, 2009

These federal minimum wage increases will not likely affect Illinois employers, where the minimum wage surpasses the federal rate. Illinois' minimum wage increases to $7.50 as of July 1, 2007.

5,173 Libraries
Karen Egan of the Illinois State Library Library Development Group did some calculating recently and determined we now have more than 5,000 libraries in ILLINET (Illinois Library Information Network): PUBLIC - 797 (includes branches in 646 agencies)
ACADEMIC - 209
SPECIAL - 478
SCHOOL - 3,689 (libraries in 759 districts and private/parochial school libraries)
Total - 5,173
Congratulations to all Illinois librarians and keep up the good work!

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.