volume #4 issue#25

June 21, 2007

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

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.

Announcing New Online Training Tool
As part of our Continuous Learning opportunities, PALS is pleased to announce a new tool for live online training. On July 11, 2007, we will introduce WIMBA, a desktop tool that provides the convenience of attending training at your library. Online training will not replace traditional lab instruction, but will allow for synchronous training including text chat, audio communication and the sharing of desktops. Some current classes are being revised and adapted for the online learning environment, so as you register for classes in CLeO, it will be important for you to carefully read the descriptions for WIMBA classes. For example, “WorkFlows Searching” in WIMBA is the equivalent of both “Essentials” and the first portion of both the “What’s New – Circulation” and “What’s New – Cataloging/Serials” classes. The Circulation and Cataloging/Serials portions of the “What’s New” classes will be offered separately in WIMBA. Our goal is to offer more classes while reducing the number of class cancellations due to low enrollment. The enrollment requirement of three will still apply, however the convenience of participating without traveling promises to be an advantage for members and PALS staff.

An additional benefit to setting up WIMBA on your computer is that PALS staff will be able to troubleshoot software-related questions as they occur. In order to participate in a WIMBA session, there are some simple setup tasks to be completed on your computer. Please contact Glen Wiegert at glenw@palsnet.info or at ext. 4474 to set up an appointment to complete this setup. We have initially set aside July 2, 3, 5 and 6 for appointments to complete this task. If you need to schedule an appointment at another time, please contact Glen. We are excited about using this new tool to enhance our training program. It is our hope that you will find it convenient and user-friendly. If you have training questions, please contact Rhonda Krahl at rkrahl@palsnet.info or at ext. 3151. If you have technical questions, please contact Glen Wiegert. If you have suggestions for training or feedback about this new tool, please contact Dawn DiVenti, Library Services Coordinator for Continuous Learning at dawnd@palsnet.info or at ext. 4463.

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

50th Anniversary!
Lanark Public Library celebrates 50 years of service to the community. Congratulations!

Finalists!
What does the Kankakee Public Library have in common with Shanghai Library in China, the Smithsonian in Washington DC, and the World Health Organization Library in Geneva, Switzerland, you may ask? We’re all finalists for the 2007 SirsiDynix Building Better Communities Award! There are 15 finalists competing for the six US $10,000 prizes to be awarded this Sunday, June 24 at the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC. SirsiDynix established the Building Better Communities Awards to recognize library organizations and the important roles they play in their communities. For more information on this award, see http://www.imakenews.com/sirsi/e_article000824357.cfm?x=b9Hrhjh,b4pGRfM8

Wish us luck!

Closed for Moving
Franklin Grove Public Library will be closed from July 16 to August 4 to move into their new facility. Their picklists will be turned off from July 8 to August 12 when they will be settled in their new building.

Institute for School & Public Librarians
The Insitute for School & Public Librarians was held June 10 - 15, on the campus of Bradley University. This education filled week welcomed school and public librarians learning about everything from collection development to copyright. Bradley University (Peoria, Illinois) hosts this Institute in cooperation with the Illinois State Library. PALS had a great group of learners attending!

Pictured in the attached photo are: Penny O'Rourke, Byron Public Library - Debra Heitkamp - Freeport High School Jody Olivieri - Homer Township Public Library JoAnne McClenning - Plainfield CCSD #202 - Aux Sable Middle School (Joliet) Eleanor Garcia - Malta Township Public Library Susan Parker - Marengo Public Library District Cecily Meers - Mokena Junior High School Donna Stanley- Indian Creek School District #425 - Shabbona Elementary School Tami Pettis - Sheffield Public Library Carol Conderman- Stillman Valley High School Lynne Noffke- Wilmington Public Library District

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.

DKLY
has the booklet insert for Red Hot Chili Peppers CD Californication. If you are missing yours, please let Donna know (donnaw@dkpl.org)and she will send it to you. There is no stamp with library info on the booklet.

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.

Kaplan University
is offering the books on the attached list.
List 2

If interested contact:
Jennifer Smith at jsmith@kucampus.edu

Illinois Valley Community College
Attached a list of giveaways from IVCC.

If interested contact:
James E. Barnes
Phone: 815 224-0204
E-mail: James_Barnes@ivcc.edu

Bettendorf PL
has one copy of
The Almanac of American Education 2007 (Bernan Press) to give away to a good home.

If interested contact:
Barb Reardon
Phone: 563-344-4179

Digital Copier
The Moline Public Library has a free Oce’ (originally Pitney Bowes) DL620 digital copying system. The Library purchased the system brand new in 1999. The machine will be available on Monday, 25 June.

If interested contact:
Sue Wheatley
Phone: 309-736-5724

New Lenox Public Library
has to give away:
Consumer Sourcebook, 19th ed. (2006)

Please contact
Debbie Griggs
815-485-2605
or dgriggs@newlenoxlibrary.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.

Library Manager
Full time Library Manager needed at the Naperville Public Library. The Library Manager will perform functions to direct, manage and coordinate all programs and activities of the library.
Accredited MLS required.

For more detailed information visit:
http://www.naperville-lib.org

Children’s Librarian
Colona District Public Library, a small library district serving a population of 6,699 is seeking a Children’s Librarian.
*Job description: Plans and executes special programming for children. Selects new materials for children and young adults. Coordinates programs with other community groups focused on children. General patron services.
*Requirements: Education or experience with selection of juvenile materials. Excellent interpersonal skills and a genuine rapport with children. Previous library experience and computer skills helpful.
*15-25 hrs/wk, including some evenings and occasional Saturdays.
*Wage range: $9-15 per hour depending on qualifications. Benefits: 8 paid holidays, paid vacation.

Submit cover letter, resume and three references to:
Phyllis Von Arb – Director
Colona District Public Library
911 First Street
Colona, IL 61241

Catalogers
Book Wholesalers, Inc., the leading supplier of shelf-ready materials to public libraries across the U.S. has openings in our Custom Cataloging department for Catalogers. This position provides customized cataloging services that accompany the sale of books and audiovisual materials to BWI customers. Responsibilities include performing bibliographic work for customer accounts, including books, audiovisual materials and/or eBooks in accordance with specifications provided by the library and in accordance with standard library practices. Requirements include 3 to 5 years related experience and a Masters of Library Science Degree (ALA Accredited). We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k, flexible spending plans, earned time off in the first year, and more. We provide a pleasant office environment in our state-of-the art headquarters and distribution center in McHenry, IL.

Please send resume with cover letter to hr@flr.follett.com

Collection Development Paraprofessional
Book Wholesalers, Inc., the leading supplier of shelf-ready materials to public libraries across the U.S. has an opening in our Collection Development department for Paraprofessionals. This position will assist the Collection Development Librarians with creating lists and orders for public librarians to meet their needs in building and/or complementing their collections. The Paraprofessional will also assist Collection Development Librarians with selecting and/or organizing titles from publisher catalogs for plans and publication. Requirements include 1 to 3 years related experience and a two year college degree (LTA preferred) or equivalent related broad training/work experience. We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k, flexible spending plans, earned time off in the first year, and more. We provide a pleasant office environment in our state-of-the art headquarters and distribution center in McHenry, IL.

Please send resume with cover letter to hr@flr.follett.com.

Audiovisual Specialist – Collection Development
Book Wholesalers, Inc., the leading supplier of shelf-ready materials to public libraries across the U.S. has an opening in our Collection Development department for an Audiovisual Specialist. This position serves as an outsourced collection development resource for public libraries by creating lists and orders to meet their needs in building and/or complementing their audiovisual collection. Responsibilities include creating customized lists based on customer needs, or requests and staying abreast of upcoming releases and trends. Requirements for this position include 3 to 5 years related experience and a four year college degree, or equivalent related broad training or work experience (Master’s Degree preferred). We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k, flexible spending plans, earned time off in the first year, and more. We provide a pleasant office environment in our state-of-the art headquarters and distribution center in McHenry, IL.

Please email resume with cover letter to hr@flr.follett.com

Librarian – Collection Development
Book Wholesalers, Inc., the leading supplier of shelf-ready materials to public libraries across the U.S. has an opening for a Librarian. This position ascertains and maintains an in-depth level of knowledge of the public library print market by openly communicating with public librarians to provide a value added service. The Librarian serves as an outsourced collection development resource for them by creating lists and orders to meet their needs in building and/or complementing their collection. Requirements include 3 to 5 years related experience and a Masters Degree of Library Science (ALA Accredited). We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k, flexible spending plans, earned time off in the first year, and more. We provide a pleasant office environment in our state-of-the art headquarters and distribution center in McHenry, IL.

Please send resume and cover letter to hr@flr.follett.com

Custom Cataloging Paraprofessional
Book Wholesalers, Inc., the leading supplier of shelf-ready materials to public libraries across the U.S. has an opening in our Custom Cataloging department for Cataloging Paraprofessionals. This position provides customized cataloging services that accompany the sale of books and audiovisual materials to public libraries. These services create the intellectual content in MARC record that BWI provides as a value-added service to its customers. The Paraprofessional performs cataloging services with a lower complexity level than Catalogers in the department. This position requires 1 to 3 years related experience plus a two year college degree (LTA preferred), or equivalent related broad training or work experience. We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k, flexible spending plans, earned time off in the first year, and more. We provide a pleasant office environment in our state-of-the art headquarters and distribution center in McHenry, IL.

Please send a resume with cover letter to hr@flr.follett.com

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

Youth Services and School Library News

YALSA Releases Social Networking Guide for Teens
CHICAGO (ALA) - In honor of National Internet Safety Month, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), announces the publication of “Social Networking: A Guide for Teens.” YALSA created the brochure with teen audiences in mind to assist librarians in educating teens about safe use of online social networking software, including sites like Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, YouTube, and LiveJournal. The guide is available as a PDF on YALSA’s Web site at www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/profdev/socialnetworking.htm. Librarians can download the color brochure to distribute to their teen users.

“We wanted to give librarians a resource they could use to jump-start discussions with teens about Web 2.0 in their lives,” said Linda Braun, chair of YALSA’s Website Advisory Committee. “June is Internet Safety Month, so it’s a great time for librarians to do just that.” Written expressly for teens, the guide offers definitions of online social networking software, gives teens practical safety advice, explains why social networking causes so much debate, and provides several online resources for safe, smart use of online social networking software. “Teens need help understanding why adults are concerned about teen use of social networking,” said Braun. “As librarians who serve teens, it’s our responsibility to help show them how they could get involved in educating others about social networking and how it has an impact on teen lives.”

New ALSC Electronic Publication Helps Children Understand Intellectual Freedom Issues
CHICAGO (ALA) - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has just released “Kids, Know Your Rights! A Young Person’s Guide to Intellectual Freedom.” The four-page, full-color PDF brochure is free to download at: http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscpubs/KidsKnowYourRights.pdf. Written by members of ALSC’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, the brochure speaks directly to kids in grades five and up, using simplified, kid-friendly language to tackle difficult, abstract ideas. After an introduction that explains intellectual freedom, the brochure forges ahead to discuss: challenges to the First Amendment; censorship, how it affects children and how they can defend their right to read; privacy and confidentiality; and respecting the opinions of others. A bibliography of suggested nonfiction and fiction titles for children on these subjects also is included.

“There has been a lack of accessible information available to young people about intellectual freedom and censorship,” said Kathleen T. Horning, ALSC President. “‘Kids, Know Your Rights!’ fills that void admirably, and we applaud the Intellectual Freedom Committee for their positive steps to educate young people of their rights and responsibilities.” ALSC encourages librarians and educators to download, print and use “Kids, Know Your Rights!” with children and students in their community. It is an ideal giveaway for libraries that celebrate Banned Books Week and The September Project.

Public Library News

Per Capita Disaster Plan Resources and Grant Update
As stated in the FY2008 Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid grant requirements, public libraries must submit a Disaster Plan that has been adopted by the library board after October 15, 2005. To access information about Disaster Planning, Basic Guidelines, Disaster Prevention, Disaster Recovery and an example of a Disaster Plan prototype, log on to: http://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/what_we_do/equalizationgrant.html#percapita. Another excellent plan is the dPlan(tm): The Online Disaster-Planning Tool. Medium and large libraries might find this plan particularly useful. The link to the dPlan is.

The 2008 Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grant applications will be mailed on July 2. The grant application and all supporting documentation must be postmarked on or before October 15, 2007 or hand delivered to the Illinois State Library no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 15, 2007. For questions please contact Mary Downing at 217-782-5506, 800-665-5576 or mdowning@ilsos.net.

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

Last time we continued our discussion of the BEAR form. Make sure to double check the information on page one that you carried over from the 471 form. Page 2 is also a matter of copying the information from the 471. One common mistake on page two involves block 12 and 13. You cannot have information in both columns. It must be one or the other. Block 12 is most commonly filled in. Be careful to only fill in the month and the year. It does not ask for a day of the month and your form will be returned if you do not use the exact date format that appears in the example. Page 3 is a simple certification for the billed entity and page four is the page that must be signed by the service provider. This is a good time to go on to another form. Many of you have received or will soon receive your Funding Commitment Decision Letter. As soon as this is received, your next required form is the 486. Next time we will do an overview of the 486 and discuss Technology Plan requirements.

For E-Rate questions contact Marilyn at PALS-Rockford 815-229-4470 or email marilynj@palsnet.info.

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

Library News Around the State & Nation

Conference Discount
Good news for ILLINET members. WebSearch University will be held September 17-18, 2007 at the Washington Marriott in Washington D.C. A special rate of $395.00 is available to ILLINET member libraries. This conference will provide practical tips and relevant search techniques; tips on how to find relevant Web sites for specific topics; what Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 are all about and how it affects you; cutting-edge technologies, including Wikis, podcasts, and visual search; what's new with major and niche search engines; how to outsmart Web Search engines; and advanced search techniques from the world's best searchers. To receive the discount and registration form, contact Jill Heffernan at jheffernan@ilsos.net or 217-557-3386.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Senate Appropriations Committee Increases Library Funding
On June 7, the House Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, with jurisdiction over many library programs, voted to fund in fiscal year (FY) 2008 $253,517,000 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an increase over last year. The bill included $167.5 million for the State Programs, $3.638 million for Native Americans and Hawaiians, $12.375 million for national leadership grants, $23.76 million for Laura Bush recruitment and education programs and $2 million for research and analysis. Improving Literacy Through School Libraries (LSL) is level funded at $19.486 million again this year. The full Appropriations Committee is expected to meet on July 9 with the House expected to consider the bill before leaving for the August recess.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met Thursday, June 21, to mark up the bill. They included $171.5 million for the State Programs, $3.817 million for Native Americans, $12.375 million for national leadership, $23.76 million for Laura Bush, $1.715 million for research and $12.917 million for Admin. LSL received a $4 million increase to $23 million.

Please call and thank your Senators for funding libraries!

In-District Advocacy With Congressional Representatives
Although it seems a way off, now is the time to start thinking of making visits to your legislators in their district offices. Congress will be in recess in August and that makes the best time for in-district office visits. Hopefully, by then, our state legislators will also be out of session and the same tips and suggestions would apply to them as well. Life for all the legislators is more relaxed back in their district. What might be a more formal visit in DC or Springfield is much more relaxed back in the district. Formalities pretty much disappear and the setting is less intimidating.

Political stylists have actually written books on home style vs. DC style. In both DC and Springfield, they’re always running to a meeting and have just minutes before the next appointment with somebody else is waiting to see them. They might be living in shared housing situations and be without their family and home support. Life is just more easygoing back in the district. Think about it then make that phone call and set up an appointment. Stop by and introduce yourself. Thank the legislator for past support. Tell him what you’ve done with an LSTA grant or what you’d do if there were more funds and you’d been able to receive a grant. It does make a difference. Legislators are always looking for constituent input.

If you’d feel more comfortable to have support, give Inara McGroarty a call and she ’d be pleased to go along with you. Contact her at inaram@palsnet.info or just give a call at 815-229-4452. Once we match schedule availability, she’ll either pick you up and drive in with you or meet you at the district office. Get to know your representative and let him know about the wonderful things that a library does for his communities and constituents. You have wonderful things to share and be proud of!

Summer is also a terrific time to take advantage of summer reading activity in your building and invite legislators to see the library in action. Be proud and show off! If you’re bursting at the seams over the summer, that’s all the better for the visual impact to illustrate the need and importance of libraries. Don’t forget to also take advantage of the opportunity and watch for those corn-boil gatherings and town hall meetings to be visible and make yourself known to the legislators.

Grant News

Youth Garden Grants
The National Gardening Association has announced that Home Depot will sponsor its Youth Garden Grants. The purpose is to help children reap rewards and life lessons from working in gardens and outdoor habitats. Schools and community organizations with child-centered, outdoor garden programs are eligible. Applicants must plan to garden in 2008 with at least fifteen children between the ages of 3 and 18. 150 programs will receive gift cards from Home Depot for the purchase of gardening materials and supplies. The top 50 programs will receive $500 gift cards and 100 programs will receive $250 gift cards.
The application deadline is Nov. 1st. See http://assoc.garden.org/grants for details.

Best Buy Teach Awards
The Best Buy Teach Awards supports schools’ creative use of interactive technology to make learning fun. Schools that serve K-12 that are public, private, or parochial that are using interactive technology in classrooms are eligible. Schools must be within 50 miles of a Best Buy store. Awards range between $2,500 and $250,000 and are Best Buy gift cards. Applications must be submitted between July 1st and Sept. 30. See http://communications.bestbuy.com/communityrelations/teach.asp for details

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.