volume #5 issue#2

January 10, 2008

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

PALS Board Meeting
PALS will hold a regular monthly meeting of it Board of Directors on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 from 10-2 at the LaSalle Public Library, 305 Marquette St., LaSalle, IL, 61301.
To view the agenda, click on the following link:
http://www.palsnet.info/about/board/0108/agenda20080115.doc.
For more information contact Cori Swanson at 309-799-3155 x3163.

PALS Offering Rides to Public Library Association
(PLA) Conference in Minneapolis in March March 25-29, 2008 is the Public Library Association’s (PLA) 12th biennial conference at Minneapolis (http://www.placonference.org/). Offering more than 200 programs in 8 tracks, this conference features many nationally known speakers including collection development guru Nancy Pearl, John Wood (formerly of Microsoft and founder of Room to Read) and actor/comedian Kevin Nealon. It’s a great opportunity to learn what’s going on in the library world nationally and to network with public library folks from across the country.This year PALS staff is driving to Minneapolis and there are seats for up to 10 members to ride along. (http://www.palsnet.info/events See March 25th calendar.)

The 200 programs cover the whole range of library issues from adult service to marketing to technology presented by librarians and library consultants with expertise and experience. They cover the day to day issues like “Successful Programming When You Have a Million Things to Do,” “So What? Using Outcome Measures…,” “Library Conflict Management,” and “21st Century Library Design.” Some of the more intriguing titles are “Sexy Senior Programming at Your Library,” “Reinventing the Library,” “Marketing without Money,” and “Think Outside the Book.” You can find the preliminary program at http://www.placonference.org/pdf/pla2008preliminary.

Folks who’ve attended PLA are strong advocates that this offers a great opportunity for library directors and/or staff to be exposed to a broad range of public library oriented information and trends. This conference tends to be held nearer the coasts and this offering a Minneapolis is a rare opportunity to attend at a “nearby” Midwestern site. Registration and lodging information can be found at the conference site listed above. Early bird registration is in place until January 18th. Questions about the ride can be directed to Nancy Smith (nancys@palsnet.info, x4466) or Sandy Ringstrom (sandyr@palsnet.info, x2710).

PALSGroup Cataloging Policies and Procedures
The PALSGroup Technical Services Users Group (TSUG) and its subcommittee have been working hard on a policies and procedures manual so that libraries will do things in the same way and make it easier for patrons to find materials. At this time, several policies and procedures have been approved by TSUG, the Administrative Council, and the Delegates Assembly. We do expect all PrairieCat member libraries to follow the policies and procedures that have been approved by TSUG and the Administrative Council (AC) because the assumption is that the Delegates Assembly (DA) will ratify them. The latest version of the policies and procedures manual can be found on the PALSGroup Secure Site under Technical Services Users Group, Miscellaneous Technical Services Documents, Technical Services Policies and Procedures Manual (http://members.prairiecat.info/pgss/tsug/miscdocs.php). If you do not have a login for the Secure Site, please contact your director or administrative librarian for it.

There are two policies that we have had an issue with that I would like to highlight. First, item category 2 is a mandatory field. There must be a value in that field. That field is where the information for the Kids Catalog is pulled. Second, any item published every 3 years or more often is to be added to the serial record, not the individual volume record. If there is a year in the title, it is recommended that you search by the title to see if there is a serial record in PrairieCat. If you do not find one, it is recommended that you search FirstSearch/OCLC for a serial record before determining that the individual volume record is the one to use. There is a list of the approved Item types, Item categories, and Locations on the secure site under Frequently Accessed Documents (http://members.prairiecat.info/pgss/fad/). It is important to use this list when adding your items as there are some terms from the previous systems still in the dropdowns in Workflows.

Please pass this information on to any staff that work in or with Acquisitions, Cataloging, and Serials. Please remember that any staff that add items to the database, regardless of their title, is responsible for knowing these policies and procedures. If you have questions about the policies or procedures please contact Mary Louise Brown at x3253 or maryb@palsnet.info; Sandy Tedder at x2713 or sandyt@palsnet.info; or Merideth Willett at x3257 or meridethw@palsnet.info.

Events/Continuous Learning
CLeO: All continuous learning events sponsored by PALS are open to all staff or representatives of member libraries. Registration is required for all PALS continuous learning programs. To register, visit the PALS CLeO at http://www.palsnet.info/events/

Information on registration, how to set up a CLeO account, and PALS procedures for continuous learning can be found on the PALS website at: http://www.palsnet.info/services/cl/default.asp

PALS Events by Month

Fundraising and Grantwriting for Librarians
The Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is pleased to offer the following continuing professional development courses. The courses are ALA-APA approved for Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) candidates,but are open to any interested librarian or information professional.
*Fundraising and Grantwriting for Librarians* This course will familiarize the student with the principles of fundraising and grantwriting within the context of the mission and goals of the organization. Topics include community needs analysis, grant research tools, writing in grant style, grant evaluation and reporting, relationship building, and fundraising strategies and activities.
Dates: January 28 - March 10, 2008
Times: Online asynchronous
Cost: $300
Instructor: Jason Kovac, University of Texas, Austin
http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/CPLA/fund.html

LACONI Administrator's Section Presents Mentoring: Growing the Next Generation of Library Leaders
February 15, 2008
New Lenox Public Library
120 Veterans Parkway
New Lenox, Il 60451
A flyer with more details is enclosed.

Beyond Good Intentions: Creating Enlivening and Successful Collaborations
When: February 11, 2008, 9:30 – 4:30
Where: Metropolitan Library System, Burr Ridge
Cost: $75, lunch included
Collaboration and community involvement are rallying cries as leaders and funders are urging, and even requiring, joint approaches to meet community needs. If you have ever tried cooperative ventures and were discouraged, or if you are ready to try them and want to move forward with more than good intentions and positive attitudes, this session will offer you the information, resources, and tools crucial to understanding the dynamics and laying the foundation for successful collaboration. It is suggested, though not required, that you invite a member of an organization in your community that is interested in collaborating with your library to attend with you.

Topics will include:
* Networking, cooperation, and collaboration - similarities and differences
* Assessing organizational readiness for collaboration
* Assessing community need and readiness for collaboration
* Building readiness for collaboration
* Guiding principles and practices for successful implementation
* Common difficulties and strategies for resolution

Members of other library systems are welcome to attend.

Presenter: Sharon Colby, Wellspring Associates, Albuquerque, NM. Sharon Colby, MA, has worked for more than 25 years in personal, organizational and community transformation. She has worked extensively with public libraries and systems in Illinois. She provides individually tailored consulting and training to libraries and library systems, including designing and facilitating organizational development processes, community dialog sessions, conflict resolution with troubled boards and management teams, strategic planning, and a wide variety of staff development and management team topics.

To register, visit http://www.mls.lib.il.us/calendar/CalendarManage.cfm?ID=2789&etype=1&State=16&LangID=1&group=0. Registration deadline is February 1, 2008, and questions can be directed to Lynette Glenn at glennl@mls.lib.il.us.

Member News

It’s Our Fifth Birthday!
It’s five years since Joliet Public Library’s Black Road Branch, 3395 Black Road, opened. Come to our “birthday party” Sunday, January 20; refreshments available between 1:30 and 4:30pm at the Black Road location.

Lit Wits
Writer Eddy Harris will read from his work February 7 at Augustana College in the College’s literary readings series, “Lit Wits: Writers Read at Augustana.”
Three more Lit Wits readings will take place this spring:
Elizabeth McCracken, Thursday, March 13
William Logan, Thursday, April 3
Kerri Webster, Thursday, April 17

Lits Wits is sponsored by the Institute for Leadership and Service, the Tredway Library, the English Department, and the Dean’s Office at Augustana College.
Calendar: All located in Wallenberg Hall, Denkmann Building, Augustana College, at 7:00 p.m.


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.
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.

Augustana Tredway Library
has the following item available to anyone interested:
Physician's Desk Reference, 61st ed., 2007

If interested contact:
Sally L. Cobert
Phone: 309-794-7641
Email: sallycobert@augustana.edu

Lights Out!
is a new book that chronicles the devastating economic and social effect of the 1980s recession on workers in the Quad Cities. Through academic research and personal interviews, Augustana College students and faculty explore the human impact of those times. The Center for Vocational Reflection at Augustana College will provide a free copy of the book to PALS libraries, but quantities are limited.

For more information and to sign up for your copy, visit http://www.augustana.edu/vocation/lightsout/

Reddick library has to giveaway
1) Hoover's handboook of American Business 2006
2) Peterson's Graduate Programs. 6 vol set. 2006
3) Crain's Chicago Business : book of lists 2007.

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

Job Openings
Jobs can be submitted on the PALS website at http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/ or by sending them to prairieviews@palsnet.info. All jobs submitted by either method will be included in Prairie Views for one week and will be posted for 120 days on the PALS website unless the library posting the job requests that it be removed before 120 days. Visit http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/ to views all the job ads that PALS currently has posted.

Fountaindale Public Library District, which proudly serves the diverse communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois, is seeking a public service-oriented individual to sort, organize and re-shelve all library materials and assist with room set-ups. A 14 hour per week part-time position that includes some evenings and week-ends. Entry-level
* Starting salary: $7.52 per hour
* Closing date: Until position is filled.

Send cover letter, resume and three references, including contact information, to:
Human Resources
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Email: personnel@fountaindale.lib.il.us

Children’s 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 reference services and programming in the Children’s Services department at our Bolingbrook and Romeoville locations.
* Duties include helping patrons at the Children’s Services desk, planning and conducting children’s programs, and preparing materials for bibliographies and displays. This 25-hour per week, part-time position includes evening and weekend hours.
* LA/LTA certification or an Associate’s degree in child development, plus one year related of experience required. Spanish language skills are a plus.
* Starting salary: $12.50 per hour
* Closing date: Until position is filled.

Send cover letter, resume and three references, including contact information, to:
Human Resources
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Email: personnel@fountaindale.lib.il.us

Circulation 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 circulation services in both library locations.
* Duties include checking materials in and out at the Circulation desk and on the phone, issuing and renewing library cards, and collecting overdue materials. This is a 20-hour per week, part-time position including evening and weekend hours.
* A high school diploma plus one year of related circulation or customer service experience required. Spanish language skills are a plus.
* Starting salary: $10.55 per hour
* Closing date: When position is filled.

Send cover letter, resume and three references, including contact information, to:
Human Resources
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Email: personnel@fountaindale.lib.il.us

Mobile Services Manager
Indian Trails Public Library District 355 S. Schoenbeck Rd. Wheeling, IL 60090
*Classification: Librarian III
* Beginning Salary: $28.21 per hour
*Full - Time: 37.5 per week. Schedule includes days, evenings, weekends and some holidays, including the dates scheduled for community events. Flexibility required to accommodate programs, staff meetings, training and other emergencies.
* The key job functions of the Mobile Services Supervisor are to support the library’s goals and objectives through the planning, management, and supervision of Mobile Services, including services to Seniors and Shut-Ins, and Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The person in this position may also be called upon to assist with projects and fund-raising efforts of the Friends of the Library.
*Qualifications: The knowledge, skills and experience required include: a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science; a minimum of five years of progressively responsible management experience; the ability to operate and drive the library bookmobile in a safe and lawful manner in all kinds of weather conditions. Previous experience driving large vehicles desirable. The individual in this position must have the strength, manual dexterity, and stamina to perform Mobile Services in a variety of weather conditions. This person must be able to lift heavy 50 lb. bags of materials and push and pull carts weighing up to 400 lbs. of materials up and down an inclined ramp.
* Other necessary skills include: computer, word processing, and telephone skills; organizational and time management skills; desk top publishing skills, and knowledge of various software associated with the computer and with circulation database functions; use of duplicating, collating, copying, and other office machines ; a mechanical aptitude; math skills for computing fines and money; and First Aid skills. Knowledge of current literature trends. The ability to read write, speak, and comprehend English. Fluency in a second language is preferred. The individual must possess the interpersonal skills necessary to deal with people of all ages and abilities; an awareness of and sensitivity to a diverse group of patrons and their particular needs; the ability to work with individuals from a variety of ethnically diverse cultures; and work independently while being interrupted on a regular basis. This person must have reliable transportation and must also possess a valid driver’s license and be approved by the library’s insurance carrier. (New employees will have 60 days in which to train and obtain a valid Illinois Non-CDL Class C Driver’s License or equivalent.)
For additional information on the library please visit: http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/index.html
For information about the bookmobile, please visit: http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/library/bookmobile/index.html

Send Resume and a minimum of three relevant current job references no later than January 20, 2008 to:
R. Christine Gibson
Associate Director of Public Communications
Indian Trails Public Library District
355 S. Schoenbeck Rd.
Wheeling, IL 60090
or by e-mail to cgibson@indiantrailslibrary.org and put "Bookmobile Manager Application" in the subject heading.

Part-time Clerk
The New Lenox Library is seeking a friendly, service-oriented person for a part-time clerk position in the circulation department.
* High school diploma required, college helpful.
* A desire to work with the public a must; computer experience is a definite plus.
* Twenty hours per week, mostly evenings and weekends.
* Starts at $9 an hour. Benefits include IMRF, paid vacation and paid holidays.

Contact:
Jennie Suttle
Circulation Manager
New Lenox Public Library District
120 Veterans Parkway
New Lenox, IL 60451
Email: jsuttle@newlenoxlibrary.org.

Librarian
Morningstar`s Corporate Communications team is looking to hire an experienced Librarian who thrives in a fast-paced environment. This position develops and maintains the Morningstar library collection. The Librarian purchases books and periodicals, anticipating information needs by identifying, evaluating, and obtaining appropriate materials. The Librarian is responsible for tracking collections, processing incoming materials, developing collection maintenance policies, monitoring book check outs, managing current and archived periodicals, and developing and maintaining an archive for Morningstar products. The Librarian fields research requests from employees, helping them obtain and locate information in the library or online.
* This position also tracks and distributes Morningstar`s news media mentions. In this position, you will work with various vendors to manage contract negotiations, assign IDs and passwords, and train employees.
* Qualified candidates for the position must have at least five years of experience. We require a bachelor`s degree (with an outstanding GPA) and a Masters of Library Science.

To apply: http://corporate.morningstar.com/US/asp/subject.aspx?xmlfile=190.xml&filter=HR810
Morningstar is an equal opportunity employer.

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

Order Your 2008 Illinois Library Law through PALS and Save $
ILA is getting ready to publish the new edition of Illinois Library Laws and Rules in effect January 2008. PALS has contracted for a group purchase that will save money over the ILA member price of $20 and non-member price of $30. PALS will sell the books at $16 as long as the original supply holds up.
More than half those copies are spoken for based on the response to Nancy’s e-mail so if you haven’t yet ordered you may reserve a copy(copies) NOW by e-mailing Brenda Roman at brendar@palsnet.info. Your orders will be sent to you when the shipment arrives from ILA and then your library will be invoiced.

Financial Manual for Illinois Public Libraries available through PALS
This new publication from ILA, Financial Manual for Illinois Public Libraries by Stewart H. Diamond and W. Britt Islay has a tremendous amount of information for public library personnel and boards of trustees. There are several chapters cover budgeting—philosophy, preparation, and presentation--as well as one especially for Municipal libraries. Other chapters include tax-increase referenda, investment of public funds, collective bargaining, construction contracts, and loss prevention and tort immunity.
Appendices include sample ordinances for district libraries, a sample investment policy, a proposed chart of library accounts, and financial terms. Librarians will find this book helpful but, as with any legal issue, before acting, your library is best served if you read the cited statutes yourself and/or hire an attorney who will not only provide an interpretation/suggested action but be prepared to defend his/her recommendations in court if need be.

PALS secured 50 copies at the reduced price of $16 each in lieu of the $20 price to ILA members and the $30 for non ILA-members. If you would like to purchase a copy (copies) for your library, please contact Brenda Roman at brendar@palsnet.info who will send what you request and see that your library is invoiced.
PALS is also adding copies to the Professional Collection so you can use PrairieCat to borrow a copy.

Academic Library News
No Academic Library News this week.

Special Library News
No Special Library News this week.

Support Staff News

Reaching Forward 2008 Conference
Save the date for the Reaching Forward 2008 Conference to be held on May 9, 2008 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. For event information go to the Reaching Forward web site. Transportation information will be posted at a later date. Please contact Dawn DiVenti for further information.

Reaching Forward South 2008
Mark Your Calendar Now! The next Reaching Forward South Conference for Support Staff will be held October 2-3, 2008. Our theme this year is “Library Support Staff: A True Treasure.” Please watch our webpage for more information as it becomes available: www.reachingforwardsouth.org.

New Library Support Staff Certification Project (LSSCP) Website Announced
(ALA, Chicago) - The Library Support Staff Certification Program (LSSCP), a project to develop a national voluntary certification program for support staff in public and academic libraries, has a new website, http://www.ala-apa.org/certification/supportstaff.html. The site houses informational documents, minutes from discussions by its Advisory Council and contact information for library associations and groups wanting to host conference or meeting presentations about the project. The American Library Association, in partnership with the Western Council of State Libraries, was awarded $407,111 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services to develop the Library Support Staff Certification Program. The project is led by Nancy Bolt and Dr. Karen Strege. This project addresses the Library Support Staff (LSS) community's need for a national certification program to help the profession standardize expectations for LSS; helps support staff master critical job competencies; provides educators with guidance for training curricula; and helps employers articulate job requirements. Contact the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA) Office for more details at (800) 545-2433, ext. 2424, or e-mail jgrady@ala.org.

Technology Services News
No Technology Services News this week.

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

New Books at PALS

We often hear much about the different generations – traditionalists, boomers, genx’ers, millennials, etc. – but usually in the context of the workplace in general. The NextGen Librarian’s Survival Guide by Rachel Singer Gordon is an easy-to-read book about what’s in the future for both the “tenured” librarians and the new up and comers. Some of the chapters include the job hunt, entry-level positions, images, stereotypes, and diversity, work/life balance, and transforming the profession. If this topic interests you, be sure to check it out.

Library News Around the State & Nation

ALA Youth Media Awards Results Available In Real Time on Your Cell Phone
(ALA, CHICAGO) - Unable to attend the 2008 ALA Youth Media Awards or sit in on the live Webcast Monday, Jan. 14th? Get award winners sent directly to your cell phone by text message - as it happens - for free, beginning at 7:45 a.m. EST. The American Library Association is making results available at the touch of your fingertips through two subscriptions, offering a limited and complete list of winners, respectively.

Text the word "ALA 5" to 32075 in the U.S. and Canada to receive notification of the winners of the following five awards, one text message per award:
• Newbery Medal
• Caldecott Medal
• Coretta Scott King Awards
• Michael L. Printz Award
• Pura Belpré Award You will receive 5 text messages for this subscription, winners only.

For complete results, text the word "ALA 13" to 32075 in the U.S. and Canada to receive notification of the winners of all 13 Youth Media Awards, including the five previously mentioned and the following, one text message per award:
• Alex Awards
• Margaret A. Edwards Award
• Odyssey Award
• Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
• Andrew Carnegie Medal
• Mildred L. Batchelder Award
• Schneider Family Book Award
• Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

You will receive 13 text messages for this subscription, winners only. Results will be limited to the winners. To review the full list of honorable and notable mentions, visit www.ilovelibraries.org. The 2008 award winners will be announced Monday, January 14, starting at 7:45 a.m. EST. A live Webcast of the award announcements will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The awards press release will be posted online by 10 a.m. EST at www.ilovelibraries.org. Disclaimers: When you subscribe, you will receive a confirmation text message. If you do not receive the confirmation message, you are not subscribed. You must have a text / SMS enabled cell phone to participate in this service. Normal text message charges may apply. ALA is not responsible for any charges incurred from your cell phone provider to subscribe to or receive notices from this service. This is a one-time only subscription. Your cell phone number will not be used for any other purpose, and the subscription list will be disabled at the close of the ALA Youth Media Awards presentation.

LISjobs.com Launches Online Community New Discussion Forums Now Open
LISjobs.com, the largest free library career portal on the Internet, is pleased to announce the launch of its new online community for librarians. Devoted entirely to career development and job hunting, these forums provide a space for librarians, LIS students, library workers, and information professionals to discuss professional development issues: http://lisjobs.com/forum/. “I’m excited to be able to offer this space for collaboration and discussion,” says Rachel Singer Gordon, webmaster, LISjobs.com. “As librarians, we know that we work and learn best in community -- I look forward to watching the forums grow.”

Current forum moderators include:
• Michael Stephens, LIS schools
• Jess Bruckner, Jumpstart your career
• Meredith Farkas, Professional development and participation
• Susanne Markgren, Talking tenure
• Kim Dority, Professional writing
• Sophie Brookover, Work/life balance

In recent related developments, Info Career Trends, LISjobs.com’s professional development newsletter, has moved to the Wordpress platform to better serve its subscribers. Its long-time career Q&A columnists, Tiffany Allen and Susanne Markgren, have moved to their own blog, and author/entrepreneur Kim Dority joins in with her new monthly column on “Rethinking Information Careers.” Info Career Trends continues to fill an underserved niche, devoted entirely to career and professional development issues for librarians and information professionals. The newsletter and column content are accessible at: http://www.lisjobs.com/career_trends/. Rachel Singer Gordon shares: “I’m so pleased to bring Kim on board, and to watch the Library Career People column evolve in its new blog format. I look forward to hearing others’ opinions across the LISjobs.com online community.” LISjobs.com, launched in 1996, provides free library-related job listings to both employers and job seekers, as well as related services from resume postings to career development blogs.

Smoke-Free Illinois
As of January 1, 2008, the Smoke-Free Illinois Act requires that public places and places of employment must be completely smoke-free inside and within 15 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open and ventilation intakes. Beginning January 1, 2008, at 12:01 a.m., business owners and employers shall:
* Not permit smoking at their business or within 15 feet of entrances, exits, windows that open and ventilation intakes.
* Post “No Smoking” signs at each entrance to the place of employment or public place where smoking is prohibited. “No Smoking” signs must comply with the specification in the Smoke-free Illinois Act (see below).
* Remove ashtrays from areas where smoking is prohibited.
There is no requirement for an employer to provide an outdoor shelter for smokers. As part of the workplace, private offices also must be smoke-free since smoking is prohibited throughout the workplace. Additionally, employers may designate additional areas in the workplace as smoke-free.

Requirement to post signs
New administrative rules have been drafted for the non-smoking law and are expected to be finalized in January. The draft rules for signage say:

"a proprietor of a public place or place of employment shall post signs that: 1) Are no smaller than 5 inches by 7 inches; and 2) Contain the international “no smoking” symbol or the words “No Smoking”; the telephone number designated by the Department for registering complaints; the Department’s website for obtaining the complaint form; and letters, numbers and symbols of sufficient size to be clearly legible to an individual of normal vision from a distance of 5 feet. c) Each public place and place of employment where smoking is prohibited by the Act and this Part shall have posted at every entrance, a conspicuous sign, in compliance with subsection (b), clearly stating that smoking is prohibited. (Section 20(b) of the Act)"

Signs that meet these specifications are available to download on the Illinois Department of Public Health Web site. For more information, visit http://www.smoke-free.illinois.gov.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Illinois Library Day -- April 10, 2008
Save the date to join your colleagues in Springfield on Thursday, April 10, to show your support for libraries! Given the state budget and funding issues, we need to have the largest turnout ever for the annual Illinois Library Day to make it known how important libraries are to the community of each legislator. Let your voice be heard in Springfield this year. Sponsored by the Illinois Library Association, the Illinois School Library Media Association, the Illinois Library Systems Directors Organization, the Illinois Special Libraries Association, and the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois, the event will be hosted by the Illinois State Library. On Wednesday evening, April 9, DuPage LS will host an all state dinner with Kip Kolkmeier, ILA’s lobbyist for a very up to the minute briefing on the key issues. A breakfast with our legislators will be held in the atrium of the state library Thursday morning, followed by a rally and legislative visits.

Grant News

Grants Program Offered at Schaumburg by NSLS
February 13, 2008 9:30 a.m.-noon Schaumburg Township Public Library District 130 South Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193. Free Grants are a great way to supplement library funding. They pay for special programs, trial databases, and even temporary staff to complete a project. We all know about the generous offerings the State Library coordinates each year, but they are just the tip of the grant iceberg! RLA is hosting a workshop on how to find and attract grants from sources other than the State Library on February 13th at the Schaumburg Township District Library . Schaumburg, home of the Northwest Suburban Philanthropy Center, has one of the best collections for grants in the state – ranging from how to find them to how to write them to getting follow up grants to keep the funding flowing.
Librarian John Ericson, Supervisor of the Philanthropy Center, will give us a tour of Schaumburg’s grant resources and how they can help not only you, but also your patrons! Sally Decker-Smith, Special Services Librarian at the Indian Trails Public Library District will then discuss how libraries can widen their grant base beyond the State Library by working with local and area businesses and agencies.
This workshop gives you the double whammy – it will help you give great service to your patrons while giving you great ideas for your library!

To register for this free RLA program, please visit the NSLS registration calendar at http://www.nsls.info/ce/cecalendar.asp
Please feel free to download the attached flyer and post at your library.
Questions? Contact: Alex Todd at atodd@phl.alibrary.com or 847-259-3500 x26.
Funding for this program is generously provided by H.W. Wilson

Just So You Know

New Book
We often hear much about the different generations – traditionalists, boomers, genx’ers, millennials, etc. – but usually in the context of the workplace in general. The NextGen Librarian’s Survival Guide by Rachel Singer Gordon is an easy-to-read book about what’s in the future for both the “tenured” librarians and the new up and comers. Some of the chapters include the job hunt, entry-level positions, images, stereotypes, and diversity, work/life balance, and transforming the profession. If this topic interests you, be sure to check it out.

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.