volume #5 issue#15

April 10, 2008

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

PALS Board Meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at Kankakee Public Library
The Board of Directors of the Prairie Area Library System will hold a regular monthly meeting on April 15, 2008 at the Kankakee Public Library, 201 East Merchant Street, Kankakee, IL, 60901-3864. This meeting will replace the cancelled August 2007 meeting. The agenda can be viewed from the PALS website. For further information call 309-799-3155 ext. 3163.

Coming to PALS Day….
Jan Dundon works for Anderson’s Bookshops in Naperville and Downers Grove. On PALS Day (May 7 at Starved Rock State Park Lodge), she will be presenting two breakout sessions. The first is “Hot Off the Presses: What’s New in Children’s and Young Adult Literature”. Jan will talk about the newest titles in children’s literature, including picture books, informational books, poetry, beginning chapter books and novels. Learn ways to help teachers connect the books to their K-12 curriculum, and the best new books for sharing in storytimes. Jan’s second session, “Best Books for Book Groups” will cover the best books for book groups, including new fiction and non-fiction, as well as a few book group favorites you might have missed!
Register for PALS Day at http://www.palsnet.info/events.

PALS Swap & Share at PALS Day
The PALS Marketing Power Team invites you to participate in our first marketing "Swap & Share" at PALS Day on Wednesday, May 7, 2008. Bring samples of promotional materials you use at your library (brochures, newsletters, giveaways, etc) and add them to the Swap & Share table at PALS Day manned by members of the PMPT. You can bring materials with you to PALS Day, or can send them in advance to Lisa Pappas at the Plainfield Public Library (delivery code: PLBB). Single materials as a sample or multiple copies for folks to take are both welcome. Please plan to stop by the PMPT table at PALS Day and swap and share your great marketing ideas!

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

Continuing Education Elsewhere in the State
No Continuing Education Elsewhere in the State events this week.

Member News

Harlem High School
Willl host the Scholastic Clearance Bookfair on Friday April 25 from 3pm to 8 pm and Saturday April 26 from 9am to 3pm. Cash, check, credit, and purchase order accepted. Questions?

Contact:
Leah Krippner
Phone: 815-654-4511
Email: leah.krippner-at-harlem122.org

Augustana
Poet Kerri Webster, writer-in-residence at Washington University, will read from her work April 17 at Augustana College in the College’s literary readings series, “Lit Wits: Writers Read at Augustana.”

Dan Bynum Book Signing
Join local author Dan Bynum on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Davenport Public Library, Fairmount Street location (3000 N. Fairmount Street) for a book signing of, The North Point Boys, a murder-mystery. After serving four years in the Air Force and working 27 years for the Department of the Army, Dan Bynum retired from the Arsenal in 1994. Mr. Bynum is a member of the Midwest Writing Center and has been a member of the American Legion for 25 years. The North Point Boys is his first novel.
Registration is not required for this free event. For more information call 563-328-6833 or visit us online at http://www.davenportlibrary.com.

Condolences
Our condolences to Connie Boonstra, from the Odell Library, and her family on the death of her mother-in-law, Eleanor Boonstra. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family at this difficult time.

Our condolences to Joan Blaser, from Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging, and her family on the death of her son John. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family at this difficult time.

Pub Quiz Fundraiser for Rockford Auburn High School's Library
Pub Quiz is a fun team trivia contest. Librarians are usually among the best players! Sunday, April 20, 5:00 p.m. at Backyard Grill, 6473 N. 2nd St., Loves Park. There are 1-4 players per team ($7.00 per player OR $25.00 for teams of four players who register by April 15). Good food, great times, fabulous cause! All proceeds benefit Auburn’s Scholastic Bowl team & the Library. Contact Auburn's librarian, Lori Drummond-Cherniwchan at chernil@rps205.com for more details or to register.

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.

For Sale
Three Lexmark High Yield Print Cartridges 13T0101. The box says Optra E310, E312, E312L. I would like to get $5.00 a piece for them.

If interested contact:
Gaye Abrahams
Email: gabraham61362@yahoo.com

Toner to Give Away
At St. Ambrose Library we have one left-over Sharp toner cartridge, a “genuine” #SF-780NT1, that worked in a Sharp SF7850 copier, the kind of toner that you slide the cartridge in a track upside down above the hopper, and then pull the tab to open it and the toner falls into the printer’s hopper. This toner cartridge would like to thumb a ride on the Delivery Van to a new home where it could be used rather than riding to the landfill as is.

If someone can use it they should contact:
Kathy Byars
Phone: 563-333-6463
Email: byersmkathy@sau.edu

Reddick Library
has to giveaway
1) 4 new paperbacks "A Man without a country" by Kurt Bonnegut.
2) Consumer drug reference 2007
3) Ruggs recommendations on colleges- 23rd ed. 2006
4) Livestrong survivorship notebook

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

Sterling Public Library
Someone donated several books to the Sterling Public Library written in the Thai language. They look like educational materials and workbooks. Sterling does not have a need for them.

If anyone is interested in them place contact Mary or Anita at the Sterling Public Library 1-815-625-1370 or ilibloan@yahoo.com.

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.

Public Library Director
The Fountaindale Public Library District, Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois, seeks an energetic leader to serve as Director. Located in the southwest suburbs, the communities are approximately 25 miles from downtown Chicago and minutes from major shopping areas. Bolingbrook and Romeoville provide the quality of life and sense of community usually found only in a small towns, with the convenience of a larger metropolitan area.
The Fountaindale Public Library District (http://www.fountaindale.lib.il.us) enjoys strong local support and serves a population of about 72,000. Financially stable, the library has an annual budget of about $8 million, staff of 50 full-time and 70 part-time, collection of about 383,000, and annual circulation of about 830,000. The Director reports to and is advised by a seven member publicly elected Board of Trustees. The library enjoys an active Friends of the Library group, and is a member of the Prairie Area Library System. The residents of the Fountaindale Public Library District recently approved the funding of a $48.6 million library construction program. The program will include a new 100,000 sq ft library in Bolingbrook and extensive renovation of the library facility in Romeoville.
The Director will be expected to improve an already high level of public service and ensure the future of the library as a vibrant center of the community. Proven leadership and administrative skills, superior planning, fiscal, organizational and analytical skills, and creativity are required. Strong work ethic, integrity, and effective communication skills are essential. The Director will be expected to become an active participant in community activities and organizations.
* Must have a MLS from an ALA accredited library school program. Must have high-level administrative experience with demonstrated management and team building skills.
* Requirements include experience with a library building construction or renovation program.
* Minimum salary $105,000 and is negotiable based on experience. Excellent benefits.
The Director is expected to obtain in-district residency within two years of commencing employment.

The Fountaindale Public Library District Board of Trustees requests that all applications and inquiries be forwarded to the executive search firm of John Keister & Associates.
To apply, forward a cover letter and current resume via e-mail to:
Email: JK@JohnKeister.com.
Position will remain open until filled.

Systems Librarian
Rock Valley College, a two-year college located in Rockford, Illinois, has an immediate opening for a full-time Systems Librarian.
Dept: Library and Instructional Support Services
Employee Status: Full-Time
Professional Deadline: Open until filled
Salary: DOQ
Application Process: Complete online application at http://www.generalasp.com/rvc/onlineapp ; include cover letter, current chronological resume and unofficial transcripts. Offer to hire cannot be extended without official transcripts.

*Job Summary: Coordinate the planning, development, implementation and support of information technologies in support of the library’s users in addition to serving at the Reference Desk and participating in library instructional activities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Related duties may be assigned. • Manage the library’s networked services and information systems, including the integrated library system (Voyager), open URL services (SFX), and federated search system (Metalib). • Maintain and enhance the content of the library’s web pages in conjunction with the college’s Marketing Department. • Act as liaison between the library and the college’s Information Technology Department, especially in regard to the library’s server and interfaces between the library and the college network. •Provide reference service at the information desk during assigned hours. •Provide instruction in library use. •Prepare bibliographies as requested. •Serve as liaison to college faculty in assigned areas. •Compile appropriate statistics on the library’s information technologies for annual reports and other documents. •Provide library online services to distance education. •Provide online study guides. •Make budgetary, personnel, and related administrative recommendations to the library director as requested. •Recommend and participate in implementing technologies in support of the library’s digital collections (e-books, interlibrary loan, e-journals, databases, etc.). •Attend and participate in professional conferences. *Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in library science, preferably including courses related to automated library activities, is necessary. Ability to work well with people of varied backgrounds and interests is necessary. Ability to work with automated systems for library tasks of all sorts is necessary. Previous library experience is necessary. Experience with a variety of common administrative and web authoring software including, FTP, Telnet, Web editing tools (FrontPage, Dreamweaver, etc.) and MS Office Suite is desirable. Experience in a UNIX/LINUX server environment is desirable. Experience doing reference work in an academic library is desirable.

Rock Valley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Rock Valley College ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability.
Contact: Polly Carter 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61114
Phone: (815) 921-4750

High School Librarian/Media Specialist
Wilmington High School, Wilmington, IL (Grades 9-12: 10-month position--Mid-August through mid-June.
*Qualifications: Master’s degree in Library/Information Science or equivalent, with Illinois Teaching Certification for Grades 6-12, with media technology experience OR Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 18 hours in library/information science with Illinois Teaching Certification for Grades 6-12. Ideal candidate would have Media Certification for K-12, a Supervisory Endorsement in Media, and considerable experience in the area of media technology.
*Reports to: District Media Services Supervisor and Building Principal
*Job Goal: To manage the Wilmington High School Library/Media Center;

Send letter of intent, resume and transcripts to:
Mr. Joseph Hermes
Principal
Wilmington High School
209 Wildcat Court
Wilmington, IL 60481
Questions: Contact Bobbie Hannon(District Media Supervisor) at 815-926-1745

Human Resources Assistant
Fountaindale Public Library District, which proudly serves the diverse communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois, is seeking an experienced individual with a good eye for detail to join our library's team. Under direct supervision of the HR Manager, this full-time position provides administrative and clerical assistance on all personnel matters and payroll process to the HR Manager, Library Director and Board of Trustees.
* Requires prior knowledge of principals and practices of human resources. Prior experience with an HRIS database preferred. Minimum of one year experience in payroll (ADP).
* Starting salary range: $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 EOE

Children’s Services Professional
The Des Plaines Valley Public Library District, with two locations in Lockport and Crest Hill, Illinois, is seeking an energetic, creative and innovative Children’s Services Professional for a full time position. This individual will be expected to provide a diverse range of professional children’s library services including planning and presenting library programs, collection development, staffing the Children’s Services desk, instructing patrons in the use of electronic and print resources, and a variety of related tasks within a growing Children’s Services Department. Position reports directly to the Children’s Services Manager.
* Minimum qualifications: MLS from an ALA-accredited graduate program. Applicant should have computer experience, including Internet and the use of online databases, and ability to work days, evenings and weekends. Knowledge of the Sirsi/Workflows Database is a plus. Applicant will also be required to travel between our two facilities, as needed.
* Salary range begins at $31,844.80 and increases commensurate with experience and qualifications. The District offers an excellent benefit package, which includes IMRF benefits, paid sick and annual leave, and medical, vision and dental insurance.

Interested parties should submit their resume to:
Patricia Jarog via e-mail at pjarog@dpvlib.org
Fax at (815) 838-9131
or via mail to:
Patricia Jarog
Des Plaines Valley Public Library District
121 E. 8th Street
Lockport, IL 60441.

Application can be submitted through May 2, 2008. The Des Plaines Valley Public Library District is an equal opportunity employer. Visit our website at http://www.dpvlib.org to learn more about our District.

Full time School Library/Media Center Director
Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center, 7th - 8th grade, Bourbonnais Elementary District #53, Bourbonnais, IL. Position is available beginning with the 2008-2009 school year. Job description and application are available on our District website: www.besd53.k12.il.us. Please apply on-line.

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

Youth Services and School Library News

Read for a Lifetime List
The Illinois State Library’s High School Reading Program “Read for a Lifetime” has announced their new list for next school year.
It is available at: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/whats_new/pdfs/readinglist.pdf

Scholastic Book Fair Sales
Scholastic Book Fairs will have their end-of-school-year clearance event at two locations in PALS. A sale will be held at Stoney Creek Inn, 101 18th St., Moline, from May 8-10. A sale will be held in Rockford at the Clock Tower Inn, 7810 E. State St. on May 15-17. The large warehouse sale is in Bloomingdale from May 9-31.
Check http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/events/warehouse/states/il.asp for details and a coupon.
For questions, contact Jane Lenser at janel@palsnet.info.

Public Library News

Let’s Talk About It: Love and Forgiveness Programming Grants
ALA and the Fetzer Institute are sponsoring a theme-based reading and discussion program for public libraries. Successful applicants will receive a $2,5000 programming grant, training, promotional resources, and more. Themes include “Love and Forgiveness in the Presence of the Enemy”, “Love, Forgiveness, and Wisdom”, and “Love and Forgiveness in the Light of Death”. Applications are due July 15.

For an application and further details, go to http://www.ala.org/ala/ppo/awardsgrants/grants/availablegrants.cfm.

Academic Library News
No Academic Library News this week.

Special Library News
No Special Library News this week.

Support Staff News
No Support Staff News this week.

Technology Services News
No Technology Services News this week.

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

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

Library News Around the State & Nation

Library of Congress Group Urges Copyright Law Changes
The independent Section 108 Study Group, which was set up in 2005 by the Library of Congress to reexamine the exceptions that apply to libraries found under Section 108 of the U.S. Copyright Act, issued its final report March 31 with recommendations on how the law could be adapted to the digital environment. The report will serve as the basis upon which legislation may be drafted and recommended to Congress. For a summary of recommended changes, visit http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2008/april2008/copyrightreport.cfm.

News from Vendors

Freelance Graphic Designer with 25 years of experience seeks freelance and/or contract work from PALS member libraries needing assistance with posters, brochures, newsletters and other work. Have many samples of graphics work done for libraries. Expert in all graphics software (Quark, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) Can work off or on-site. Weekends or evenings OK. Can travel to your library, discuss project, gather materials and deliver completed projects. Hourly fee or per-project quote. Please contact Tom Javorcic at javothom@dom.edu, or call (815) 557-9495.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Grassroots Efforts Succeed on Senate Library Funding Letter
On April 4, a letter in support of federal library funding was signed by 47 U.S. Senators and sent to the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, House Committee on Appropriations. This is a huge success for libraries across the country, as it shows how much support libraries have from the Senate body. To view this post in its entirety, please visit: http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=440. Both Illinois Senators signed the letter, so drop your senator a line to thank them for their support.

Grant News

NEH, ALA Announce We the People Bookshelf Awards for 3,000 Libraries
(ALA, CHICAGO) – The American Library Association (ALA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) have selected 3,000 school and public libraries throughout the country to receive a collection of 17 classic books from the We the People Bookshelf project. The theme of this year’s Bookshelf is “Created Equal.” To view the full list of Bookshelf recipients, visit http://publicprograms.ala.org/bookshelf. The Bookshelf award is part of the NEH’s We the People program, which supports projects that strengthen the teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture. Selected libraries will receive the set of 17 books (as well as four of the titles in Spanish translations), posters, bookmarks and bookplates to assist in the promotion of the We the People Bookshelf, “History in a Box” resource materials on Abraham Lincoln from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and access to online planning and promotional materials. Congratulations to the PALS member library grant recipients:

Elizabeth Township Public Library
Homer Township Public Library
Joliet Public Library
Keith Country Day School
Kennedy Middle School, Kankakee
Kings CCSD #144
Lockport School District #91
North Suburban Library District
Maple Elementary School, Machesney Park
Manteno Public Library District
Manteno High School
Moline Public Library
Oswego Public Library District
Scales Mound CSD
Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library
Sterling Public Library
Streator Township High School
Warren Township Public Library
Northwood Middle School, Woodstock

Let’s Talk About It: Love and Forgiveness Programming Grants
ALA and the Fetzer Institute are sponsoring a theme-based reading and discussion program for public libraries. Successful applicants will receive a $2,500 programming grant, training, promotional resources, and more. Themes include “Love and Forgiveness in the Presence of the Enemy”, “Love, Forgiveness, and Wisdom”, and “Love and Forgiveness in the Light of Death”. Applications are due July 15. For an application and further details, go to http://www.ala.org/ala/ppo/awardsgrants/grants/availablegrants.cfm.

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.