volume #5 issue#11

March 13, 2008

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

PALS Board Meeting
The PALS Board will hold a regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 from 10-2 at the LaSalle Public Library, 305 Marquette St., LaSalle, IL, 61301. The agenda may be viewed at http://www.palsnet.info/about/board/0308/agenda20080318.doc. Please direct any questions to Cori Swanson at 309-799-3155 ext3163 or coris@palsnet.info.

Congratulations
to Karin Voy, PALS LLSAP Associate for Union List Members, who celebrated her 10th anniversary at PALS/NILS this week.

Nominations for the FY2009 PALS Librarian's Advisory Committee Are Sought
Submission deadline is Sunday, April 20, 2008
Nominations for the PALS Librarian's Advisory Committee from persons working in the Coal Valley, Kankakee, and Sterling neighborhoods are sought. Terms of office are for two years beginning July 1, 2008. Self nominations are welcomed. Nominees should complete the online nomination form or send a paper form to Cori Swanson at the Coal Valley Service Center no later than Sunday, April 20, 2008. See the PALS website for more information on LAC or the nomination process. Please contact Cori Swanson with any questions at 309-799-3155 ext3163 or coris@palsnet.info.

Deadline Reminder
This is a reminder that the Deadline to pass the Barcode test for those libraries and staff members that were new to Sirsi is June 30, 2008. There is one testing day a month scheduled through June. The dates are Thursday, March 20th; Wednesday, April 23rd; Friday, May 16th; and Tuesday, June 10th. These dates are in CLEO. Please do not wait until the last minute to take the test. Also, there will be 2 sessions of the Match and Catalog class offered at the Rockford Service Center in April. The dates are Tuesday, April 15th from 12:30 to 4 pm and Wednesday, April 16th from 9 to 12:30. This class will help you identify records that match your items.
If you have any questions, please contact Merideth Willett at meridethw@palsnet.info or ext. 2357 or John Slanicky at johns@palsnet.info or ext. 2716.

Is Your Library Worth a Two Minute Speech?
Not all the budget hearings in the PALS area are covered by someone to speak up for the value that libraries contribute to the community. The governor’s budget includes an increase to fully fund Per Capita grants for public libraries and schools as well as to increase equalization. Restored funding for prior cuts to library systems are not included in the governor’s budget proposal. In order to have Speaker Madigan know how important it is to the library community to have this Per Capita and equalization also be a part of the House and Senate budget, we need to speak up not only on behalf of your library but the entire library community. Below is the current schedule for budget hearings in the PALS area. We must be represented at each hearing. If you yourself are reluctant to speak or have a conflict that day, keep in mind that a trustee is your best spokesman of all. If you are planning to represent your library, please let Inara know at either inaram@palsnet.info, or give her a call at extension 4452 so she can work on making sure every location is covered. We hope that PALS librarians are visible and are heard. If we register as soon as possible, you would be on the official agenda and need not sit though hours of testimony by other groups.

March 19, 6:30 pm. Rep Jack Franks, McHenry County College Conference Center, US Highway 14, Crystal Lake.
March 20, 6:00 pm, Rep Jack McGuire, Joliet Township High School, West Campus, 401 North Larkin, Joliet
March 24, 6:00 pm, Reps Mike Boland and Pat Vershoore, 3rd floor, County Building, 1504 3rd Ave, Rock Island
March 24, 6:00 pm, Reps Lisa Dugan and Careen Gordon, Kankakee Community College, 817 River Rd, Kankakee
March 25, 6:00 pm, Reps Chuck Jefferson, Ron Wait, Dave Winters, Zeke Giorgi Building, 200 S Wyman, Rockford

A two minute speech is as long a time as you’re likely to have and not much detail can be given in that short time, but handouts and charts can be left with the legislators as well as Madigan’s staff who will check you in. If the time absolutely does not work in your schedule, you could arrange for a staff member, a trustee or library supporter to sign in not to speak, but to just drop off any material urging support of funding. NOW is the time to not just boast about what the library adds to the legislator’s communities, but to also cite the fast growing circulation and use of library materials. This is a time to make sure the legislators know that your funding is stretched to bare bones already in order to meet an existing need. Our funding can’t be cut! Our funding needs to be increased in the state’s budget. This is a crucial time to speak up for libraries!

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

Here's What's Happening at PALS Day:
Listen Up! Moving Your Local Leaders to "Yes"
One of the many terrific PALS Day workshops available to you will be advocacy for your library. Stephanie Vance, Advocacy Guru, has presented for ALA's National Legislative Day in D.C. She lives in D.C. where among her other clients, she's arranged lobby days for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. We're bringing her to Starved Rock so you can hear her and pick up great tips.

Program synopsis: Thinking about launching a local referenda campaign to get more funds for your library? Want to convince your city council member of the value your library provides to the community? Just want to be sure that existing library programs aren't cut? Local governmental actions impact libraries in many ways: come to this session to learn more about how you can raise the profile of your library with local leaders without going too far outside your front door.

We'll discuss the basics of effective advocacy including knowing what you want, who you're talking to and how to develop a winning message. We'll also share the number one tool in the effective library advocate arsenal. Come prepared with your questions on getting legislators to listen, identifying your goals and, most important, what NOT to say to your local leaders. Oh, and be ready to have some fun with group discussion, role playing and fabulous prizes!

Match and Catalog Class
$10 Workshop Fee
* Tuesday, April 15th at the Rockford Service Center 12:30-4 pm
* Wednesday, April 16th at the Rockford Service Center 9 am-12:30 pm

This class is aimed at providing attendees with the basic matching skills to meet the following barcoders competencies from the Illinois Statewide Cataloging Standards:
• Have a basic understanding of cataloging terminology • Know where to look on the resource for cataloging information, i.e., the prescribed sources of information • Know how to interpret a bibliographic record • Know how to choose the correct bibliographic record that matches a resource

Prerequisite: none
Presenter: Jennifer Davis
$10.00 workshop fee
Jennifer Davis is retired from St. Ambrose University, O’Keefe Library, in Davenport, IA, where she was the Head of Technical Services supervising cataloging, acquisitions, serials, and processing. Jennifer believes in the importance of Technical Services to the patron – her motto - if we don't do it right, the patron won't find it.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you are not able to attend, please cancel your reservation by 9:00 am two working days (Monday-Friday) prior to the class date or you will be billed. If you have questions, contact Merideth Willett at meridethw@palsnet.info or at (877) 542-7257 ext.3257.

Please note that this class isn’t just for people taking the Barcode Test or members of PrairieCat. It is a class to help people look for records that match the items they are adding to their library.

Sign up on CLeO for Digital Imaging Demonstrations
Is your library applying for an LSTA digital imaging grant or planning another imaging project? Thinking about it? Vendor representative Bob Czechowicz will demonstrate products from S-T Imaging, to provide an overview of the imaging process. Bring a few photos or documents that you'd like to see digitized! Demonstrations will be held from 1:00-3:00pm on the following days (you don’t need to stay the entire two hours):

Monday, March 17 at Rockford Service Center Register in CLeO
Tuesday, March 18 at Shorewood Service Center Register in CleO
Wednesday, March 19 at Coal Valley Service Center Register in CLeO

Continuing Education Elsewhere in the State

Register Now
There are still seats available in the Library Marketing Management continuing education course offered by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This course is approved by ALA-APA for Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) candidates, but is open to all interested librarians and information professionals.

Course title: Library Marketing Management
Dates: Monday, March 17 - April 28, 2008
Cost: $300
Instructor: Christine Kujawa, MM, MS
Format: Asynchronous

Course description: To provide students with an introduction to basic marketing management and how these principles apply in a public library setting. Topics included are: understanding marketing management, internal and external audits, analyzing marketing opportunities, developing marketing strategies, shaping the marketing product and managing and delivering marketing programs. Upon completion of the course the individual is expected to know the key components of strategic and marketing plans. The individual will be familiar with defining markets, adapting markets, building customer satisfaction, mission and vision statements, SWOT analysis, marketing research methodologies, environmental scanning, defining target markets and diverse patron populations, segmentation, implementation of services, public relations tools and evaluating marketing and service results.
Syllabus available upon request.

For additional information and to register, please visit http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/CPLA/marketing.html or contact Marianne Steadley, steadley@uiuc.edu
Marianne Steadley
Continuing Professional Development Program Director
501 E. Daniel St.
Champaign IL 61820
Phone: 217/244-2751 Fax: 217/244-3302

Member News

Best Wishes!
There will be an Open House this Saturday, March 15, to celebrate the career of retiring Geneseo Public Library District Director, Brenda J. Fowler. It will be held at the library in the Hammond Room at 2:00 -- 4:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Hosted by the Friends of the Library, Board, and staff.

Pre-Publication Purchase Opportunity
The Manhattan Township Historical Society has been diligently working on a local history project the past several years. This soon-to-be published book is available for a pre-pub price of $32. Once the book is published the cost will increase. Get your copy reserved before May 30, 2008 - see attached information. Any questions can be directed to the telephone number listed in the brochure. If you have any problems opening the attachment please let me know and I can arrange to send you a copy. Thank you.

Noreen A. Bormet, Administrative Assistant/Adult Services Manager
Manhattan Public Library District
PO Box 53
240 E. Whitson St.
Manhattan, IL 60442
815-478-3987
fax 815-478-3988

Traveling Exhibit about Midwest Prisoners of War in Nazi Germany Coming To Joliet Public Library
Few people alive today are aware that the first U.S. troops sent to fight in WWII came from the Upper Midwest, or that the region’s 34th “Red Bull” Division served the longest uninterrupted duty in U.S. military history—about 600 days. Even fewer know that, as some 1,800 mostly Midwest soldiers were captured in one night in North Africa in February 1943, until the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 the most U.S. POWs in Nazi-German camps came, per capita, from the same region. Behind Barbed Wire explores the experiences of Midwest prisoners of war (POWs) who were imprisoned in Hitler’s Third Reich, and the human context in which their experiences took place. The St. Paul-based, non-profit educational organization TRACES created this exhibit, housed in a converted school bus, that will reach nearly 120 schools, libraries, and historical societies along the way. Co-sponsored by Joliet Public Library and Joliet Area Historical Museum, the BUS-eum will be in Joliet from 4:00pm – 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 19 2008; mark your calendar and plan to visit it at Joliet Public Library-Black Road Branch at 3395 Black Road. There is no charge to attend and view the exhibit. Visit our webpage for additional information.

Money Smart Quad Cities
Moline, Rock Island, Bettendorf and Davenport Public Libraries are participating in Money Smart Quad Cities, a week-long public awareness campaign sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago from April 5 to 12. Libraries, banks, credit unions, non-profit organizations and more will offer 40 different free events that week to help the public increase their financial literacy and "money smarts." Locally, three libraries are offering "free Shred Days" as part of our Identity Protection programming. All four libraries are also cooperating to offer programs on investing and other money topics. Programs are free and open to the public, with a couple offered in Spanish. Visit the online calendar at www.moneysmartweek.org/quadcities for more information.

Missing Books - members are welcome to post information about materials that are missing in transit. As with all Prairie Views submissions, please send

Rockford Public Schools sent a book to Kankakee Public Library (KKBB) on January 14, 2008. It didn’t make it to KKBB nor has it been returned to us (RDLY). Identifying school barcode is for Washington School WAS014213. PrairieCat item # is 38643000010010.

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.

Discarded Items to Give Away
Printer cartridge for Lexmark Optra R+ printer cartridge #1382150

If interested contact:
Pat Jones
Email: jonespat@nbcusd.org
Phone: 815-765-9274 x4714

For Sale
North Suburban Library has two service desks for sale for $500 each or best offer. Purchasing library must pick up and the desks are in pieces and must be reassembled. One is a light oak (this one has a cadenza and is Roscoe) and the other is darker oak (this one is larger and is in Loves Park). Both are in very good condition.

If interested contact:
Ann Powell
Phone: 815 633-4247 ext. 18
Email: annp@northsld.org
for more information.

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.

Instructor, Faculty Librarian/Reference and Instruction
College of Lake County
(re-opened)
Starting Date: August 2008
*Description of Position: An innovative creative person is sought for a tenure-track faculty position as a reference librarian, reporting to the Dean of Libraries and Instructional Services. Due to our growth and retirements, our library is poised for change and we seek a librarian with high energy who is dedicated to delivering great service using Library 2.0 technologies and beyond. This is a terrific opportunity for a librarian who wants to have immediate impact by effecting the changes needed to move us from providing traditional library services to one that is a leader in 21st century services and techniques. As part of a dynamic library team, this person will provide service and instruction at the reference desk, take an active role in the information literacy program, assume collection development responsibilities and perform outreach to faculty, staff and students. As a faculty member, the person will also be expected to represent the division in College governance and committees. CLC provides library service at its Grayslake, Southlake and Lakeshore campuses.
*Qualifications Required: Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited graduate school. Demonstrated effective teaching, presentation and communication skills
*Qualifications Desired: Strong background in information literacy and knowledge of Library 2.0 web technologies. Experience in a community college setting. Spanish language at a proficiency to conduct a reference interview.
*Conditions of Employment: This is a full-time, tenure-track faculty position. Salary placement is commensurate with education and experience. The minimum 2008-2009 nine-month base salary ranges from $43,354 with a master’s degree to $56,394 with a doctorate in the subject field. Because health insurance participation is mandatory for new faculty and health insurance premiums are deducted from the base salary, each new faculty member receives a flexible compensation allowance of $5,700 per academic year in addition to the base salary. This amount is intended to defray the cost of single medical insurance coverage. Optional contract for the summer session offers potential for significantly greater earnings. Faculty may be assigned to campuses other than Grayslake.

Application Procedures and Deadlines: For full consideration, applicants are expected to submit a completed application form, current resume, letter of interest, three (3) letters of recommendation, and official transcripts of all degrees by April 28, 2008. For a printed application form, contact the Human Resources Office via any of the following: (847) 543-2065 (voice); (847) 223-0134 (TTY); (847) 223-0824 (fax) and personnel@clcillinois.edu (e-mail).
The College of Lake County is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to the principle of diversity. In that spirit, it seeks a broad spectrum of candidates including minorities, women, and people with disabilities.

Library Technician
Kaplan University is seeking a part-time library technician to join our team.
*Duties will include administration of the textbook distribution program, providing quality customer service to students, and assisting the library director.
*Preferred qualifications: an associate degree, knowledge of basic library procedures, experience with Microsoft Office, and experience using a variety of online and print resources. Schedule will include Saturday and occasional evening hours.

Send resume and letter to:
Connie Bonne
Kaplan University
1801 East Kimberly Road
Davenport, IA 52807
Email: cbonne@kucampus.edu
fax: 563-355-1320

Assistant Head of Youth Services
Due to a retirement, Hinsdale Public Library is seeking a creative, customer service-oriented person to assist in the management of a busy department serving preschool through middle school.
* Specific duties include supervising volunteers, coordinating summer reading, page training, scheduling staff and other management responsibilities.
* General tasks include providing Reference and Readers Advisory service, collection development, outreach and programming. A great opportunity to be a part of a dynamic and dedicated 9-person Youth & Young Adult Services team, working in a newly renovated space. *MLS/ALA. At least 2 years experience working with children in a public library setting, knowledge of children’s literature and strong computer skills required.
* 37.5 hours per week, including 1 evening/weekend rotation per month.
* $38,000 DOQ. Benefits include health insurance, IMRF, other retirement options, vacation and sick time.

Send resume, letter of application and three references to:
Nancy Marvan
Office Manager
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple Street
Hinsdale, IL 60521
OR email: nmarvan@hinsdalelibrary.info
No phone calls, please.
Website available at http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info

Reference & Reader Services Librarian
The Plainfield Public Library District is looking for a customer-service oriented librarian to join our staff. The successful candidate will be a team player with excellent communication and technology skills, who enjoys working with the public.
* Responsibilities include: • Providing reference, interlibrary loan and reader’s advisory services • Assisting patrons in the use of online catalog, online databases, online services, software, hardware, Internet, and other equipment available for public use • Developing and presenting public computer classes • Performing collection development and maintenance • Preparing flyers, press releases, bibliographies, public handouts and displays • Participating in professional development activities and continuing education opportunities • Acting as the Person-In-Charge in the absence of a Department Head • Other duties as assigned.
* Requirements include: • MLS/ALA degree • One year of adult reference experience • Knowledge of print and online information resources • Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills • Instructional skills and experience • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software • Access to a vehicle • Sirsi experience is a plus
* This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, including evening and weekend rotation. Salary begins at $39,499 and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
* Deadline for applications: Until position is filled.

Please send résumé, cover letter and the names of three professional references to:
Michelle Y. Roubal
Head of Reference and Reader Services
Plainfield Public Library District
15025 S. Illinois Street
Plainfield, IL 60455
Email: mroubal@plainfield.lib.il.us

Elementary Media Specialist
Woodstock School District 200 has an opening for the 2008-09 school year for an elementary library media specialist. Here is the link to our district website. The position is posted under employment opportunities.

Youth Services Assistant
The Shorewood-Troy Public Library District located in the Village of Shorewood, IL, a community of over 18,000 and growing, seeks a customer service oriented individual to fill the position of Youth Services Assistant. The ideal candidate will be energetic, resourceful and able to assist with planning and conducting programming. This 15-19 hour a week position includes daytime, evening and rotating weekend hours.

Requirements: Must be able to work a flexible schedule, have good communication and organizational skills, answer basic reference and readers advisory questions, work independently as well as a part of a team. Computer skills are a must. Previous experience working with children of all ages and their caregivers desired.
Qualifications: High school diploma and two years of customer service experience, preferably working with children.
Starting Salary: $9/hour

To apply please send a current resume with three references and a cover letter to:
Library Director Sharon L. Highler
650 Deerwood Drive
Shorewood, IL 60404
or to shighler@shorewood.lib.il.us

Deadline for applications: April 4, 2008 Position Available: April 14, 2008

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

Youth Services and School Library News

Twilight Wins by a Landslide!
The winner of the Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award for 2008 is Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. It was the runaway favorite, receiving over four times as many votes as the second place winner, Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiement by James Patterson. In third place was The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. The new list of nominees has been announced and is available on the ISLMA website at http://www.islma.org/lincoln.htm. The number of high school students on the reading committee increased this year and their input was especially insightful for helping select the titles. The Caudill and Monarch winners will be announced this morning!

Upcoming YA Programs in PALS
I am very pleased to announce two programs, Make Room for Teens and Books, Hooks, and Reeling Them In: Books for Reluctant Teen Readers that we have coming up for librarians that serve teens. Funding for both of these programs was through an LSTA Grant.

Make Room for Teens Monday
May 5, 2008 9:30-3:00 Mendota Civic Center
Cost: $10.00 to cover lunch.
Kimberly (Kim) Bolan’s workshop will help any library no matter how small or large take a good look at their teen area and think about some changes. Topics will include teen involvement, space planning, design, alternative collection development, and marketing. With photos of young adult spaces from across the United States, practical tips, vendor information, and a wealth of valuable handouts, Kim will show you how to improve what you have, successfully plan new space, and market teen materials. You will be amazed at what you can create with a little imagination and some help from your teen friends!

Kim would like to include up to five libraries to receive suggestions specific to their libraries. There is a questionnaire about your library that needs to be submitted as well as digital photos of your space. If you are interested in participating let Norma Applegate know of your intent at normaa@palsnet.info by Monday, April 14. Winners will be notified the following week and have two weeks to send their photos to Norma.

Kim is lead consultant of Kimberly Bolan & Associates, a library consulting firm based in Indianapolis, IN. She works with public and school libraries throughout the United States specializing in facilities planning and design, children’s and teen services, service and process analysis and management, technology management, customer service, and marketing. Ms. Bolan is the author of "Teen Spaces: The Step-by-Step Library Makeover" (ALA Editions, 2003), "Technology Made Simple" (ALA Editions, 2007), and numerous journal articles. She holds an MLS from Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies, an author and community editor for WebJunction, and an editorial advisor for ALA editions. Before becoming an independent consultant Ms. Bolan served in several administrative positions, most recently as the Assistant Director of the Webster (NY) Public Library. Ms. Bolan has 20 years experience working in school and public libraries. She was named a 2004 “Mover and Shaker” by Library Journal and has presented at numerous state and national conferences.

Books, Hooks, and Reeling Them In: Books for Reluctant Teen Readers
9:00-3:00
Cost: $10.00 to cover lunch
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Coal Valley Service Center
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Shorewood Service Center
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 Rockford Service Center

Both public and school librarians find it frustrating that there are teens that hate reading and don’t think the library has any GOOD books for them. Join Lynn Evarts for a day of showing teens that there is something for them in books more engaging than a computer game or late night reruns.

Lynn will discuss tried-and-true young adult choices, as well as new books of note, popular trends in publishing for teens and ways to encourage even the most reluctant readers to give reading a try. Who says teenagers don’t like reading? Lynn believes that every young person can be turned on to reading with just the right match. Come prepared for a day of sharing, laughing and BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

Lynn Evarts is currently a library media specialist at Sauk Prairie High School in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. She has been working with teens for over 2 decades and speaking to anyone who will listen about the power of librarians, libraries and books in the lives of young people. She has served on many book committees including the 2007 YALSA Best Books for Young Adults and currently does presentations for a national educational seminar company.

“Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).”
Both of these programs are listed on Cleo http://www.palsnet.info/events/. If you have any questions, please contact Norma.

Jane and I look forward to seeing you at these programs.

ISLMA/LBSS Endowment Fund Grant
The Illinois School Library Media Association/Library Book Selection Service (ISLMA/LBSS) Endowment Fund will issue its first set of annual grants in 2008. Public and private school libraries as well as public libraries registered in any of the children’s choice reading awards programs—the Monarch Award, the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award, and the Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award—are eligible to apply. Grant recipients will be awarded one set of books for the 2009 reading campaign for the book award the library indicated on their application. Book set titles are determined by the committees in charge of the reading award programs. One copy of each title is in each set. Sets are 20 or 22 books depending on the award program selected. Information about the grant is available at the ISLMA/LBSS Endowment Fund website at http://www.lbssfund.org. The application form is available on the website.

All applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2008. Questions may be sent to info@lbssfund.org or by phone at 309/649-0916.
Applicants must also be registered to participate in the children’s choice program for 2009 by May 15, 2008.

Library Materials for Children
This summer’s NIU class offered at the PALS service centers (Coal Valley, Rockford, and Shorewood) via videoconference is “Library Materials for Children” ETT 527. It will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 17-July 17 and the time is tentatively set for 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. This is a great graduate level class for anyone who is interested in expanding their knowledge of children’s literature as well as certified teachers interested in pursuing school media endorsement, certification, or a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology. Students do not need to be enrolled in the whole program in order to take this class. To register, see http://www.grad.niu.edu/apply/index.shtml.

Public Library News

(Almost) Free Flickr Accounts for Public Libraries
Flickr (a popular photo-sharing service, owned by Yahoo) is working with Tech Soup to provide a limited number of Pro accounts (regular cost: $25/year) to nonprofit organizations and libraries for a small administrative fee. A library can set up 2 accounts for a $6 administrative fee, or 5 accounts for a $15 fee. For details, see http://www.flickr.com/good/ ; link to Tech Soup from there.

Cancer Survivorship Notebooks for Public Libraries
ALA is collaborating with the Lance Armstrong Foundation to provide public libraries with reference materials to better serve those seeking cancer information. Last week, the LAF began shipping Livestrong Survivorship Notebooks to more than 14,200 libraries. The notebooks are designed to help cancer survivors, their families, and caregivers organize, retain, and access important information related to their cancer experiences. Libraries that have not received a notebook by March 31 can request one from Kelli Craddock.

Academic Library News

ACRL and LAMA Release Space Planning Wiki
(ALA, CHICAGO) - The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and the Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) have released a new resource for architects and others planning higher education library spaces. In response to frequent inquiries for information about planning academic library buildings, ACRL and LAMA have partnered to develop a basic framework for architects, planners and librarians embarking on planning and design of academic libraries. The “ACRL/LAMA Guide for Architects” provides convenient access to standards, guidelines, precedents, user studies, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other pertinent resources. A joint interdivisional committee will maintain the guide and address future issues of mutual concern. The wiki-based guide is featured as a resource in the American Institute of Architects Community of Practice for Architecture Education at http://www.aia.org/cae_default, as well as on the ACRL Web site at http://wikis.ala.org/acrl/index.php/ACRL/LAMA_Guide_for_Architects.

ACRL Launches Chat Series
(ACRL, CHICAGO) - The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) is pleased to announce ACRL OnPoint, a new live chat series. Each informal monthly chat session provides the opportunity to connect with colleagues and experts to discuss an issue of the day in academic and research librarianship. All ACRL OnPoint chats are free and open to the public. Sessions are unmoderated, 30-45 minutes in length and take place in a Meebo chat room. All chat sessions begin at 1pm CDT. While no registration is necessary to participate, ACRL recommends creating a quick and easy Meebo account for the best experience while participating in ACRL OnPoint discussions. Full details are available on the ACRL Web site at http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlproftools/OnPoint/onpoint.cfm.

Join us on March 27, 2008 for the inaugural ACRL OnPoint chat on the newly mandatory NIH Public Access Policy. The discussion of how libraries are leveraging this new policy on campus will be convened by ACRL Scholarly Communication Committee member Karen Williams and Linda Watson, president of the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries. Discuss actions your library is taking or could take, such as educating authors, offering deposit services and partnering with your office of sponsored research. This first chat session is co-sponsored by the Association of Academic Health Science Libraries, the Association of Research Libraries, the Greater Western Library Alliance, and the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC).

Future ACRL OnPoint chats include:
April 2008: Section 108 Study Group Report - Discuss the implications of the recommendations and findings of this forthcoming report (expected in mid-March) for academic libraries.
May 2008: Green Libraries - Share ideas about what libraries are, or could be, doing to meet the growing "greening" of college and university campuses.
June 2008: ACRL 101 - Find your path to participation to get the most out of your ACRL membership and discuss ACRL activities at the 2008 ALA Annual Conference with Associate Director Mary Jane Petrowski.

Visit http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlproftools/OnPoint/onpoint.cfm for additional information, including future chat dates, full descriptions and chat transcripts. Send ideas for future ACRL OnPoint chat topics to acrl@ala.org with the subject heading ACRL OnPoint.

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
No E-Rate Corner this week.

New Books at PALS

PALS has received a new book in conjunction with the Programapedia grant:
5-Star Programming and Services for Your 55+ Library Customers (ALA, c2003) is now ready for checkout. Authored by Barbara T. Mates this book gets to the heart of what seniors need and want and how to reach out to homebound seniors. Packed with ideas for films and music, computers and the web, reminiscing programs, reading, using adaptive and assistive devices, and more, this is the one-stop guide for serving the needs of library customers as they move into the second half of life. The book includes step-by-step instructions on planning, developing, marketing, and implementing programs & services. Available through PrairieCat!

Integrating Multicultural Literature in Libraries and Classrooms in Secondary Schools by Kaavonia Hinton and Gail Dickinson. Help students learn to read, comprehend, and gain information literacy skills using multicultural literature. The book includes sample standards-based lesson plans to integrate multicultural literature into the curriculum or library program.

Once Upon a Time: Using Storytelling, Creative Drama, and Reader’s Theater with Children in Grades PreK-6 by Judy Freeman. Includes songs, chants, riddles, good stories to tell aloud, children’s books every storyteller should know, creative drama and reader’s theater, and children’s books great for creative drama and reader’s theater.

Making the Match: The Right Book for the Right Reader at the Right Time, Grades 4-12 by Teri S. Lesesne. Learn about the development of older student readers, which books are best for that age group, and strategies on how to motivate students to read including reading aloud, booktalking, alternatives to traditional book reports, and literature circles.

Naked Reading: Uncovering What Tweens Need to Become Lifelong Readers by Teri S. Lesesne. The author examines developmental attributes of tweens, emerging interests, themes and plots engaging to tweens, library activities for sparking tween engagement in reading, and annotations of literature most appropriate for tweens.

Library News Around the State & Nation

Celebrate Women's History Month
The Illinois State Library Diversity Program Presents:
Piecin' A Quilt: Jessie Carney Smith & African Amercan Women's History.
March 27, 2008 12:00 noon - 1:00 PM.
Illinois Authors Room, 1st Floor, Illinois State Library.
Bring your lunch and Learn

April is National Volunteer Month.
Across the United States volunteers share their time and talent to help build stronger libraries, organizations, and communities. Here at the Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center we are especially thankful of all our volunteers who do so much to support our staff, stretch our dollars, and enhance our services.
In their honor the Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center is hosting a Recognition Luncheon on April 14, 2008 at 600 High Point Lane, East Peoria from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

For more information visit: http://www.alliancelibrarysystem.com/article.cfm?id=104
Participants must RSVP by April 1, 2008.
To RSVP email info@mitbc.org or call Jessica Bastian at 800- 426-0709 or 1-309-694-9200 ex. 2199.

IMLS Announces Results of Study on the Internet’s Impact on Museums and Libraries
(IMLS, MIAMI, FL)—Institute of Museum and Library Services Director Anne-Imelda Radice released results of InterConnections: A National Study of Users and Potential Users of Online Information March 6 at the 9th annual WebWise Conference on Libraries and Museums in the Digital World in Miami. This new report offers insight into the ways people search for information in the online age, and how this impacts the ways they interact with public libraries and museums, both online and in person. “Museums and libraries are alive and well in the digital world!” Radice said. “The InterConnections report shows how people currently search for information and makes the case that the libraries and museums must provide service both online and in person.”

IMLS sponsored this national study through a cooperative agreement with a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill research team led by José-Marie Griffiths and Donald W. King, recognized leaders in information research. Their findings are based on five surveys of 1,000 to 1,600 adults each that were conducted during 2006. The study found that:
* Libraries and museums are the most trusted sources of online information among adults of all ages, education levels, races, and ethnicities. Libraries and museums rank higher in trustworthiness than all other information sources including government, commercial, and private Web sites. The study shows that the public trust of museums and libraries migrates to the online environment.
* The explosive growth of information available in the “Information Age” actually whets Americans’ appetite for more information. People search for information in many places and since the use of one source leads to others, museums, public libraries, and the Internet complement each other in this information-rich environment.
* The Internet is not replacing in-person visits to libraries and museums and may actually increase onsite use of libraries and museums. There is a positive relationship between Internet use and in-person visits to museums and public libraries.

The InterConnections report provides evidence that public libraries and museums are thriving in the Internet Age as trusted providers of information to people of all ages. To view the report, please go to http://interconnectionsreport.org.

TOOT your Horn!!
The Illinois Library Association every year finds worthy recipients for its numerous award categories. Our association honors legislators, technical services staff, creative librarians, innovative programs, up and coming librarians wishing to make a mark on this world and many more. We have the forum to recognize all of the staff who make our libraries work. What we don't have are the top managers who know where the lights under the bushels are, but haven't told anyone. Not every staff member in your library reads the ILA Reporter, or are members of ILA, or have the time to even read some of our library literature, but they make your library shine and we want to hear about these people. We encourage all of you Directors, Heads of Departments, Public Information staff, Outreach people, Reference gurus, and Techie staff to look around your own libraries and nominate that staff member who goes the extra mile to present workshops, or shares their resources with others. Look at the awards pages on the Illinois Library Association website and see if you know a special person or library to nominate. It doesn't take long and can have an outstanding effect on someone.

ALA/LAMA’s 2008 Best of Show PR Awards
You know that your library has some amazing PR materials – newsletters, program announcements, reading celebrations, websites, YouTube video and more - why not show them off? It's that time again - we want you to enter the LAMA/PRMS Best of Show Competition! All libraries are invited to submit promotional materials produced between January and December of 2007. Judging in all categories will be based on content, originality, design format and effectiveness. Entries must be postmarked no later than April 4, 2008. A team of experts in librarianship, public relations and marketing will judge the library promotional materials. Winning entries will be on display during the Swap & Shop program scheduled for Sunday, June 29, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., during the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA. The awards will be presented to the winners on that day. Free samples of library public relations materials from dozens of libraries will be available for attendees to "swap and shop" during the program. For more information about the competition, please contact Sally Lederer at sally@melsa.org, 651-645-5731, ext. 102. Best of luck to you all!

The Best of Show Entry Form and FAQ will be available on the ALA/LAMA website soon. If you would like the Entry Form and FAQ before they are available online, you may request them by sending an e-mail to cynthia@melsa.org. Please feel free to share this information with other libraries and PR people who might be interested in participating.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

One Week Left for Springfield Lodging Reservations
If you’re planning to attend the briefing dinner with Kip Kolkmeier on April 9 at Illinois Library Day, please make sure to make your overnight reservations with the Northfield Inn, Suites & Conference Center. 3280 Northfield Drive, Springfield. PH: 217/523-7900 Prior Reservations for the briefing dinner must be made at http://www.dupagels.lib.il.us/calendar/detailpages/1198094907.html

Legislative Process 101
We have an opportunity to sit in at no cost on a webinar held by Stephanie Vance, Advocacy Guru. Stephanie will speak at two sessions at PALS Day and can also be heard via webcast and various papers on the ALA advocacy site. Here upcoming webinar is:

March 27, 2008: Advocacy Roundtable webinar: “Legislative Process 101: What You and Your Advocates REALLY Need to Know”
Register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/739657306

Three Senate Bills on IMRF
Three Bills have been introduced on IMRF issues. At the least, you should be aware of them and may want to gather additional information or let your legislators know of your view on these.

SB 1958 is now out of Rules and placed on the Senate calendar for third reading. Amends the IMRF Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the amount of the separation benefits shall include interest at 50% of the prescribed rate of interest per annum from the date of enrollment to the date of termination of participation. Currently, NO interest is paid out upon termination prior to being vested. Cost implication to employers. http://capwiz.com/ala/il/issues/bills/?bill=11012061

SB 1959 Changes how a supplemental benefit payment is calculated On the Senate calendar for a second reading. http://capwiz.com/ala/il/issues/bills/?bill=11012091 Complete effect of this isn’t known.

SB 1960 Provides that IMRF vesting changes from the current eight years to five. On the Senate calendar for a second reading. http://capwiz.com/ala/il/issues/bills/?bill=11012121

House Bill 4202
on Disposal of Library Materials, passed out the House State Government Administration Committee. The bill now proceeds to the full House. House Bill (HB) 4202, bill concerns the disposal of library materials and would amend the State Property Control Act. With respect to the transfer of books, serial publications, and other library materials to which the Act's transfer procedures do not apply, (i) adds those items that have been withdrawn from the transferring agency's library collection through a regular collection evaluation process and (ii) adds non-profit agencies, whether located in or outside Illinois, to the list of entities to which such items may be transferred. The bill would authorize an agency with withdrawn books, serial publications, or other library materials to sell those items to the public at library book sales or to book dealers or to offer those items through exchange to book dealers or to organizations. It provides that revenues generated from such sales shall be retained by the agency and used for the purchase of library materials. ILA supports the legislation.

Grant News

Grant Opportunity for Small and Medium Size Libraries
Institute of Museum and Library Services: Connecting to Collections Bookshelf.
This program provides small and medium-sized libraries and museums with essential resources needed to improve the condition of their collections. The program offers sets of core texts for most kinds of collections. For more information, visit: http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=392

Picturing America Grant
“Picturing America” is an initiative from the National Endowment for the Humanities through ALA to bring masterpieces of American art into classrooms and public libraries across the nation. PALS is coordinating a group grant application for any interested school and public libraries. If awarded, every participating school district and public library will receive 20 24”x36” laminated posters with art on both sides and a teachers’ guide. Each library will be expected to conduct programs, keep as much of the art collection on display throughout the 08-09 school year, and keep the materials for future educational programs after the grant period. If you’d like your school district or public library to be included in the PALS grant application, please email the following information to Jane Lenser (janel@palsnet.info) by Mon., March 24th:

library shipping address (no P.O. Boxes)
population served
local contact person’s name.
School districts also need to include one or more area of the curriculum in which the “Picturing America” materials will be used. Choose from American History, Social Studies, Languange Arts/Literature, Art, Science/Math, Library/Media Center, or Other.

Contact Jane if you have any questions.

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.