volume #4 issue#26

June 28, 2007

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Holiday Closing
The three PALS Service Centers will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 in celebration of the Independence Day holiday. There will be no deliveries made that day.

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.

Public Library Trustee Seat Open on the PALS Board
The Prairie Area Library System is seeking a public library trustee to fill a recently vacated seat on the PALS Board of Directors. The seat will be filled by appointment and the term will be through June 30, 2008. The PALS Board meets on the third Tuesday of the month and holds at least nine meetings each year. The meeting locations will vary from month to month. The appointed public library trustee should endeavor to attend all meetings.

We hope to have this PALS board seat filled by the July 17, 2007 meeting. More information on the responsibilities of the board and its members can be found on the PALS website at http://www.palsnet.info/about/board/default.asp.

Individuals with interest in the position should contact Board President Penny O’Rourke at pennyo@byron.lib.il.us.

Congratulations!
to the newly elected members of the PALSGroup Administrative Council:
Cynthia Coe - East Moline Public Library
Jim Johnston - Joliet Public Library
Julie Milavec - Plainfield Public Library
Carol Schrey - Franklin Grove Public Library
Gwen Thompson - Joliet Schools
Sarah Tobias - Sycamore Public Library
Vicky Trupiano - Reddick Public Library
Laura Watson - Highland Community College

Continuing on the Administrative Council are:
Laura Frizol - LaSalle Public Library
Mary Heinzman - Saint Ambrose University
Nancy Luikart - Muscatine Community College
Brenda Ross - Davenport Public Library

Bob McKay continues as the PALS representative on the Administrative Council

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

Basic Library Law at Mt. Carroll Township PL
A Basic Library Law workshop is being offered on July 11th at the Mt. Carroll Township PL. This course is designed for Library Trustees and Library Directors. To find out more about this session and/or to register, go to CLeO.

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.

Fall 2007 LTA Classes at Joliet Junior College
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 is a wonderful match. Joliet Junior College is located on Houbolt Road, not far from Interstate 80. The fall offerings are:

LTA 101
Introduction to Libraries (two sessions)

Intro To Libraries - LATE START
Thursdays, 10:00AM - 11:25A
9/04-12/14 LTA 101

Intro to Libraries (This is a blended class which has both online and on-campus requirements. For additional information regarding class meetings and online activities, visit the distance education website
Mondays, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
8/20-12/14

LTA 201 Cataloging and Classification
Wednesdays, 6:00PM - 09:00PM
8/22-12/05

LTA 202 - 30 Readers Advisory/Lib Prog
Thursdays, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
08/23-12/06

For more information, contact Catherine Suchy at csuchy@jjc.edu.

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 Birthday Celebration!
Saturday June 23, the Lanark Public Library celebrated it's 50th birthday. The town was celebrating Old Settlers Days and the weekend theme was Read All About It in honor of LPL. We were pleased to have the PALS Drill Team perform in the Sat 10am parade. The Bookin' It Library Drill Cart Team has been performing since 2001 in parades across northern Illinois and eastern Iowa. Members work at various libraries that are members of the Prairie Area Library System. Following the parade the LPL had a birthday party from 10:30 to 12:30 at the 110 W Carroll Street location. The Friends are having a Settle into Summer booksale (111 S Broad ) and silent auction at the city park. At 1pm at the park, the Mayor, Board President and the Vision for the Future Steering committee made an announcement about Phase 1 of the Library renovation/ remodeling project and capital campaign. Mr. Steve, Facilitator of Fun for all ages, took the stage immediately after the announcement. Many groups and the Friends worked hard to make this a fun weekend with local entertainment and events. Congratulations to Lanark Public Library!
The Drill Team would like to thank the Lanark PL and their board and Friends for their wonderful hospitality.

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.

DeKalb Public Library is looking for the following missing items:
DVD 618.9285882 EMB Embracing play: teaching the child with autism 31559001892502 from LMBB to DKLY
616.443 MOO Graves’ disease: a practical guide 32065001820799 from RFSY to DKLY
Fic BUR Naked lunch 32065002017049 from RFSY to DKLY
J SNI The carnivorous carnival 32186001275212 from FBBB to DKLY

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.

PALS
has to give away to a good library home:
15 computers with the following specs: Celeron 1.2 GHZ processor, 512mb RAM and a 20GB hard drive. We also have 20 17” CRT monitors.

If interested, contact Kacy Kelly at PALS to arrange for delivery:
kacyk@palsnet.info or extension 3251

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

If interested contact:
Debbie Griggs
Phone: 815-485-2605
email: dgriggs@newlenoxlibrary.org

Moline Public Library
has the following items to give to another library.
1. Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media, 139th Ed.
2. 2006 Toll-Free USA Phonebook

If interested contact:
Lisa Powell Williams
Phone: 309-736-5748
Email: lwilliams@molinelibrary.org

Fossil Ridge Public Library
has the following items to give away.

If interested, contact:
pahanuska@fossilridge.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 Media Position
Rockford Public Schools District #205 in Rockford, Illinois, has two full-time and two half-time (which could be paired for a full-time) library media positions in the middle schools available for school year 2007-2008.
Information and job vacancy numbers can be found by following links to the Human Resources Department at http://webs.rps205.com. Application can be made on-line through July 3.

Full Time Young Adult Services Professional
*Hours: 40 hrs per week
*Compensation: $39,832.00 yearly, based on qualifications and experience. Full benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance, IMRF position
* Overview of Position: Position would report directly to the Adult Services Manager. Duties would include answering reference questions, assisting with YA collection development, promoting YA programs, and other duties as needed within the department. Further description of job duties will be discussed during the interview. Be a part of a growing Adult Services.
* Department Expectations: Employee must be willing to travel between libraries as needed. Hours must be flexible to accommodate initial training. Evenings and weekends will be required.
*Qualifications: MLS required, MLS students encouraged to apply. Internet and Computer Skills required. Knowledge of the Sirsi/Workflows Database preferred.

If interested, please submit a resume to:
Shannon N. Pohrte annon Pohrte,
Des Plaines Valley Library District
121 E. 8th St.
Lockport IL 60441

Email: spohrte@dpvlib.org
by July 31st,2007. All applications will be given equal consideration.

PT Young Adult Library Assistant
Woodstock Public Library seeks creative, enthusiastic person to plan & implement activities for middle & high school patrons; 15-20 hrs/wk, 4- 9 p.m., some daytime meetings.
* Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s in Education or related; exp. working with teens; exc. communications & computer skills; bilingual desirable.
* Salary: $15.51/hr., pro-rated benefits.

To apply call or visit:
Woodstock City Hall
121 W. Calhoun St.
Phone: 815-338-1172.
Deadline: Friday, July 13, 2007.

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
No Reference and ILL News this week.

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

Public Library News

Public Library Construction Workshop
Fred Schlipf has served as a library building consultant since 1987 and has completed approximately 85 library projeccts, primarily public, but also special, school, and academic. Fred will join us in person at each of the three PALS service centers in July to discuss the construction process including planning, construction, legal issues, funding, etc. including a slide show featuring good and bad library design concepts. If there's a building project, renovation, or redesign in your future, you may want to hear what Fred has to say. He will be at the Coal Valley Service Center on July 16, Rockford on the 17th, and Shorewood on the 18th. Lunch in included in the $10 fee. Register on the PALS CLeO. For other construction questions, contact Sandy Ringstrom at sandyr@palsnet.info, x2710.

PLA Receives Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grant to Help Public Libraries Build Skills and Experience Needed to Increase Local Support and Funding. $7.7 Million Grant Will Fund National Training Program for Library Staff and Supporters
(Washington, D.C.) – Susan Hildreth, president of the Public Library Association (PLA) announced during the 2007 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded PLA a $7.7 million grant to develop and provide a national advocacy training program for public librarians over the next three years. Research shows that the public is often unaware of the contributions libraries and librarians make to the health and vitality of their communities. As a result, libraries—which receive more than 80 percent of their funding from local sources—are often overlooked when scarce state, and local financing are allocated among critical services in a community. To help library staff and supporters counter this trend, PLA’s training program will provide librarians with the skills and resources necessary to seek increased funding, create community partnerships, and build alliances with local and regional decision makers.

The training will support libraries that are eligible to receive Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Opportunity Online hardware grants, which require grantees to match foundation funds with local dollars. It will also be available to non-grantees on a limited basis. “It is imperative that all librarians and library supporters learn to position their public library as an essential community resource in ways that resonate with local stakeholders and result in increased local funding,” said Jill Nishi, program manager of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s U.S. Libraries initiative. “This professional development program will give people the skills they need to channel their passion and commitment to libraries into strategic community outreach and communications.”

The training will be offered in sites around the country for Gates Foundation grantees, as well as online and during the PLA National Conference and the PLA Spring Symposium. Foundation grantees will be encouraged to send teams of up to three people to the locally customized training where they will learn about and create advocacy plans grounded in the reality of their local, political and economic environment. Each participant will also receive the PLA publication Libraries Prosper with Passion, Purpose and Persuasion: A PLA Toolkit for Success, which will provide them with step-by-step instructions for implementing their advocacy plan. Finally, the training will include access to an online community, which will provide original content, managed discussions and ongoing support for libraries engaged in local campaigns to build public support and funding.

“As outlined in PLA’s strategic plan, advocacy is a priority for our organization,” said Hildreth. “Thanks to the generous support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we will be able to reach thousands of librarians with the training they need to build the skills and confidence necessary to effectively advocate for increased public funding for their libraries.”

Citizenship Toolkit
The Illinois State Library is pleased to join the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) in urging public libraries to order a free Civics and Citizenship Toolkit. The kit provides valuable information to begin developing or enhancing public library collections for immigrants. The toolkit is free to public libraries, one toolkit per library, first come first served. Public libraries should order directly from the website www.citizenshiptoolkit.gov. Because resources are limited USCIS says only public libraries are eligible to receive the kit.

Academic Library News
No Academic Library News this week.

Special Library News

Save the Date!
SLA-Illinois and the DuPage, Metropolitan and North Suburban Library Systems are proud to present Aspirations, Realities and Opportunities: An Interactive Conversation on November 2, 2007 at the Oak Brook Marriott. This one-day conference will explore the changing role of the special librarian today, and how library professionals can navigate the chutes and ladders of their careers now and in the future. The keynote speaker will be Janice LaChance, Chief Executive Officer of the Special Libraries Association. Registration will open soon, so mark your calendars now!

Questions can be directed to Gretel Stock-Kupperman at stockg@mls.lib.il.us, or 630-734-5139.

Support Staff News
No Support Staff News this week.

Technology Services News
No Technology Services News this week.

E-Rate Corner

This week I have an important reminder about Technology Plans. Please be sure that your technology plan either has or is in the process of being certified. Your plan must be state approved by June 30. This could adversely affect your E-Rate funding commitments. Questions about your certification can be addressed to:

Connie Frankenfeld, Digital Program Librarian
Illinois State Library
Gwendolyn Brooks Building
300 South Second Street
Springfield, IL 62701-1796

Next time, we will begin an overview of Form 486. For question, call Marilyn at 815-229-4470 or email at: marilynj@palsnet.info

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

Library News Around the State & Nation

Synergy Outreach
Members of the 2006 cohort of Synergy: The Illinois Library Leadership Initiative are pleased to announce the publication of a quarterly newsletter, one of several resources created in effort to develop a Synergy Association for past, current, and future members of this state-wide leadership development program. The June 2007 issue of the Synergy Update newsletter includes a profile of a Synergy graduate, a book review, an article on a shared library catalog tool, and a listing of upcoming events at ALA and ILA conferences. Other projects developed as an effort to connect Synergy graduates and others interested in the initiative are a membership directory and a blog. Visit the blog for updates on events as well as links to the newsletter and membership directory. Synergy is "the statewide library community's proactive movement to recruit and nurture future Illinois library leaders." More information about Synergy can be found on the Illinois State Library website. For more information on the Synergy newsletter, blog or membership directory, please send a message to synergyillinois@gmail.com

New Survey
The Illinois State Library, in cooperation with Lincoln Trail Libraries System, is conducting a survey to determine which online subscription databases Illinois public libraries currently purchase for their users. The results of this survey will support the Illinois WorldCat Local Project as well as assist the Illinois regional library systems and the Illinois State Library in e-resource coordination and planning. The survey should take 5-10 minutes to complete. The Illinois State Library staff appreciates your prompt response to the following questions. To view the entire survey, please go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=LyRdvw1KERRRcIifn4brgg_3d_3d

ILLINET/OCLC Delegate Election Results
The Illinois State Library congratulates the following Illinois candidates elected to the OCLC Members' Council for the term running from June, 2007 - May 31, 2010:
Deanne Holshouser, Director, Edwardsville Public Library;
Jan Ison, Director, Lincoln Trail Libraries System;
and Jay Starratt, Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Technology, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.

Grant Celebration
Planning is underway for a big celebration at the Illinois State Library during this October's Illinois Library Association annual conference in Springfield. Together with the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI, which is two years old this year), we're planning to mark the 10th anniversary of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). This federal program, administered in Illinois by the State Library, has provided important grant funding to hundreds of libraries, museums and our regional library systems. On Wednesday October 10th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., we're hosting a reception for all FY08 LSTA grant recipients. We'll have food and drinks, hand out ceremonial checks, and Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has been invited to attend and have photos taken with grant recipients. We'll announce FY08 grant recipients in late August. If you get a grant and plan to attend ILA, mark your calendar now for what promises to be a fun event!

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

New ALA Advocacy Web Site Targets Public Audience
CHICAGO- The American Library Association (ALA) is launching its new public advocacy Web site, www.ilovelibraries.org, at the start of the ALA 2007 Annual Conference, June 21-27, 2007. The Web site strives to increase the visibility of today's library, as well as about the issues facing libraries in communities throughout the country. "The idea behind ilovelibraries.org is simple." said 2006-2007 ALA President Leslie Burger, who made the Web site one of the top initiatives of her presidential year. "We want to reach out to people who use and love libraries and offer them a chance to get involved in the health and vitality of America's libraries."

The site will contain a variety of features designed to attract - and hold the attention of -- library lovers of all kinds: reviews of new and award-winning books , fast-breaking library news, library spotlights, a "find a library" feature, blogs and newsfeeds, as well as library related links on YouTube and flickr. Interactive software will allow users to share their library stories, connect with other library lovers, and contact Congress about library issues. "We are excited to launch a Web site that will appeal to the ultimate advocate for libraries: the general public. Ilovelibraries.org will provide the information necessary to help library lovers make the case for libraries of all types, at the local, state and national levels," says Keith Michael Fiels, ALA Executive Director. "We know that we need to be reaching out to the millions of people that care deeply about libraries, and want to help. The site we're rolling out at conference is a big step for ALA, but it's just the beginning. As the site moves forward, we are looking to our membership and the community at large to contribute stories, examples and ideas to help strengthen and grow this valuable tool."

State Legislative Update
The June 30 deadline for the current state budget is almost here. The governor and the legislative leaders agreed last week to work on a stopgap budget to keep the state government from shutting down on July 1. The budget revenue sources vary as do the numbers, but as this is written, the only proposals on paper are the House Democratic and Republican bills. The House democratic budget is in House Amendment #1 to SB 1132 and can be viewed at: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1132&GAID=9&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=29200&SessionID=51&GA=95

The House Republican proposal is in HB 4110. and can be viewed at: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=4110&GAID=9&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=33706&SessionID=51&GA=95
A number of PALS representatives: Tom Cross, Timothy Schmitz; Brent Hassert and Renee Kosel are sponsors of this bill. You might find it interesting to look at the long list of actions posted under the bill.

You can see from this that there has been much debate many amendments and little consensus. Just today, there was speculation that it would be unlikely either budget bill will pass before the end of July, keeping legislators in session through much of the summer.

Two Advocacy Speeds
Almost every grassroots organization on the planet has two advocacy speeds: “Panic” and “Doldrums”. We operate at the “panic” speed when there’s a perceived threat to (or extremely valuable benefit for) our livelihood and the livelihood of our members. This spring, it was HB 1727, library mandatory filters. We operate at the “doldrums” speed when there’s nothing really all that exciting going on but greatly pick up our activity when we see a threat to our operations. How can we keep up that higher level of alert and participation? The simple answer is to have some sort of legislative crisis. But no one really wants that, right? Our goal shouldn’t be to have a “panic” level of activity when there’s no reason to panic! We need to find ways to boost participation on a day-to-day basis, not to use the panic mode as our benchmark for grassroots activity.

Last week in Prairie Views, we suggested that you use the summer months to make visits to district offices and get to know your legislators. Stop by, introduce yourself or invite the legislators to an event at your library. A simple tool is to ask the legislators to be a guest reader. They love the opportunity! I’ve yet to hear of one refusing this invitation. A smart next step is to then invite the press, or, take some digital photos and submit them to your local press along with a brief article describing the event. IF this was as a guest reader, here’s an opportunity to boast about the summer reading program and why it’s of benefit to children and how it furthers students at the start of the fall school semester.

Another easy tool is to create a READ poster of the legislator. This includes your local level officials. Take a photo of your mayor, the city councilmen and other influential members in your community. They’ll be honored to be asked and you’ll build more good will for your library.

Grant News

IMLS and AASLH to Sponsor Collections Bookshelf Grants
The Institute of Museums and Libraries(IMLS) and the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) will provide expert information and resources. The bookshelf will provide small and medium-sized libraries and museums with essential resources needed to improve the condition of their collections. A collection of core texts, recommended by a panel of experts in the field and selected by IMLS, will be distributed free of charge to 2,000 institutions. The bookshelf focuses on collections typically found in art or history museums and in libraries' special collections, with an added selection of texts for zoos, aquaria, gardens, and nature centers. The bookshelf will include books, bibliographies, DVDs, and a guide to online resources. It will address such topics as the philosophy and ethics of collecting, collection management and planning, emergency preparedness, and culturally specific conservation issues. This project is based on the need discovered during the study A Public Trust at Risk (http://www.imls.gov/pdf/HHIsummary.pdf).
Libraries interested in applying should watch the IMLS website (http://www.imls.gov/index.shtm) on September 1st for the announcement of how to apply. The first deadline will be 11/15/07 with awards to be announced in February. There will be a second opportunity to apply with a 4/15/07 deadline.

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 and $7.00 for under 18 as of July 1, 2007.

Here are some websites if you wish to copy:
Illinois minimum wage poster
Illinois Department of Labor website chart of new minimum wages by year

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.