volume #2 issue#40

October 6, 2005

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Congratulations
Laura Chappell, PALS van driver, is a Grandma for the first time. Welcome to baby girl Kiersten, born on September 21, 8 lbs. 10 ozs. 19 inches long.

Personnel Changes at PALS
Len Lindquist has been appointed Manager, LLSAP Merger Project. Len will begin the position full-time in November. In this position Len will focus on the details and complex tasks needed to get HAL, NIC, Quad-LINC and NILSCaT converted to a single, integrated library system (currently called PALSGROUP as a working title). The conversion is targeted to be accomplished by the August 2006. Len has been in charge of a number of difficult tasks since PALS was formed and started working at NILS in 1999. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Theoretical Computer Science/Mathematics and a Masters degree in Computer Science.

Judy Hutchinson has been appointed Manager, Administrative Services effective September 26, 2005. Judy has been serving in the Consulting and Continuous Learning Department as Member Services Coordinator, Communications. In her new position she will continue to be responsible for PALS’ communications efforts, marketing, and serve as neighborhood consultant for the Coal Valley area. In addition, she will have overall administrative responsibility for delivery and be point person for a number of administrative department activities. Judy began working for River Bend in 1985. Her undergraduate major was History and she has Master degrees in History and Museum Studies and Library Science.

PALS Continuous Learning Survey
PALS staff are looking for information on the types of programs that you need. Please help us out by filling out the Continuous Learning Survey. The survey will be open until the end of October. If you have questions or want to give us input that is not covered on the survey, please e-mail Rita McGeary at ritam@palsnet.info. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=963661287316

Three PALS Online Consortia Vote to Merge
During September, the three PALS online consortia, or LLSAPs (Local Library System Automation Projects) voted to merge to form one LLSAP. The Quad-LINC libraries approved the merger on September 12, the HAL libraries on September 15, and the NIC libraries on September 28. The holdings of the NILSCatT union list members will also be merged into this new shared catalog. The working title for the system is PALS Group and the current timeline calls for the new merged system to go live in August 2006. Now that the merger votes have all taken place, activities will start in earnest to work towards this go live date. Stay tuned for much more information coming soon!

PALS Hospitality at ILA
The PALS staff will host a hospitality room at the Illinois Library Association Conference on Thursday, October 13, from 10 am to 2 pm. PALS has a suite in the Pere Marquette Hotel across from the convention center. We won't know the exact room number until we check in, so watch for PALS staff or signs to let you know where we are located. Pizza will be available from about 12 to 1, or light snacks throughout the rest of the time. Hope you'll drop in to meet other PALS members and "rest a spell." There will be door prizes and you need not stay the whole time to win!

40th Anniversary Celebration of Illinois Library Systems at ILA
August 17, 2005 marked the beginning of a yearlong celebration for the 40th Anniversary of Illinois Library Systems. Several special activities have been planned to commemorate and celebrate this momentous event with the library community while at the Illinois Library Association Annual Conference in Peoria.

In the exhibit space, Illinois Library Systems will have a multi-panel display highlighting the history of systems in the last 40 years. Additionally, conference goers are encouraged to add items to a timeline that will also be posted in the exhibit space.

On Wednesday, October 12, Illinois Library Systems will hold a 1960’s themed reception to celebrate the anniversary. The party will go from 6:30-8:30 at the Pere Marquette hotel. Light refreshments will be served and special guests will be honored.

We hope that you will make time in your conference schedule to celebrate with us!

New! Create a Custom Delivery Report
Create your own custom Delivery Code report for either all PALS member libraries or one of the three delivery hubs. Sort the report by library name, delivery code, LLSAP (shared catalog) Code or OCLC Code. Also, link to more info about the library. Try it now! http://www.palsnet.info/services/delivery/default.asp#97

Illinois Library Systems 40th Anniverary Memory Book
To commemorate the establishment of systems 40 years ago and to recognize what has been accomplished, the Illinois Library Systems are asking guests to leave stories about how library systems have made a difference in the Illinois library landscape. Please go to: http://www.illinoislibrarysystems.info/cgi-bin/40stories/stories.cgi to submit your stories.

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


October CE Events:

10/7 - Motivating Students to Read: A Toolkit for Success - Starved Rock State Park Lodge -
$30.00 Workshop Fee
9:00 am - 3:00 pm, StvdRock

10/7 - Legislative Reception with Senators Burzynski and Syverson, Reps. Bob Pritchard, Charles Jefferson, Ron Wait, and Dave Winters for Librarians in the 34th and 35th Senate District -
North Suburban Public Library District
9:00 am - 11:am

10/10 E-Library Advisory Committee Meeting – web meeting via Ivocalize
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

10/11 - QL Committee of the Whole Meeting - Bettendorf Public Library
9:00 am - 11:00 am, BPLG

10/13 - Van Ride to ILA Conference in Peoria from Rockford Service Center with pickups at Rochelle, Rock Falls, and South Park Mall in Moline - $30.00 Workshop Fee
6:30 am - 3:30 pm, RFSC

10/13 - Van Ride to ILA Conference in Peoria from Kankakee PL with pickups at Shorewood Service Center and Peru - $30.00 Workshop Fee
7:00 am - 3:30 pm, KKBB

10/18 - PALS Board Meeting - Byron Public Library in Byron
9:00 am - 1:00 pm, N/A

10/19 - HAL Online Library Training - Sirsi Serials Lite - Shorewood Service Center -
$10.00 Workshop Fee
9:00 am - 12:00 pm, SWSC

10/19 - Outlook Web Access - Shorewood Service Center - $10.00 Workshop Fee
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, SWSC

10/19 - HAL Circulation Meeting - Kankakee Public Library
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, KKBB

10/20 - Outlook Web Access - Rockford Service Center - $10.00 Workshop Fee
9:00 am - 12:00 pm, RFSC

10/20 - Creating a Basic Website with Microsoft FrontPage – Rockford Service Center -
$10.00 Workshop Fee
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, RFSC

10/21 - Creating a Basic Website with Microsoft FrontPage – Coal Valley Service Center-
$10.00 Workshop Fee
9:00 am - 12:00 pm, CVSC

10/21 - Legislative Reception with Senator Todd Sieben, Reps. Jim Sacia & Jerry Mitchell for Librarians in 45th Senate District - Freeport PL
9:30 am - 11:00 am, N/A

10/21 - SASSY Meeting - Morris Public Library
10:00 am - 12:00 pm, MRBB

10/21 - Mississippi River Public Librarians Meeting - Galena PL
9:30 am - 12:00 pm

10/25 - Basic Illinois Library Law and Taxation - Winnebago Public Library
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, N/A

10/25 - Instant Messaging at the Reference Desk - Videoconferenced from Shorewood
Coal Valley Service Center-Rockford Service Center-Shorewood Service Center
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, SWSC

10/26 - Quad-LINC Online Library Training – Sirsi Circulation– Coal Valley Service Center -
$10.00 Workshop Fee
9:00 am - 1:00 pm, CVSC

10/26 - Using EBooks More Effectively in Providing Reference Services – Google with Books! -
Rockford Service Center
9:00 am - 11:00 am, RFSC

10/26 - NIC Online Directors Meeting - Rockford Service Center
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, RFSC

10/26 - Using EBooks More Effectively in Providing Reference Services - Google with Books! -
Shorewood Service Center
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm, SWSC

10/27 - HAL Online Library Training - Sirsi Intermediate Serials - Shorewood Service Center -
$10.00 Workshop Fee
9:00 am - 12:00 am, SWSC

10/27 - Creating a Basic Website with Microsoft FrontPage - Shorewood Service Center -
$10.00 Workshop Fee
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, SWSC

10/28 - PALS Academic Librarians Meeting (via videoconferencing at Shorewood) -
Coal Valley Service Center- Rockford Service Center-Shorewood Service Center
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, SWSC

10/28 First Search Administrative Module for Interlibrary Loan -Rockford Service Center
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Member News

Congratulations
Nancy Luikart, Assistant Dean for Library Services at Muscatine Community College. On Friday, September 23rd, Nancy received one of the prestigious 2005 Chancellor’s Awards. These awards are given once a year to Eastern Iowa Community College staff members who have given outstanding service to EICCD and are based on individual contributions to the development or operation of EICCD and its mission during the preceding year.

The New Lenox Library today announced a partnership with Target in recognition of its efforts to foster the love of reading in young children. Target donated $2,500 to the library for the purchase of a die-cut machine which will be used to cut shapes and letters from paper. These forms will be used for bulletin boards, in craft projects, and as flannel board characters for story time activities.

Art Donated
Donna Bushek, 2nd Ward Alderman of Davenport, has donated 2 art sculptures, valued at $5000, to the Fairmount Branch Library, one of the new branches of the Davenport Public Library, opening January 14, 2006.
Alderman Bushek said she thought long and hard about what to do with her annual Beautification Fund. While driving past the Fairmount Branch it struck her, “What better place for the residents of the 2nd Ward to view art than at the local library?

Friends of the Rockford Public Library Scholarship
The Friends of the Rockford Public Library is pleased to announce the creation of the Friends of the Rockford Public Library Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. The scholarship will be awarded annually in a one-time disbursement to a student who:
*Has been accepted to or is currently enrolled in a graduate program for Library Science/Information Technology
*Is a resident of or employed at a library in Winnebago, Boone or Ogle counties

Applications for the 2005 award must be received no later than Nov. 1, 2005 to be considered. Finalist will be asked to sit for an interview with the Friends of the RPL Scholarship Committee. Copies of the application are available from Jane Lenser (janel@palsnet.info or x4461) or Sandy Ringstrom (sandyr@palsnet.info or x2710). Any questions can be forwarded to Les Morgan, Friends of RPL, 815-987-6609.

Freebies/Exchanges/For Sale

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 are to notify Brenda Roman (brendar@palsnet.info or x3152) or Judy Hutchinson (judyh@palsnet.info or x3150), or you can email to Prairie Views (prairieviews@palsnet.info), 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.

Plainfield Public Library
has the following for sale:

11 Drawer Microfilm cabinet in LIKE NEW condition. Cabinet is lockable with key and permanent spacers in each drawer. Dimensions are 57 1/2" tall, 24" wide, 28 1/2" deep. The manufacturer is UMI and I can't find anything on them, but the following link shows you one that is almost identical to this one. It is the 11 drawer R & RW vertical cabinet at this link: http://www.datalinksales.com/media_storage_transport/microfilm_storage/microfilm_draw_cabinets.htm

Buyer would had to arrange for pick-up of this item.

Plainfield Public Library also has the following to give away free to a good home:

*Radio Shack FM Wireless Microphone Sysem
*Hanging Bag Displays - You can see this item on page 533 of the Gaylord Catalog - Item #GH-SAHB-4.
We have 3 displays available now and 3 more will be available in a few months. (Please note this item will not be available for van delivery)

Please contact:
Debbie Maxwell
at dmaxwell@plainfield.lib.il.us or call (815) 439-2872

Lemont Public Library :
*America’s Top Doctors 2003

If interested please contact:
Debbie Somchay
630.257.6541 phone

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.

Clerk I/Records
The Learning Resource Center at Kankakee Community College is looking for the right candidate to work part-time up to 30 hours per week.

Duties include assisting with the technical operations, including records management, and providing patron service support. Other duties include preparing the purchase order requests, books orders, and accounting records for the LRC; maintaining subscription orders; ordering new acquisitions for preview and/or purchase; processing faculty requests for videos; logging and balancing all budget activities; managing office supplies; conducting online editing of collections as needed to support ordering; working at the circulation desk; assisting students and visitors; and answering the telephone.

High school graduation or equivalent required. Some college-level coursework or related work experience desirable. Ability to use Excel and Word required, with ability to input data at a minimum of 40 words per minute desirable. Demonstrated organizational skills, flexibility to provide a variety of services, and accuracy with detail preferred; good oral and written communication and telephone skills helpful.

Salary range begins at $8.66 per hour, without fringe benefits. Screening begins October 7, 2005, and continues until the position is filled.

If interested, send letter of application and resume to:
Carol Webber, Director
Human Resources
Kankakee Community College
P. O. Box 888
Kankakee, IL 60901
Email cwebber@kcc.edu, fax 815 802 8101, web site http://www.kcc.edu
EEO

Adult Services and Technology Manager
The Scott County Library System is seeking a full-time Adult Services and Technology Manager. Position is responsible for the overall operations of the Reference, Circulation and Technology areas of the Scott County Library system. Work involves analyzing the public’s library needs; selecting library material; advising the public in their use of the library; handling reference and information search requests; training and overseeing the reference and circulation staff at all facilities and serving as the computer systems manager for the library system. Responsible for the development and delivery of library technology plans and the operations and maintenance of the automated library systems, computers and Internet services. A strong emphasis is placed on training both staff and public. Regularly scheduled night and weekend work is required.

Qualifications: MLS from an ALA accredited library school; 3 years of public library reference experience; significant supervisory experience; formal and informal bibliographic instruction experience; significant experience with computers and library technology; ability to work well with teens and seniors; strong verbal and written skills and ability to work in a rapidly changing environment. Salary: $48,000 to start.

If interested please contact:
Pam Collins, Director
Scott County Library System
200 North 6th Avenue
Eldridge, IA 52748
(563) 650-7527 ext 222
pcollins@scottcountylibrary.org

Outreach Coordinator
The Bourbonnais Public Library has an opening for an Outreach Coordinator to assist with a grant project serving middle school youth. This is a temporary, part-time position (Nov 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006). 30-35 hours a week including Tuesday – Thursday (afternoons/evenings), Fridays (days), and Saturdays (days). Qualified candidates will have experience working with ages 10-14 in library or school setting, excellent communication and computer skills, strong organizational skills.

To apply, pick up application packet at library, or send resume and cover letter to:
250 W. John Casey Rd.
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Attn: Grant Project
or email resume and cover letter to jvweidenbenner@bourbonnais.lib.il.us.
Applications accepted through Oct. 13, 2005.

Integrated Library System Specialist
Starting Annual Salary: $32,800 (with generous benefits)

General Statement of Duties: Under direction of the Information Technology (IT) Services Manager, performs work of moderate difficulty in maintaining the library’s integrated library system and other software applications that support library services; provides a high level of technical expertise and working knowledge of automated systems; exercises independent judgment in analyzing and diagnosing problems with the system; and works with all library departments to ensure effective use of the system.

Qualifications: A terrific customer service attitude is essential. Completion of the curriculum requirements for a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited school is required. Minimum of two (2) years of library experience that includes significant work with automated library systems and one (1) year of experience as system administrator with an integrated library system are desired. Bilingual skills, especially Spanish, are highly desirable.

Applicants may apply at:
Rockford Public Library Administration Office
3rd Floor, 215 N. Wyman Street
Rockford, IL 61101

Media Specialist
The Rockford Public Schools has an immediate opening for a qualified Library Media Specialist. Teaching credentials are required with endorsement in Library Media.

Interested candidates should apply online at:
rps205.com.

Reference and ILL News

PALS 102 Sessions
We have scheduled another round of PALS 102 sessions. For anyone unfamiliar with this series, PALS 102 is designed as a overview of Interlibrary Loan within PALS. It is a 2 hour presentation (demonstration only) and will provide a broad overview of interlibrary loan. Topics that will be covered include:
ILLINET Interlibrary Loan Code
Delivery procedures
A demonstration of how to request items in HAL, Quad-LINC and NIC
Other databaes available for interlibrary loan requesting
Additional ILL training opportunities available in PALS.

The target audience for PALS 102 include:
Library staff new to the job
Staff with little experience in interlibrary loan procedures
Staff who want a refresher on placing holds in all PALS LLSAPS

The dates for these sessions are:
Tuesday November 15th 10-12 at the Coal Valley Service Center
Friday December 2nd 10-12 at the Shorewood Service Center

OCLC Interlibrary Loan Training
We have scheduled some additional interlibrary loan training sessions. Course descriptions and times are listed below. All events can be found on CLEO, http://www.palsnet.info/events. Contact Karen Becker, karenb@palsnet.info, for any questions.

FirstSearch Administrative Module for Interlibrary Loan
Setting up the administrative module is a crucial step in successfully using FirstSearc/ILL. This 3 hour session is designed to cover the steps needed to ensure that the administrative module is properly set up. Participants will learn how to set up interlibrary loan work forms, custom holdings, constant data and patron ILL request forms. Each library is asked to send at least one staff member to this training.
October 28th 1-4 at the Rockford Service Center (registration limited to 12)
November 2nd 1-4 at the Shorewood Service Center (registration limited to 12)
November 3rd 1-4 at the Coal Valley Service Center (registration limited to 8)

FirstSearch ILL Using SILC
The purpose of this training is to focus on interlibrary loan functionality. Advanced searching techniques will not be covered here. Participants will learn how to identify items using WorldCat and SILC (which is a subset of WorldCat). We will look at limiting holds to a specific region and cover procedures for requesting items. In addition we review procedures for checking the Request Manager File (formerly known as ILL Message File) and briefly talk about ILL policies in FirstSearch.
November 4th 1-4 at the Rockford Service center (registration limited to 12)
November 9th 1-4 at the Shorewood Service Center (registration limited to 12)
November 10th 1-4 at the Coal Valley Service Center (registration limited to 8)

Managing ILL Requests in FirstSearch
This is an overview of managing indivudual requests in the FirstSearch Request Manager. This will be a demonstration of the life cycle of requests, including renewing items, return items, completing requests and appropriate reasons for not filling a request.. This workshop is intended for staff who are currently using FirstSearch for interlibrary loan. Due to the complexity of setting up examples, this session will be a demonstration only. Prerequisite: FirstSearch ILL class or equivalent experience
November 16th 1-3 at the Shorewood Service Center
November 17th 1-3 at the Coal Valley Service Center
November 18th 1-3 at the Rockford Service Center

Youth Services and School Library News

Family Reading Night
Pat McGuckin at the Illinois State Library will be doing a press release re: Family Reading Night (FRN). What exciting things are you hearing about out there "in the real world" about FRN programs? Would appreciate hearing from you so we can provide some "bullets" to Pat for his press release. Please send your news to Ron Winner at the ISL at rwinner@ilsos.net

Petition to Create ILA Young Adult Forum
Sharon Ball, Youth Services Consultant at the North Suburban Library System, is petitioning to have the Illinois Library Association create a Young Adult Forum. If you are a current ILA member and would like to sign the petition, please click here for a memo from Sharon and the petition.

Youth Services Neighborhood Meetings
Jane and Norma are taking their show on the road to a library near you! Register for and attend any Youth Services Neighborhood Meeting that is convenient. Find out about plans for a system-wide Summer Reading Program Kick-off, a group purchase for puppets, "PALS Best Books for 2005" and much more. Meetings will be held:
*Tues., Oct 18
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Cortland Public Library

* Mon., Oct. 24
9:00-11:00 a.m.
Galena Public Library

* Tues., Oct. 25
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Pecatonica Public Library

* Wed., Oct. 26
10:00-Noon
Peotone Public Library

* Mon., Oct. 31
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Plainfield Public Library

* Wed., Nov. 2
10:00-Noon
Sterling Public Library

* Thurs., Nov. 3
1:00-3:00 p.m.
LaSalle Public Library

* Wed., Nov. 9
10:00-Noon
Moline Public Library (Main)
(Followed by Teen Read Challenge wrap-up meeting from 12:30-2:30 p.m.)

Public Library News
No Public Library News this week.

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.

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

Library News Around the State & Nation

LSTA Grants Awarded
Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded 249 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants totaling nearly $4 million to help libraries enhance their collections, foster stronger community relationships, develop digital imaging projects and implement innovative new library programs and initiatives. "LSTA grants are some of the best examples of Illinois libraries continuing to provide new and innovative services to patrons," White said. "Our libraries have been very creative in proposing new programs and initiatives to deal with specific issues in their local communities, particularly in the area of expanding or enhancing services to underserved populations. As State Librarian, I am proud to be able to provide these important funds to our librarians each year so that they may continue to enrich the lives of Illinois citizens."

White said this year's grants were awarded in four categories:
Libraries Leading the Way Through Partnerships--Nationwide, Illinois libraries are recognized for establishing creative and innovative partnerships to provide diverse programming, quality services, and opportunities for training. These grants offer several options for Illinois libraries to excel in these endeavors and to expand them through partnerships.

Digital Imaging Grant Awards-Digital imaging projects allow libraries to create Internet-ready electronic versions of their materials and collections, specifically Illinois-related historical and cultural materials. Applicants were encouraged to develop grants that would help Illinois citizens recognize the value of digitized Native American materials.

Weed & Feed--Libraries are enhancing their circulating non-fiction collections in the selected areas of general knowledge, philosophy & psychology, natural sciences & mathematics and technology and medicine to provide current and accurate library materials for Illinois citizens.

Creative Use of Libraries-These grants are designed to address user or community needs with new library services. Applications will reflect creative and imaginative approaches, methods, and/or library services that are new to the community and necessary to meet the needs of the target audience.

The Illinois State Libr