volume #5 issue#3

January 17, 2008

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Server Room Electrical Work on Monday, January 21
The Shorewood Server Room will be without power for approximately 60 minutes starting at 6:45 am on Monday, January 21st. We need to put in a different circuit for the Directors Station server for PALSGroup. The 21st is a good morning to do it – it is Martin Luther King Day and many of our schools and libraries will be closed. As a result of the planned power outage, the following services hosted/run by PALS will not be available during that period:

PALS website
PALS staff email
PALS Chat (private IM system used by PrairieCat)
PrairieCat (including iBistro and WorkFlows)
Email and Websites of our members hosted by PALS

If you need to contact PALS, please be sure to use either our toll free number 877-542-7257 or the local Coal Valley number of 309-799-3155 or the local Rockford number of 815-229-0330 as the Shorewood number will not be available. Thanks for your understanding and patience.

Save the Date - OPAL Blitz #2
Please save the date of Thursday, February 14, 2008 for our second OPAL Blitz. PALS will be providing four one-hour informational sessions on current topics of interest to all types of libraries. Registration and information will be available soon. For more information please contact Dawn DiVenti.

PALS Offering Rides to Public Library Association, SirsiDynix Super Conference

PLA: 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).

SirsiDynix SuperConference: April 5-8, 2008 is the annual user conference of SirsiDynix Unicorn users in Detroit, Michigan. The SirsiDynix Institute's Executive Conference will be held concurrently on April 5-6. Registration is now open at: http://www.superconference.info/ Early bird registration is open through January 2008. PALS staff will be attending the conference and are offering rides to any interested members. Please contact Paul Mills (paulm@palsnet.info or x2715), Len Lindquist (lenl@palsnet.info or x4472), Brian Smith (brians@palsnet.info or x2704) or Judy Hutchinson (judyh@palsnet.info or x3150) if you have questions about riding. Registration for the ride will be up in CLeO shortly.

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

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.

Metropolitan Library System is Opening Up Two of their Continuous Learning Programs to Libraries from Other Systems
The programs below feature some speakers with whom PALS members are already acquainted—Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace and Nancy Sylvester. If you want to see them again or to take advantage of this opportunity to send some of your staff, board, or volunteers to hear them, you may want to look into these opportunities:

WORD OF MOUTH MARKETING, MLS Burr Ridge Tuesday, January 22 9:30AM - 12:30 PM
A workshop based on the premise that all of us who believe in libraries can inspire others to use and support this unique resource. Goal: Participants learn about the most powerful form of communication of all: What it is/Why do it/ Who to do it/How to do it/ and Where customer service fits in. The best part: Libraries can afford it!

PRESENTERS: Library Communication Strategies, Inc. was established in 2001 by principals Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace. Our mission: to help libraries and librarians increase awareness and support for their services. Our work includes conducting communication audits, developing marketing communication plans, presenting workshops, writing and other assistance. Having worked in library communications at the national and local levels, we bring a unique combination of skills, experience and perspective more than 50 years total. We also have a strong network of experts in fields such as print design, research, and Websites who know and love libraries almost as much as we do.
To Register: http://www.mls.lib.il.us/calendar/CalendarManage.cfm?ID=2204&etype=1&State=16&LangID=1&group=0

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE, MLS Burr Ridge Thursday, January 24 1:30PM - 9:00PM
Registered parliamentarian and professional speaker Nancy Sylvester will offer an intensive, full-day program on the ins and outs of parliamentary procedure, conducting effective board meetings, and fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of the library trustee.
To Register: http://www.mls.lib.il.us/calendar/CalendarManage.cfm?ID=2713&etype=1&State=16&LangID=1&group=0
TARGET AUDIENCE: Trustees, Library Administrators, Management
PRESENTER: Nancy Sylvester --(www.nancysylvester.com) Professional Consultant On Parliamentary Procedure Loves Park, IL nancy@nancysylvester.com
Dinner: 6:30PM

Member News

“Elizabeth Eckford of ‘Little Rock Nine’ Arkansas to Speak at Library”
Join us Thursday, February 7 at 7:00pm at the Kankakee Public Library for a talk by Elizabeth Eckford, one of the original “Little Rock Nine.” In 1957 Elizabeth Eckford was one of nine African American children who were prevented from entering Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, AK.

PALS Nominee
Cynthia Fuerst, Director of the Kankakee Public Library, is on the Illinois Library Association slate running for ILA president.

Congratulations!
The Moline Public Library is pleased to announce that Adult Services Librarian, Jennifer Christiansen, has been selected as Employee of the Quarter for the City of Moline for her work with library programming which has introduced new patrons to the library. Congratulations, Jennifer!

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.

In transit to BPLG from BYLY
CD 782.42 SIN The Reprise Collection - Frank Sinatra – 31523100956881 Discs 1 & 2
CD 782.42 SIN the Reprise Collection - Frank Sinatra –31523100956907 Discs 3 & 4

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.

St. Ambrose University Library
has the following available to anyone interested: National Faculty Directory, 36th ed., 2005 Vol. 1-3.

If interested contact:
Joyce Haack
Ph#(563) 333-6247
Email: haackjoycea@sau.edu

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 Assistant
Circulation: Kishwaukee College, Malta, IL is seeking a service-oriented person to provide
* Circulation Desk coverage; operate and oversee the various automated circulation system functions; carry out library policy; gather, maintain, and report statistics relating to circulation activity & holdings; manage Course Reserves; maintain order and security of print collection; assist Director in training and directing student workers; document procedures; and other related tasks.
* Full time, 40 hours per week.
*Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements: • Associates degree or equivalent coursework. • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Access, relational databases, and strong computer skills required. • Positive customer service attitude and excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Attention to detail. • Must be able to work one on one with a diverse population in a non-judgmental manner.

For more information contact:
Anne-Marie D. Eggleston
Email: egglestn@kishwaukeecollege.edu
Review of applications will begin January 25.
Position Available February 18

Library Director
The Barrington Public Library District seeks a dynamic, outgoing, and creative library director to provide the strategic vision and leadership to implement appropriate cutting-edge services and technologies. We are looking for a leader who excels at building partnerships, empowering staff, and collaborating with other area agencies in a politically savvy environment; a librarian who can articulate, support, and promote the library’s mission to stimulate imagination, develop information fluency, foster lifelong learning, and create young readers in comfortable physical and virtual settings.
Visit the Library’s Web site at http://www.barringtonarealibrary.org.
* Minimum Qualifications: MLS from an ALA-accredited library education program, plus 5 years professional experience with demonstrated management ability in administration, budgeting, planning, fundraising, and supervision. The successful candidate will have a strong philosophy of customer service, the ability to attract and maintain a talented staff, and embrace the library’s values, including innovation, trust, staff participation, and team management. Experience with facilities projects and building programs preferred.
* Salary: Minimum $100,000.00, depending on qualifications.

Send cover letter and resume, either by email or U.S. mail, by February 29, 2008 to:
Miriam Pollack
Miriam Pollack & Associates
1066 Shermer Road
Northbrook, IL 60062.
Email: miriampollack@comcast.net.

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 reference services in the Adult and Teen Services departments at our Bolingbrook library.
* Duties include helping patrons at the readers services and reference desks, interlibrary loan, assisting in the computer labs, and preparing materials for bibliographies and displays. This 24-hour per week, part-time position includes evening and weekend hours.
* LA/LTA certification, plus six months of related of experience required. Spanish language skills are a plus.
* Starting salary: $12.16 per hour
* Closing date: Until position is filled.

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

Reference and ILL News

Book Group Books on Refwiki
As of this week, PALS libraries have entered about 200 different book titles in the directory of discussion book sets on the PALS Refwiki. The titles include contemporary fiction, classic fiction, mysteries, chick lit, children's/YA books, and more. To add your library's book group books to Refwiki, follow these instructions. For general Refwiki instructions, see the Help pages.

Youth Services and School Library News

Youth Award Winners
The winners of the American Library Association's Youth Media Awards that were announced earlier this week at the ALA Mid-winter conference are:
The John Newbery Award
Honor Books:
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson Award Winner
Good Masters, Sweet Ladies by Laura Amy Schlitz and Robert Byrd

The Caldecott Award
Honor Books:
Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson
First The Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
The Wall by Peter Sis
Knuffle Bunny Too by Mo Willems Winner
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner
There's a Bird on Your Head by Mo Willems

The Carnegie Medal
Jump In! Free Style Edition Walt Disney Video

Pura Belpre Award---Author Winner
The Poet Slave of Cuba by Margarita Engle and Sean Qualls

Pura Belpre Award---Illustrator Winner
Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes and Yuyi Morales

Sibert Award Winner
The Wall by Peter Sis

The Bachelder Award Winner
Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe and Yoichiro Ono

The Arbuthnot Lecture will be given by Walter Dean Myers

Michael L. Printz Award Honor Books
Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith Clarke
Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins
Your Own, Sylvia by Stephanie Hemphill Winner
The White Darkness by Geraldine Mccaughrean

The Margaret A. Edwards Award goes to Orson Scott Card

Coretta Scott King Award---Illustrator Winner
Let It Shine! by Ashley Bryan

Coretta Scott King Award---Author Winner
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Coretta Scott King Award---John Steptoe Award for New Talent
Brendan Buckley's Universe by Sundee T. Frazier

Schneider Family Book Award
For Children: Kami and the Yaks by Andrea Stenn Stryer and Bert Dodson
For Middle Grades: Reaching for Sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer
For Teens: Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby

A press release is available at http://www.ala.org<http://www.ala.org/>
Follow this link: http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/mediarelationsa/factsheets/youthmediaawards.htm to access the American Library Association's "Youth Media Award Fact Sheet," which gives the background on each specific award.
Our own Tami Findley from the Bettendorf Public Library served on the Caldecott Committee this year. Kudos to Tami for a job well done!

PALS Summer Reading Program Kickoff—“Get in the Game—READ”
Join us for the annual PALS Summer Reading Program Kickoff on Thursday, Feb. 28th at the Mendota Civic Center. We are honored to have the IREAD illustrator, Tom Lichtenheld, as our guest speaker. We also welcome Abby Schoolman, former cruise ship entertainment director, who will teaching us some fun games for kids of all ages. Sharing of ideas, make-and-take crafts, and a delicious lunch will also be included. If your library doesn’t go with the IREAD theme for summer reading, come anyway! You’re sure to pick up an idea or two you can use in the future. The workshop is from 9:30-2:30 with registration beginning at 9:00. The fee for the day is $20. If you have a good craft, activity, or game idea, please bring copies along or send directions to Norma or Jane and we’ll make copies. If you’re interested in a carpool from a service center, please contact Norma or Jane. Hope to see you there!

Chartered Coach Trip to National Storytelling Festival
Will you and your friends be in Jonesborough Tennessee listening at the 2008 National Storytelling Festival? The McHenry Storytelling Guild invites you to join us on our 26th Festival Trip from Thursday, October 2 - Monday, October 6 for three days of glorious stories. RELAX. All the trip details are taken care of. Board the motorcoach at North Suburban, Metropolitan, or Lincoln Trails Library System. NOW is the time to think stories - tents - stories - tellers - stories - fall leaves - stories . . . We all need more stories, so check your calendar and make your reservation. You will be back in time for the ILA Conference. Yes, we have Festival Tickets, room on the coach and in the motel. Questions? Drop me a line at festivaltrip@earthlink.net or call 630-556-4771 evenings or 630-584-0076 ext. 236 days. Attachment has the details.

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.

Spring Construction Grants
The State Library will offer a spring season round of Live and Learn Public Library Construction Grants, with awards ranging from $2,500 to as high as $125,000. The program assists public libraries with construction costs in their facilities. Priority this spring will be given to public libraries that have not received a Live and Learn Construction Grant Program grant since July 1, 2004. The first important date to remember is February 15th, when letters of intent are due. Complete information and applications can be found at: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/what_we_do/constructgrant.html. If anyone has questions regarding their building plans or the grants, please contact Sandy Ringstrom @ x2710.

Small Public Library Management Institute
The 15th annual Small Public Library Management Institute (SPLMI), sponsored by the Illinois State Library and hosted by the University of Illinois at Springfield will be held June 1-6, 2008. Highly endorsed by previous participants and public library boards across the state, this weeklong Institute is traditionally intended for directors of smaller public libraries and directors new to the Illinois library community. During the last five years, through evaluations and survey responses, many participants have expressed an interest in a follow-up course or an "advanced" SPLMI. Previously, two very successful "advanced" SPLMIs have been held. In response to this interest, and the recognized need for updating and continuing education, 50 SPLMI graduates will have the opportunity to once again attend the Small Public Library Management Institute. Because this is an advanced SPLMI, attendance is restricted to only those public library directors who have attended a previous SPLMI. First priority will be given to applicants who have not attended one of the two previous advanced SPLMIs. The focus of this year's event will be "expertise", and current and future trends in a variety of topics including Core Values, Open Access, the Right to Read and the impact of the library on the community. A key goal of this year's Institute is to assist public library administrators in providing better service to the constituents they serve. In addition, during the week opportunities for networking, teambuilding, and informal discussions are considered vital components of the schedule. Participants will be housed in individual rooms on the UIS campus during the week, and will make extensive use of campus facilities. The registration fee for the week has been held again to only $50, and each participant will be responsible for his or her own travel expenses. Through grant funding, the State Library provides all program materials, lodging, and meals. Both ! geographic distribution and some variation in library size will be con sidered in selecting fifty participants. Applications must be received on or before Friday, March 21, 2008 by fax or mail. Attendees will be notified of their selection in early April. Find applications at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/whats_new/home.html Contact the ISL Library Development Group at 217-782-7848 or 1-800-665-5576 for information. Information will also be available at the state's regional library systems.

Academic Library News

You're Invited!
The Iowa Chapter of ACRL will hold its Spring Conference on Monday, March 3rd at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Roberto Ibarra from the University of New Mexico, who will speak on “Context Diversity and the Role of Academic Libraries”. In addition, there will be several concurrent presentations by Iowa librarians in the afternoon. There will also be a special session for support staff in the afternoon. The Iowa Chapter of ACRL cordially invites librarians and support staff from Illinois libraries to attend and participate in this conference. Additional conference details and a registration form can be found at http://www.iowaacrl.org/content/conference/2008.

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

The deadline for filing your form 471 is February 7, 2008. Before you file be sure to check that your discounts are still correct. The Illinois State Board of Education has a handy spreadsheet to look up school lunch data. The website is located at: http://www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/eligibility_listings.htm. You can also contact your school district office directly and request the current percentage of discounted school lunches. This percentage can change dramatically from year to year so it is important to check it before filing the 471.
If you have questions about this or any other 471 topic, contact Marilyn at PALS-Rockford at 815-229-4470 or email marilynj@palsnet.info.

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

Library News Around the State & Nation

February 2008 ILA Reporter on the ILA Web Site
The February 2008 ILA Reporter is on the ILA Web site (www.ila.org/pub/reporter.htm) and at the printer. The February cover story focuses on customer service.

Mrs. Laura Bush Recognizes Top Ten Museums and Libraries at White House Ceremony; Receives First National Medal
(IMLS, WASHINGTON, DC) - Institute of Museum and Library Services Director Anne-Imelda Radice, PhD, bestowed on First Lady Laura Bush the first National Medal for Museum and Library Service at the White House January 14. Mrs. Bush deserves the newly-minted medal for her tireless championing of the nation’s museums and libraries, Radice said at a ceremony celebrating the 10 winners of the 2007 National Medals for Museum and Library Service. The National Medals are the nation’s highest awards for museums and libraries that make exceptional contributions to their communities. The awards are made annually by IMLS, the primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries, in coordination with the White House. This is the first year that IMLS has awarded medals to the 10 institutions along with a $10,000 prize; in previous years, the National Medal was known as the National Award for Museum and Library Service and was awarded to three museums and three libraries. Five libraries and five museums from Alabama, California, Illinois, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington DC, Oregon, and Vermont received the National Medals. For more information and links to nomination forms, visit the IMLS website.

What's New on WJ-IL?
Library Privacy and Confidentiality: Law and Policy
Threatening emails have been sent, and the authorities have traced them back to public computers at your library. The police are now standing in your office, asking to see records of who has used the computers so they can obtain evidence against a potentially dangerous criminal. The FBI is demanding that you turn over circulation records so they can see which books suspected terrorists have been reading. Citing the USA Patriot Act of 2001, they insist that the records must be shown to them. Would your library know how to handle these situations?

2008 Computers in Libraries Discount Available
A group discount is being offered to ILLINET member libraries for the Computers in Libraries 2008 conference, held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia from April 7-9, 2008. A special rate of $219.00 for the 3-day event is available. In addition, discount prices of $99 on the Internet@Schools East Conference and $219 for the combo Internet Librarian general conference and Internet@Schools East are also available. No discount rates are available for the pre or post-conference seminars and workshops. For a PDF registration form, e-mail Jill Heffernan at jheffernan@ilsos.net.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Libraries in Name Only Bill Introduced On Thursday, January 17th
Rep. Frank Mautino (D-76, Spring Valley) filed House Bill (HB) 4518 (Libraries in Name Only) on the dissolution of township libraries that fail to meet certain benchmarks. This is an issue that had received extensive discussion in the ILA Public Policy Committee because of recent development regarding four township referenda (Fall River Township, Farm Ridge Township, Freedom Township, and Wallace Township in LaSalle County) where library districts have been created without clear intention of providing library service. This action has confused library service in this area and could have greater implications across the state. The full text is here. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=51&GA=95&DocTypeId=HB&DocNum=4518&GAID=9&LegID=35131&SpecSess=&Session= Mautino is doing some due diligence with townships back in the district. He is a great supporter of the library community and will continue working on this bill with the library community. Unless he gets a lot of heat from his townships, Kip Kolkmeier, ILA’s lobbyist, is fairly optimistic about moving this bill. This as well as other new bills are now on the ILA Web site www.ila.org.

Illinois Library Day - April 10
Illinois Library Day is set for Thursday, April 10 in Springfield. There is much reason to participate this year. There are many funding issues . Among ILA’s policy committee’s priority issues is full funding for Per Capita grants, restoring funding to the systems and full funding for schools. By April, we’ll also know what new bills have been introduced that would affect libraries and what our stance is on these issues. As in past years, the format will be a Rally followed by visits to legislators. For those arriving on Wednesday, there will be an all state briefing and dinner with Kip Kolkmeier, ILA’s lobbyist, so attendees can hear the very latest update on issues. A Thursday morning legislative breakfast will be held in the state library’s atrium giving attendees a chance to visit with legislators. This could even provide a lengthier opportunity to visit with the legislator than in their offices and after the Rally, give you some free time to visit the Abraham Lincoln Museum or his home which is within walking distance from the state library.

Action to take:
1. Save the date and clear your calendar for April 10!
2. Registration is not yet, but will soon be available on the ILA website.
3. If planning to attend the all state dinner, register at http://www.dupagels.lib.il.us/calendar/detailpages/1198094907.html
4. Arrange for overnight stay in Springfield. Some hotels are already fully booked , but some space is still available in rooms blocked by the DuPage LS. Please act quickly before these are gone.
State House Inn http://www.dupagels.lib.il.us/calendar/detailpages/1197927971.html
Northfield Inn, site of the Wednesday dinner http://www.dupagels.lib.il.us/calendar/detailpages/1197409595.html And http://www.dupagels.lib.il.us/calendar/detailpages/1197408629.html

Grant News

The Illinois State Library has said that they will be announcing the next round of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant offerings in the next few weeks. In anticipation of the announcement, the State Library staff strongly encourages libraries to look at and, if necessary, update information about your library at Every Library in ILLINET (ELI).

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.