volume #5 issue#16

April 17, 2008

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Congratulations
to South Beloit Public Library that went live on PrairieCat as a fully participating member on April 9.

PrairieCat Administrative Council Nominations Sought
Nominations are being sought for open seats on the PrairieCat Administrative Council. The Administrative Council is a 12-member elected representative body that oversees governance of the PrairieCat consortium. Current seats open are one academic/special library seat, three public library seats (apportioned by annual contributions to PrairieCat), and two At Large seats. Please review the attached list for libraries eligible for each of the seats. All terms of office begin July 1, 2008 and end June 30, 2010 unless otherwise noted. The election will be held in May 2008 and self-nominations are encouraged. Deadline for nomination submission is April 30, 2008.

The duties of the PrairieCat Administrative Council shall be: 1.) to set policy and direction at an operational level; 2.) to receive and approve recommendations of standing groups; 3.) to make recommendations regarding major purchases outside the approved budget to Delegates Assembly; 4.) to create the Strategic Plan for PrairieCat; 5). to assist in the evaluation of the service provided to PrairieCat by PALS and suggest remedies where appropriate; 6.) to review Agreements and By-Laws at least every three years; 7.) to complete other tasks as assigned by the Executive Committee or Delegates Assembly. There is no remuneration for members of the council.

The Administrative Council meets at least four times per year, usually in person at the LaSalle Public Library. All seats currently listed are up for re-election. Terms are for two years and no individual may serve for more than 3 three consecutive terms.

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

PALS Day Puzzle Piece: Reality Sells
Andrew Corbus and Bill Guretin feel that the more genuine you can be with today's consumers, the more successful you can be in business. By marketing the genuine story customers will come back again and again. Andrew and Bill will reveal their Four Laws of Authenticity, with specific examples of how successful companies worldwide are using these Laws to reap the benefits of telling it like it is. Using simple stories, plain language, and easy-to-follow guidelines, Corbus and Guertin will deliver a blueprint for your library to find its genuine story, how to market that story to your public, and how to transfer that message so that front-line staff who are in charge of delivering the promises you're making are informed and a part of the process.

Register for PALS Day at: http://www.palsnet.info/events/?Action=Details&EventID=3414. But hurry - there are only 7 registration slots left!

Continuing Education Elsewhere in the State

DLS Day
The DuPage Library System is hosting their first ever DLS Day on Friday, April 25 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. Based on the PALS Day concept, the DLS staff thought they’d try something similar for their members. Keynote speaker is Joe Janes from the University of Washington who will challenge your thinking as he traces the way we communicate in 'From Cave Paintings to Virtual Worlds.' PALS members are welcome to attend as space is available. For more information and to register go to: http://www.dupagels.lib.il.us/calendar/detailpages/1199311241.html

New WebJunction Site
WebJunction is excited to announce that we will be introducing a new site and several new services to our WebJunction members this summer. These changes will provide an overall improved WebJunction experience, including an improved course catalog. As we get closer to launching our improved user experience, we will provide additional information about what WebJunction will offer you going forward. However, we want to immediately provide you some information that impacts our course catalog. If you are currently enrolled in a course we encourage you to finish it and print your certificate by mid-July. If you are considering enrolling in a course, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible and complete the course by mid-July. All other services at WebJunction will remain available without interruption until we unveil our new site.

Dates to keep in mind:
> New enrollments frozen earliest mid-June
> Complete courses and print certificate by mid-July
> Course catalog unavailable for one week during transition earliest mid-July

The new course catalog will continue to offer courses from the current course providers with the exception of MindLeaders. After doing an extensive evaluation of MindLeaders and other similar providers, we chose to replace MindLeaders, with SkillSoft. We believe the superior quality and design of SkillSoft course in addition to being compatible with Macintosh computers will better meet your needs. We know you value the topics offered by MindLeaders so we have mapped the most popular MindLeaders course titles to SkillSoft courses to ensure these learning topics are still available to meet your training needs. In addition, we are expanding the global catalog with expanded library specific offerings. We're so glad you're a part of our community and use our courses to help you gain new skills to support your work in libraries. We are excited about the improvements to our site and service that are launching this summer. Because this creates some changes for members currently enrolled in courses, we want to begin our communication about this transition as soon as possible. Once we have specific dates for these changes we will let you know. If you have any questions, please contact the WebJunction team at courses@webjunction.org and we'll do whatever we can to answer your questions and make sure this is as smooth a transition as possible.

The Customer Focused Library
Libraries of all types are facing an increasingly competitive environment for information services. The Internet, book and video chains, and other retail outlets are offering resources that libraries previously monopolized. The experiences of library users are being shaped by their retail interactions and experiences online and in stores. Metropolitan Library System, in partnership with four member libraries, wrote an LSTA grant to bring in a nationally recognized retail space consulting firm to help understand the changing needs of library patrons. Envirosell Inc. is the leading research and consulting agency for the retail environment, integrating the analysis of store layout, merchandising and operations. Come hear Kate Hammeke and Elizabeth Shobert speak about Envirosells findings from studying four MLS libraries: Indian Prairie Public Library District, Acorn Public Library District, Frankfort Public Library District and North Park University. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to hear a different perspective on the way libraries serve our customers! 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 federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Speakers: Kate Hammeke --and Elizabeth Shobert ENVIROSELL Research and Consulting
When: April 29th, 2008, 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Where: Metropolitan Library System Headquarters, Burr Ridge
Cost: FREE
Register at: http://www.mls.lib.il.us/calendar/CalendarManage.cfm?ID=3155&etype=1&State=16&LangID=1&group=5

Member News

Congratulations!
Carol Bird, Director of Princeton Public Library, is announcing her retirement effective June 30, 2008.

Kankakee Public Library’s Second Annual Local Author Fair
The Kankakee Public Library is celebrating National Library Week with local literature! Saturday, April 19 from 10:00am to 2:00pm bring the whole family to the Kankakee Public Library Author Fair to meet and greet over two dozen local authors who will have copies of their books available for sale and to autograph.
The Kankakee Public Library is located at 201 East Merchant Street in Kankakee

You are invited!
We are delighted to invite area librarians to gather at Joliet Junior College Library for an Open House. This event, prompted by school librarians interested in knowing more about the local community college library and the services extended to their populations, will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Joliet Junior College Building J (3rd floor) 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet. Ample parking available in J Lot. We will be showcasing the many databases available to students and faculty as well as the CARLI database (a resource sharing consortia available to all ILLINET libraries), library services available to the community, an overview of our Library Technical Assistant Certificate Program and a sneak preview of the proposed new library building. Your hosts for the day include : (not in order) Barb Wilson, Jerry Anderson, Susan Prokopeak, Catherine Suchy. To register, please email lslabosz@jjc.edu or call (815) 280-2496. Need reasons to justify leaving your library on a potentially beautiful Wednesday afternoon? There will be door prizes, refreshments and lots of idea sharing. We look forward to seeing you!

Benefit Book Fair
There will be a Book Fair that benefits Boylan High School Library at the Cherry Vale Barnes and Noble on May 10, 2008 from 11:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. It is a great time to purchase Mothers' Day and Graduation gifts. Just inform the cashier that you wish your purchases to benefit Boylan High School Library.

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

Our book /Favorite Brand Name Mexican Fiesta/ a cook book has been lost in transit back to us. Please check your shelves for it. Call number 641.5 MEXI. Thanks, Boylan High School (BCCY)

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.

Bureau Valley High School
Give away: HP #49 cartridges- about 10 of them

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

Davenport Public Library
has the following items to give away:
American Trade Schools Directory (3-ring binder last updated Dec 2007)
Iowa Practice Criminal Procedure (2007 ed.)
Standard & Poor’s 500 Guide (2007 ed.)
Chicago Residential White Pages (AT&T – April 2007)
Chicago Consumer Yellow Pages (AT&T – April 2007)

If interested contact:
Brenda Ross _
Phone: 563-328-6835
Email: bross@davenportlibrary.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.

Librarian
Moline Public Library
*Job Characteristics: Under the direction of the adult/young adult services coordinator, uses professional reference and research skills, often involving multiple computer databases to provide information to the public; demonstrates initiative and creativity and exercises independent judgment in the application of a variety of established policies and procedures; maintains patron confidentiality; evaluates and selects materials for collection development within a budget; creates and conducts programming, readers’ advisory, instructional classes and outreach for both the public and staff; writes grants, policies, bibliographies and reviews; acts as back-up supervisor and as lead worker in area of responsibility; provides skilled, efficient and courteous service to the public. Performs other duties as assigned.
*Requires: Master degree in library science from an American library association accredited school. Valid driver’s license required. Compliance with City Residency Policy within prescribed time period required. Extensive knowledge of English grammar and writing; business math and statistics; state and federal laws and the policies of the library, library system and the city; telephone etiquette; business office practices and procedures; library policies, methods, procedures, services and terminology; collection development principles and practices; classification systems; reader interest levels, books and authors. Skill in keyboarding, operating office machines and computers with sufficient accuracy and speed to satisfy departmental needs and perform detailed, accurate work; clear, tactful and positive communication with the general public, staff and outside organizations. Ability to perform an effective reference interview; handle confidential information with discretion; effectively convey library policies, procedures, resources and services to the public; exercise initiative, tact and mature judgment; use imagination and initiative in problem solving; work independently; develop highly creative projects and displays; organize and conduct library programming and training; write reviews, annotations, reports and bibliographies; learn current and emerging computer programs; be highly flexible; handle and be accountable for monies in area of responsibility; learn to operate a multi-line telephone system; work calmly under occasional stressful conditions; speak Spanish desirable; establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with other employees, officials and the general public. Requires work to be performed within a normal office environment and in public service areas; considerable repetitive motion involving the use of fingers, hands and limbs; standing, stooping, bending, climbing, lifting and pushing of books and other materials ranging from under one pound to over twenty pounds.

Applications Available:
Human Resources Office
619-16th Street
Moline, Illinois 61265
http:// www.moline.il.us

Library Program Manager II
Illinois State Library
DIVISION: Library Automation & Technology SECTION: OCLC
LOCATION: 300 South Second Street – Springfield, IL
SALARY RANGE: $35,496.00 - $81,936.00
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES INCLUDING SPECIAL OR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Subject to administrative approval of the Library Program Administrator, Library Automation & Technology, plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the ILLINET/OCLC program; supervises and directs professional and management staff involved in providing all types of ILLINET/OCLC services to ILLINET member libraries; develops, revises and establishes policies and procedures through the direction and supervision of management studies to determine the need for such, implements upon approval; serves as administrative advisor to the Director relative to the ILLINET/OCLC program. Requires travel – may include nights & weekends. Requires possession of valid Illinois driver’s license.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE REQUESTED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL: 196 Howlett Building, Springfield, IL 62756 (OR) 17 N. State Street, Suite 1276, Chicago, IL 60602 217/782-4783
PLEASE POST FOR 15 DAYS – APRIL 15, 2008 – APRIL 29, 2008

Library Program Manager II
Illinois State Library
DIVISION: BLIND & PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
LOCATION: 4th & Washington – Springfield, IL
SALARY RANGE: $35,496.00 - $81,936.00
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES INCLUDING SPECIAL OR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Subject to administrative approval of the Library Program Administrator, Blind & Physically Handicapped, performs difficult librarian work in the BPH division. Serves as assistant supervisor for the functions involved in the BPH division; provides one-on-one training and customized group training sessions for ISL staff, BPH staff and users of the service; responsible for the direction of the outreach activities regarding the BPH program; reviews and edits newsletters and articles and organizes and directs special projects. Requires travel – may include nights & weekends. Requires possession of valid Illinois driver’s license.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE REQUESTED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL: 196 Howlett Building, Springfield, IL 62756 (OR) 17 N. State Street, Suite 1276, Chicago, IL 60602 217/782-4783
PLEASE POST FOR 15 DAYS – APRIL 15, 2008 – APRIL 29, 2008

Library Program Specialist – Union Position
Illinois State Library
DIVISION: Library Development Group SECTION: Literacy
LOCATION: 100 W. Randolph, 5th Floor – Chicago, IL
SALARY RANGE: $60,564.00 - $89,412.00
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES INCLUDING SPECIAL OR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Under direction of the Library Program Manager, participates in the planning, development and implementation of program operations by consulting with librarians, administrators, civic and community groups throughout Illinois by providing guidance and expertise to their professional and support staff; reviews literacy project’s operations, programming and financial management to identify and analyze problems and achievements; reviews literacy grant applications received in the competition process and consults with the Literacy Advisory Board to develop recommendations of those applications worthy of funding; performs statistical and qualitative analysis of the automated data reported by library-literacy projects across the state, prepares reports analyzing the data and presenting conclusions and recommendations concerning library-literacy programming; represents the Illinois State Library Literacy Office at professional, governmental, educational and public meetings through speaking engagements. Requires travel – may include nights & weekends. Requires possession of valid Illinois drivers license.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE REQUESTED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL: 196 Howlett Building, Springfield, IL 62756 (OR) 17 N. State Street, Suite 1276, Chicago, IL 60602 217/782-4783
PLEASE POST FOR 15 DAYS – APRIL 15, 2008 – APRIL 29, 2008

Adult Services Para-Professional
Join the service-oriented Adult Services team at the New Lenox Public Library. We are looking for a part-time para-professional who can work well with patrons doing reference assistance, computer assistance and troubleshooting, collection development and some collection maintenance. Duties may also include: development of pathfinders and maintenance of brochure materials and assist with interlibrary loan.

Required skills and abilities:
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Patience and willingness to help the public
• Computer skills required
• Ability to adapt to changing technological environment essential
• Ability to learn new programs, procedures and processes
• Positive “people skills” a must

Education and experience:
• Bachelor’s degree or LTA certificate required
• Library reference experience preferred
• Experience working with adults and teens preferred

Ability to work some evening hours as well as every other weekend required. Some schedule flexibility. Approximately 20 hours per week, $15+ per hour DOQ, IMRF.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to:

Colleen Waltman, Head, Adult Services
New Lenox Public Library
120 Veterans Parkway
New Lenox, IL. 60451
(815) 485-2605 x. 128
cwaltman@newlenoxlibrary.org

Library Director
New, beautiful Library facility in historic Princeton, Illinois seeks ambitious, innovative, people-oriented individual for the position of Library Director. The Director will oversee all aspects of the Library including: personnel and scheduling, budgeting, programming, grant writing, collection development, working with community organizations and schools, facility maintenance. The ideal candidate would have working knowledge of technology to enhance services and build patron usage. This is an exciting opportunity for a Library professional to work from our traditional foundation to bring the Princeton Public Library up to its full potential as a vibrant asset in our community.

Opened in 2007, the Princeton Public Library boasts a 27,000 square foot building that includes WiFi throughout, a community meeting room, an extensive children’s collection, and a dedicated local history room among many other features. Princeton is conveniently located one hour from Peoria and the Quad Cities and two hours from downtown Chicago. The community is home to Festival 56, the largest summer theater festival in Illinois, plus the Owen Lovejoy home (a stop on the Underground Railroad), and numerous other historic attractions and outdoor activities.

Education: Accredited MLS preferred; Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science or equivalent experience
Qualifications: Prefer experience in a Library of similar size or larger
Salary Range: $40,000 - $50,000 with benefits, depending upon qualifications
Deadline: May 10, 2008. Ideally the position will be filled by mid-June.

Please send a letter of interest and resume, plus name, phone/e-mail details of three references to:

Laurie Bonucci, President
Princeton Public Library Board of Trustees
698 E. Peru Street
Princeton, IL 61356
Tel: 815 875-9169
E-mail: lazyb87@gmail.com

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

Youth Services and School Library News

StoryTubes 2008 National Contest - Deadline Extended to April 26
Tell, Tube, Vote for Fun and Prizes - StoryTubes is here! From New York to California, kids in Grades 1-6 are talking up their favorite books. You can too! Along with your parent or guardian, follow these simple steps:
1. Make a 2-minute or shorter video about your favorite book;
2. Upload the video to www.youtube.com; and
3. Click on to www.storytubes.info and send in the link to your uploaded YouTube video using the online Contest Entry Form.

Beginning April 1, your video becomes part of a national contest! Voting mania will then begin and happen each week in May! At the end of each week, one lucky contestant will win $500 in books. Their sponsoring organization (school, library or designated organization for home-schooled youth) will receive $1,000 in books.

Four Video Categories:
Hair-Raising Tales
From or For the Heart
Of Heroes and Heroines
Facts, Fads and Phenoms

Tell the story about your favorite book today. When entering, please don’t use your last name in the video. Entries will be evaluated on creativity, content and performance. Everybody wins when kids get excited about stories. Help get the word out! Posters and flyers are downloadable at www.storytubes.info.

Thank you to the sponsoring publishers, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, Eaglemont Press, DK Publishing, Charlesbridge Publishing and Shenanigan Books. The StoryTubes partner libraries (regional coordinators) are: Northeast: Middle Country Public Library of Centereach; NY; Southeast: The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County/ImaginOn, Charlotte, NC; Midwest: Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL; Northwest: King County Library System, Issaquah, WA; and Southwest: Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena, CA.

Public Library News

State Library Survey for Public Libraries
Does your public library provide formal information literacy instruction for patrons? .
The Illinois Center for Information Literacy<http://il.webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=19325 is conducting a survey of information literacy and/or instructional activities in Illinois public libraries. The survey will permit the Center to design workshops and programs that meet the needs of public libraries. The survey will take only 5-10 minutes. Individuals and their institutions remain anonymous. The survey is conducted by Illinois State University's Milner Library as part of their efforts to study the feasibility of a permanent Illinois Center for Information Literacy. The Center would facilitate and coordinate statewide initiatives that enhance the ability of students and citizens to access and use information more effectively.
The survey may be accessed through WebJunction Illinois at: http://il.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=19716. Results will be posted

Live Homework Help® Offer
Offer the Live Homework Help® program from Tutor.com and connect hundreds of students in grades 4-12 to live tutors through your library's website! Illinois public libraries have a unique opportunity to take advantage of a special discount for a full three-year subscription to Live Homework Help® through a consortia offer from the Library Partnership Trust. To learn more about this offer, receive a no-obligation quote, and order your subscription, visit the LPT site. Attend an informational Webinar about Live Homework Help® Wednesday, April 23 to see a live presentation. Attendees will be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card for their library!

Program for New Public Library Directors and Assistant Directors
On May 14th PALS is offering a program targeted to new public library directors and to assistant directors. The program was developed to fill a gap created because the State Library’s Small Public Library Management Institute for 2008 is open only those who’ve attended a previous SPLMI. To bridge that PALS is offering this face to face session followed by at least three additional events geared to help new library administrators. The goal is to provide not only skills and information that will help with administrative duties but also the opportunity to become acquainted with and network with their peers. Invitations have been sent to about two dozen people that have been in their positions 14 months or less. Several directors that started in 2007 were unable to attend or make the application cutoff date for SPLMI 2007.
If you are a director or assistant director who didn’t receive an invitation by e-mail but feel that this program would be helpful to you, please contact Nancy (nancys@palsnet.info or x4466) or Dawn (dawnd@palsnet.info or x4463) for more information.

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

The NextGen Librarian’s Survival Guide by Rachel Singer Gordon was written in support of the next generation librarians. It addresses the specific needs of GenXers and Millennials as they work to define themselves and to make their mark on a rapidly changing field. It also addresses Traditionalists and Boomers responses to creating an atmosphere for the new generations to fill the leadership roles in the library field. The main focus, however, is on how NextGens can move their careers forward and positively impact the profession. Author Rachel Singer Gordon is a NextGen librarian and she provides timely advice and insights on such issues as surviving library school and entry level positions and working with older colleagues. The book includes a special section for current library administrators and managers who are responsible for recruiting, working with and mentoring the next generation. Available through PrairieCat.

Goodrich, Jeanne, and Paula M. Singer for the PLA. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR RESULTS: THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE RIGHT JOB. Chicago: ALA, c2007. Expanding on other “…for results” books published by the ALA, this recent publication continues the format of the others in the series. It focuses on a variety of possible projects and how to staff them, allowing each library to decide where and when to focus its attention. After reading this book librarians will be better prepared to determine how to identify the right people for the right jobs, develop meaningful job descriptions, and retain the best staff by creating a positive culture and building commitment. A sampling of the 12 work forms include a job description template, developing interview questions, self-evaluation, and an exit interview questionnaire.

Library News Around the State & Nation

May 1 Deadline for Scholarship Applications
Each year Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awards up to fifteen $7,500 scholarships to help pay for the education of students seeking their Masters of Library and Information Science degree.
Complete information and applications are available at: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/what_we_do/scholarships.html . The deadline to apply this year is May 1.

Library Appreciation Night at the White Sox
The Chicago White Sox have dedicated July 3, 2008 as Library Appreciation Night. On this special evening, the White Sox would like to offer specially priced tickets to all librarians, library staff, trustees and their families and friends. Tickets normally priced at $36 and $21 are available at $18 and $10.50. The game is at 7:11 p.m. at U.S. Cellular Field against the Athletics. Specially priced tickets must be ordered by Friday, June 6th. See the flyer for details.

Tenth Annual Illinois Leadership Conference
Sustaining Our Communities
June 11, 2008 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Hawthorn Suites Hotel ~ Champaign, Illinois Community leadership requires a broad perspective... understanding alternatives and their implications... limitations and opportunities. This conference will address issues important to sustaining communities and will provide participants with cutting-edge ideas along with practical, hands-on learning sessions. Cost of the conference is $75, and includes all materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch. Scholarships are available. Participation is limited, so register early.

To see the agenda or register, go to http://www.communitydevelopment.uiuc.edu/leadershipconf/2008

Libraries Play a Key Role in Learning and Development; Public Libraries are Engines of Economic Growth, Studies Show
(ALA, CHICAGO) — Libraries of all kinds continue to be engines of learning, literacy, and economic development in communities nationwide. Americans are acting on their conviction that school library media centers are a key element in delivering the kind of education the next generation needs in order to succeed in a global society and public libraries are redoubling their efforts to serve linguistically isolated communities. These are among the findings detailed in the 2008 State of America's Libraries report, released each year as part of National Library Week, observed this year from April 13-19. For more details and a link to the full report, visit: http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/april2008/2008statereport.cfm

IllinoisMap Ready for Testing
The Lewis & Clark Library System received an LSTA grant to create a statewide database of various geo-political maps. The database, at http://illinoismap.info is ready for comments and testing. Why would you be interested in this? Because the interactive online map has the taxing boundaries for municipalities (public libraries); school districts; community college districts; and public library districts. You can find your library’s taxing boundaries on the map and then discover a wealth of demographic information for your specific area (demographic information is from the 2000 US Census). Please take a few minutes, read the attached information, wander through the database, and send your comments/suggestions/etc to illinoismap@lcls.org. What else would you like added to the database? Feel free to share this information with your co-workers and your members. Thanks a million for your help!!

Translations of Library Card Applications
The Connecticut State Library has had sample library card applications translated into 15 languages in order to help our libraries enhance their services to immigrants. We thought other states might want to take advantage of these translations as well. You can access them at: http://ct.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=19934. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at the e-mail address or phone number below.
Mary Engels, Director Middletown Library Service Center
786 South Main St.
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone 860-704-2207; in CT 800-437-2313
Fax: 860-704-2228
mengels@cslib.org

Spring Illinois Libraries Unicorn Users Group (ILUUG) Meeting
Attached is the agenda for ILUUG's Spring Meeting. As we are getting ready to use Director's Station, this meeting is timely for PALS libraries. Please check the ILUUG website, www.iluug.lib.il.us for a current members list if you're not sure if your library is a member. There is a membership form on the website as well if you'd like to join. You must be a member to attend the meeting but the meeting is free. Please email Richard Hanrath rhanrath@stdl.org by 05-14 if you plan on attending so we have an estimate on how many will be attending. We're asking that any specific questions regarding the Java Client or Director's Station be emailed ahead of time to: sc@iluug.lib.il.us. Also if you aren't sure if dues for your organization have been paid, please contact our Treasurer, Eric Robbins (erobbins@northbrook.info). Thank you, all. We look forward to seeing you on May 21st.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Many Ways to Say Thank You
A request of those of you who were able to take the time and were able to travel to Springfield for Illinois Library Day to see your legislators – please send a brief, preferably handwritten note, thanking them for meeting with you. Perhaps add a note inviting them to drop in at your library for a tour or to be a guest reader. If you were unable to see them, please send a sorry I missed you note and ask for their support on our issues. And to all those who were unable to take the day off, please also send a note, e-mail, fax or phone call. Just state that you’re sorry you weren’t able to see your legislator in Springfield on Illinois Library Day, but are asking him/her to please support:
• HB 4202 which allows for disposal of withdrawn materials from Illinois academic libraries
• HB 4527 which increases public library equalization and school library grants.

We also request support for the following budget proposals:
• Illinois Secretary of State’s proposal to increase PL per capita grants by $1 million
• Library system grant funding
• Illinois State Library operations funding
• Inclusion of library projects in state capital bill
• State Board of Education funding for electronic databases

We need your support for Illinois libraries! Legislators have said that being contacted by four constituents is a “groundswell”. This speaks to how apathetic the public generally is. Let’s show them what a real groundswell is! Speak up and also thank them for their support.

Senate Bill (SB) 2321, County Law Library Fee Bill, Passed by a Vote of 42 to 12
On Thursday, April 17, 2008, the bill passed in the Senate. This County Law Library Fee bill would provide that the county board may authorize a county law library fee of not more than (i) $18 in 2008, (ii) $19 in 2009, and (iii) $21 in 2010 and thereafter (now, $13). Senate Bill (SB) 2321 now goes to the Illinois House of Representatives.

House Bill (HB) 4518, “Libraries in Name Only”
HB 4518 passed the Illinois House of Representatives on Tuesday, April 15, 112 to 0. ILA has already asked Sen. Gary G. Dahl (R-38, Peru) to pick it up in the Illinois Senate. Please send a note to your representative thanking him for the vote in support of libraries and especially, express our gratitude to Rep Mautino for sponsoring the bill. Rep Frank Mautino -Main District Office: 221 East Saint Paul Street Spring Valley, IL 61362 Phone: (815) 664-2717 Fax: (815) 663-1629

This bill is referred to as “Libraries in Name Only.” This is an issue that had received extensive discussion in the ILA Public Policy Committee (PPC) 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 bill was crafted using language recommended by ILA PPC and mirroring language in Park District laws regarding dissolution. The bill explains methods to dissolve libraries, which do not meet specific criteria (such as, appropriating, electing library board, holding meetings).

Grant News

Last Call for Museums, Libraries, and Archives to Apply for the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf
Deadline: April 30, 2008
(IMLS, WASHINGTON, DC)--Museums, libraries, and archives are encouraged to fill out the simple online form to apply for the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf. The application form and eligibility requirements can be found at www.aaslh.org/Bookshelf. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) plans to distribute the IMLS Bookshelf to institutions in each of the nation’s 435 congressional districts. More than 1,000 collecting institutions have already received the IMLS Bookshelf. As one executive director of a small historical society wrote: “What an amazing collection! Our Bookshelf arrived on Friday and we are awestruck by the breadth of the information contained in this wonderful set.” The IMLS Bookshelf includes an essential set of books, online resources, and a user’s guide that can profoundly impact the ability of small libraries and museums to care for their collections. It is part of Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action, a strategic initiative by IMLS to address the challenges described in A Public Trust at Risk: The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America’s Collections. The report concluded that 190 million objects need conservation treatment. Recipients of the last application period, which ends April 30, 2008, will be announced in July 2008. For more information, please contact Terry Jackson at jackson@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203. .

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

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