volume #4 issue#44

November 1, 2007

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

PALS Board Seeking School Librarian to Fill Open Board Seat
The Prairie Area Library System is seeking a school librarian 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. Board members are expected to attend as many meetings as possible and are reimbursed for travel expenses.
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. The vacancy occurred due to the resignation of Nancy Buikema, Media Specialist K-8, River Bend Schools. Nancy resigned due to personal reasons. The Board accepted Nancy's resignation with extreme regret.

PALS/UW-Madison Wisconsin MLS Open House
Are you ready to enroll in a program of graduate study leading to a Master's Degree in Library and Information Studies? PALS and the UW-Madison are in their third year of partnership to help librarians obtain an ALA-Accredited MLS. As we look forward to a 4th year, we are planning our annual Open House on Wednesday, December 5 from 5-7:30 p.m. This is a normal class night and all potential students are encouraged to attend at one of the three PALS service centers, Coal Valley, Rockford or Shorewood. This informational session will take place during a regularly scheduled class where you can meet the current students and faculty and see how a videoconference class is conducted. Attending this Open House does not mean you are committing to the program. Just bring your questions!

More information is available on the UW-Madison website. Contact Deb Shapiro at UW-M (608-262-9195), Jane Lenser at PALS (877-542-7257 x4461), or Sandy Ringstrom at PALS (877-542-7257 x2710) for further information about the Open House.

Last Reminder! PALS All-Member Meeting
PALS is premiering the first PALS all-member meeting via neighborhood videoconference. Join us from 9:30-12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 6 to meet some of the PALS staff, get updates on projects including delivery, grants, long-range plan, restructuring the webpage, PALS Day 2008 and other topics. This meeting will be available at all of the 8 neighborhood locations.

Networking within each neighborhood will follow the videoconference where we will discuss topics that pertain specifically to that neighborhood. This is your chance to network with your neighbor libraries and see what's happening in your immediate area. Door prizes consisting of a gift certificate for PALS Day 2008 will be awarded at each location. You must be present to win.
For additional information contact: Judy Hutchinson (ext 3150 or judyh@palsnet.info); Nancy Smith (ext 4466 or nancys@palsnet.info); Dawn DeVenti (ext 4463 or dawnd@palsnet.info); Sandy Ringstrom (ext 2710 or sandyr@palsnet.info)

Please register in CLeO:
Coal Valley Service Center
Elizabeth Campus, Highland Community College
Kankakee Public Library
LaSalle Public Library
Rockford Service Center
Shorewood Service Center
Sterling Public Library
Sycamore Public Library

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

Overview and Introduction of WebJunction Illinois and TechAtlas
Meet us at the crossroads! A crossroads is defined as a place that is centrally located, a crucial point, and a place where two or more roads meet. We want to invite you to meet us at the new crossroads for the Illinois Library Community - WebJunction Illinois. In this overview and introduction, Lisa Barnhart and Dawne Tortorella will introduce you to key features, including free courses, participation in online forums, locating Illinois resources, tips for getting the most out of the site, and an introduction to the free technology planning tool - TechAtlas. Libraries of all types are encouraged to attend this session. This meeting will take place at the LaSalle Public Library on December 5, 2007. The morning and afternoon sessions are the same; participants only need to attend one.
Please register in CleO. For additional information contact Dawn DiVenti at dawnd@palsnet.info

NIU Spring Classes
The two classes that Northern Illinois University will be holding at the PALS Service Centers (Rockford, Coal Valley, and Shorewood) for the spring 2008 semester are:
ETT 523 “Media for Young Adults” (Thursdays—4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.) and
ETT 531 “Visual Literacy” (Tuesdays—4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.). Visual Literacy has a prerequisite of ETT 510 “Instructional Media and Technology”.

NIU also has other courses that might be of interest to future or current librarians and library information specialists. Here is a link to the course finder. People can search for classes under ETT and the research courses are under ETR. Additional classes may still be added.

Other library media classes offered next semester by NIU are:
ETT 501 Proseminar in Instructional Technology, meets 7 Thursday evenings plus online in DeKalb
ETT 439 Developing Educational Software (Using Flash), meets on Monday evenings in DeKalb
ETT 507 Collection Development, meets on Monday evenings in DeKalb (some online meetings in place of face to face)
ETT 508 Reference Theory and Practice, meets on 4 Saturdays in Naperville (3/29, 4/12, 4/19, 5/3) plus online
ETT 510 Instructional Media and Technology, meets on Wednesdays evenings in DeKalb
ETT 523 Media for Young Adults, Thursdays at PALS and DeKalb
ETT 527 Library Materials for Children, meets on 4 Saturdays in Naperville (1/19, 2/2, 2/23, 3/8) plus online
ETT 530 Instructional Technology Tools (various software), meets on Tuesday evenings in DeKalb
ETT 531 Visual Literacy on Tuesdays at PALS and DeKalb
ETT 533 School Library Media Centers, meets on 3 weekends in DeKalb (1/26-27, 2/9-10, 3/1-3/2)
ETT 542t Information Access and Social Responsibility for Library Information Specialists meets 4 weekends in DeKalb (2/15-16, 3/28-29, 4/4-5, 4/25-26)

New students should contact Karen Woodworth Roman, Program Advisor, for more information. Her phone is 815-753-9321. Registration starts November 5th.

Member News
No Member News this week.

Missing Books - 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.

Title:Cells
Bar Code: 30050054773451
Call #: VT 577.8 Cell
Intransit to BVHG

CD-Book The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
barcode #31523100795891 intransit to SYLY from BYLY

In Transit "To DKLY:"
From JPBB, 332.6322 MLA, Stock investing for dummies
From SELG, CD RAP BAR, St. Elsewhere
From SAUG, CHILD LIT PR6068.093 HAR 1998, Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone
From JPBB, 616.75223 MAR, The natural medicine guide to anxiety
From FPLY, FDVD 676 TV, House M.D. Season one, Disc 1
From RIPG, 641.4 WAR, Canning and preserving for dummies
From RVLG, DVD PSY3-R, Psycho III
From EMPG, RR 735 CD, Ten thousand fists
From BPLG, SF/FAN BUTC, Summer Knight
From MRBB, CD SOU CHICAGO, Chicago All are

In Transit "From DKLY:"
To HHSY, YA COO, The runaway princess
To IHBB, B ANG, I know why the caged bird sings

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.

Reddick Library has the following to giveaway.
* Gale directory of Publications and Broadcast Media. 139th edition. 2004. 5 vol. + 1 update

If interested contact:
Elaine Chapman
Email: emchapman@reddicklibrary.org

Free Books
*Downstate Illinois business directory 2006-2007 edition
*Chicago Area business directory 2006-2007 edition (2 vols)
Both by directories USA

If interested contact:
Jody Studer
Phone: 708-301-7908
Email: jstuder@homerlibrary.org

Free CRT (tube based) Monitors Available
PALS has the following monitors available for pickup at the following service centers. Please contact the staff person listed for each service center to arrange pickup.

*Coal Valley – Kacy Kelly, kacyk@palsnet.info
1 - Sun 17”
4 - Gateway 19”
4 - Gateway 17”

*Shorewood – Tony Tian, tonyt@palsnet.info
12 - Gateway CRT monitors 17”
1 - Gateway CRT monitor 19”
1 - CTX CRT monitor 19”

* Rockford – Jeff Mahan, jeffm@palsnet.info
2 - Sceptre 15”
2 - Gateway 15”
2 - HP 15”
2 - Princeton 15”
2 - Viewsonic 15”
1 - NEC 15”

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.

Due to an IMRF Early Retirement Incentive program, Fountaindale Public Library District has a number of positions opening up. We serve the diverse communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville. For more information, check out our web site at www.fountaindale.lib.il.us

Human Resources Manager
Fountaindale Public Library District is looking for an experienced Human Resources Manager who will be responsible for all human resource activities for two libraries and 112 employees. Full-time. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and five years of experience required. PHR or SPHR preferred.
Starting salary: $39,009 per year.
Closing date: until position is filled

To apply, send a letter of application, current resume, and three professional references to:
Helen Valantinas, Assistant Director for Administrative Services
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook , IL 60440
personnel@fountaindale.lib.il.us
Equal Opportunity Employer

Adult and Teen Services Manager
Fountaindale Public Library District is seeking an experienced, public service-oriented manager to lead the adult and teen services staff of 18 in the development of new technologies, and delivery of reference, reader’s advisory, interlibrary loan and computer services to adult and teen library patrons. Strong managerial skills required. Planning ability and Spanish language skills are a plus. This full-time position includes evening and weekend hours. Fountaindale Public Library District serves a population of 71,474 with two libraries, and circulated 827,000 items in 2006-07. A master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school, plus six year’s experience required.
Starting salary: $48,446 per year
Closing date: until position is filled.

Send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:
Marianne Thompson, Assistant Director for Public Services
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
personnel@fountaindale.lib.il.us
Equal Opportunity Employer

Computer Assistant
Fountaindale Public Library District is seeking a Computer Assistant to provide computer assistance and training to library patrons. This 25-hour per week part-time position includes some evenings and week-ends. High School diploma with computer related course work.
Starting salary: $8.91 per hour
Closing date: Until position is filled.

Send cover letter, resume and three references, including contact information, to:
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Attention: Personnel
personnel@fountaindale.lib.il.us
Equal Opportunity Employer

Adult and Teen Services Assistant
Fountaindale Public Library District, which proudly serves the diverse communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois, is seeking a public service-oriented individual to provide readers services in the Adult and Teen Services department.
* Duties include helping patrons at the reader’s services and reference desks, assisting in the computer labs and with library programming, and preparing materials for bibliographies and displays.
* This 37.5 hour per week, full-time position includes evening and weekend hours.
* LA/LTA certification, plus six months of related experience required. Spanish language skills are a plus.
* Starting rate: $12.50 per hour
* Closing date: Until position is filled.

Send cover letter, resume and three professional references to:
Foutaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
personnel@fountaindale.lib.il.us
Equal Opportunity Employer

Library Services Consultant
Metropolitan Library System. MLS is looking for a highly motivated, team-oriented professional to join our Consulting and Continuing Education Department. This position will be involved in all aspects of consulting on library related topics and in developing continuing education events for all types of libraries that we serve.
* The ideal candidate will have multi-type library experience. Public library experience (in reference, youth services, and/or administration) is preferred.
* This position requires an MLS degree from an ALA accredited institution, 3-6 years professional library work experience and a strong aptitude for technology. We are looking for professionals with extensive knowledge of library services, standards and administrative practices and procedures, and customer service management and delivery. Successful candidates will have the ability to be a productive member of a team and work in a team environment.
* The position is full-time. Salary range - $51,516 to $77,275.

Please send a cover letter, resume and 3 references via mail, e-mail or fax to:
Susan Pasetti
Director of HR & Facilities
Metropolitan Library System
125 Tower Drive
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Fax: 630-654-6354
Email: pasettis@mls.lib.il.us

Youth Services Supervising Librarian
Davenport Public Library
Full-time, permanent position 40 hours per week including days, evenings, Saturdays and Sundays $22.499/hr or $46,798/yr with good benefit package.
*Requires an ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library Science; professional public library experience & course work and interest in children/teen literature required; experience working as a children/teen librarian along with supervisory experience highly desirable; knowledge of child/teen development and children/teen library programs, services, techniques, and principles; creative storytelling and children/teen programming skills; ability to work with patrons of all ages; considerable knowledge and experience with computers and automated databases; good oral and written communications; and the ability to be extremely flexible with actual hours worked and in presenting and attending programs.
* Supervises the operation and staff in the Youth Services Department; creates, implements and presents library and community programs for children/teen and youth related programs for parents, caregivers and teachers; selects, maintains and evaluates a reference and circulating collection for juvenile/teen patrons; provides readers’ advisory and reference service; and participates in community outreach.
* Valid driver's license necessary for traveling between library locations.

Send/email resume or letter of interest to:
Sue Anderson
Library HR Manager
Davenport Public Library
321 Main Street
Davenport, IA 52801
sanderson@davenportlibrary.com
Job description available at http://www.davenportlibrary.com
Accepting applications:October 30, 2007 – November 14, 2007 EEO M/F

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

Illinois Public Libraries--Your Assistance Is Needed!
The 2007 National Public Library Funding and Technology Access survey is closing November 25, 2007. The Illinois State Library needs your help to complete this survey! Your support is critical! The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation continues their efforts to bring high quality technology services to all communities. Many public libraries do not have enough funding to keep pace in our fast paced technology world. In turn, libraries have outdated computers and slow, if any, Internet access. The goal of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is to obtain enough stable funding to ensure they are able to meet library patrons' needs for high-quality services and access to information. In the fall of 2006, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded a grant to the American Library Association's Office of Research and Statistics (ALA) to work with Florida State University's Information Institute (FSU) to track library funding and technology trends on an annual basis to better understand how to improve support in those areas. These findings are compiled in the Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study. This year's survey has been in the field since September 2, 2007, and will be closing on November 25, 2007. This survey is vital to all of us! Upon completion of this survey we will have a better understanding of our library's roles in providing access to the Internet and digital information. The survey data also gives national and state policymakers, library practitioners, and private funding organizations a better understanding of the issues libraries face, along with essential issues that need to be addressed in our communities. Data from past FSU and ALA studies has been used on behalf of public libraries in Congressional testimony, by the U.S. Census Bureau, and even by the U.S. Supreme Court. Finally, this information will inform the foundations' grant making through our U.S. Libraries Initiative.

The Illinois State Library needs you to be a part of this 'one of a kind' national study by completing this survey as soon as possible. In order to have an accurate measurement of the status of funding and technology needs in the U.S. public libraries they must have a maximum number of responses, from us. Please complete this online survey at http://survey.pnmi.com/ by November 25, 2007. The survey takes about 40 minutes to complete and the data you provide about your library will be instrumental for us and other library professional across the county, now and in the years to come.

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

As we begin to think about starting our 470 forms for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2008, a quick review of your computer and its software should be done before you begin the filing process.
Operating System: Windows2000 or higher for PC’s and OS9 or higher for Macs
Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher. Netscape is also supported but Safari, Mozilla and other web browsers are not.
Cookie Settings: Set to ‘Automatically’ or ‘Every visit to the page.’
Firewall Settings: Ports 80 and 443 (https) should be open to Internet traffic. The firewall should be set to allow ‘headers.’
Software: No special software is required. Application and display functions no longer depend on Adobe or PDF.

Some other issues to be aware of include: Turn off pop-up blockers
Clear your temporary Internet files Enable cookies Disable your content advisor
Use the Tab key to move sequentially through your forms.
When entering costs, do not use dollar signs or commas.
If you have any questions about these or any E-Rate issue contact Marilyn, PALS – Rockford at 815-229-4470 or email marilynj@palsnet.info

Library News Around the State & Nation

IPLAR FY2008 & ILLINET INTERLIBRARY LOAN TRAFFIC FORM FY2007 AND FY2008
The Illinois State Library staff has announced that a new vendor has been selected for these reports and detailed information will be forthcoming. The timeline below summarizes when these reporting tools should initially be available for data input and completion:
1. IPLAR FY2008: January 14, 2008
2. ILLINET ILL Traffic Form FY2007: January 14, 2008
3. ILLINET ILL Traffic Form FY2008: March 1, 2008

ALA 2008 Scholarship Online Application Now Available
Scholarship money is available for future librarians! The American Library Association (ALA) has more than $300,000 for students who are studying library science or school library media at the master's degree level. Scholarships typically range from $2,500 to $6,500 per student per year. The application and instructions are available on-line at www.ala.org/scholarships. The application deadline is March 1. There are many types of scholarships available for the study of librarianship. These include scholarships for students who are interested in Children's Librarianship, School Librarianship, Youth Librarianship, Federal Librarianship, and Library Automation. In addition, there are also scholarships available for minorities, persons with disabilities and for people who are already employed in libraries but do not have an MLS. To be considered for one of these scholarships, applicants must attend a masters program in library and information science that has been accredited by the ALA. Applicants interested in school library media must attend a program that meets ALA curriculum guidelines for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The scholarship process is open annually from October through March. For more information, visit www.ala.org/scholarships or call the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse at 800-545-2433, ext. 4279.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Advocating With Our Legislators: Stand Out From the Crowd
How do you stand out from the crowd of people communicating with legislators? Simply by doing things other people rarely do, such as expressing an interest in the legislator’s issues, telling a personal, thoughtful story (instead of a mass-produced e-mail or postcard) and timing your communication so that it coincides with a decision point in the process. In so doing, you will override the system in place for dealing with the large quantity of communications they receive and you will in turn gain more personal attention. While this doesn’t guarantee a vote you’d desire every time, the legislator will better remember you and just might be pleased that they can support your bill next time. As an example of standing out from the crowd, think of Janie Dollinger’s (Lanark PL) Book Bag Advocacy method as described in last week’s Prairie Views. Or ask JoAnn Potenziani (New Lenox PLD) about her personal story testimony at the budget hearings and the attention her statement received.

Remember to send a thank you note when the vote goes as you’d desire, or, even if the bill is defeated but your legislator supported your view. Your legislator will remember that you paid attention and followed how they voted. It’s more likely they'll be supportive of a familiar face and somebody who pays attention to them. Become that for your legislators and let them know you appreciate their support. Or offer that you hope that while you’re disappointed in the vote on a particular issue, they'll remember that you’re available to discuss the impact on libraries whenever a library related bill is introduced. And that you hope they can vote favorably next time. Never ever just write them off.

Grant News

Grants Target K-12 School Libraries
Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries
The goal of the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries is to provide print books to K-12 school libraries and students that most need them. Grants of up to $6,000 are made to update, extend, and diversify the book collections of school libraries throughout the United States. Preference is given to elementary, middle, and high schools where 90% or more of the school population receives free or reduced lunch. All Foundation grants are made to individual schools rather than to school districts, foundations, or other entities. The application deadline is December 31, 2007. Visit the website listed above to submit an online application.

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

Just So You Know
No Just So You Know this week.

Prairie Views will be published weekly on Thursdays on the PALS website. PALS member libraries are encouraged to send items for inclusion to prairieviews@palsnet.info by Tuesday of the week you would like your information to appear.

We will send an email reminder each week when the new issue is available on the PALS website. If you do not currently receive email reminders, please send a message to prairieviews@palsnet.info to have your email address added to the reminder mailing list or visit http://mailman.palsnet.info/mailman/listinfo to subscribe or unsubscribe yourself.