volume #3 issue#29

July 27, 2006

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

PALSGROUP Timeline
The timeline for implementation of our merged consortial migration project was shared at the Delegate’s Assembly on July 12. Monthly timeline highlights and a detailed timeline can be found on the LLSAP merger page, www.palsnet.info/services/ts/merger/default.asp. The former document is color-coded to permit members to more easily see which items will directly affect them. Major timeline milestones to come are as follows:

Jul 2006: Platform migration to new PALSGROUP Unicorn production server (moving Quad-LINC to new server in Shorewood). Beginning on July 29th, we will move all Quad-LINC data en masse to the new server in Shorewood. Quad-LINC members will be down during the move and we will keep affected members apprised of any and all related issues. Note: the QL catalog will still be available, but shelf status may not be accurate. It is hoped that placing holds in Quad-LINC will resume on August 7.
Aug 2006: Review of first test data load begins on 8/25.
Sep 2006: Review of first test data load complete on 9/18.
Oct 2006: Prepare Demand Management and Display solutions (SirsiDynix must complete these upgrades for demonstration by January).
Oct 2006: Begin extraction / conversion for second test data load (begins 10/16).
Dec 2006: Review of second test data load (12/4 – 12/25).
Jan 2007: Confirmation of “Go Live” to proceed as scheduled based on Demand Management/Display solutions.
Mar 2007: Final bib/item data load/consolidation on new PALSGROUP server.
Apr 2007: GO LIVE! Final user and circ loads on production Unicorn server beginning April 2. PrairieCat live on or around April 8.
Jun 2007: Review of final data load completed.

If you have any questions concerning any aspect of this project, please contact Len (x4472), Paul (x2715) or Mary Anne (x3254).

Upcoming Public Library Trustee Training
We still have a few public libraries which have not met the upcoming Per Capita requirement of having at least one trustee attend training before the October grant application deadline.

We currently have programs scheduled on:
Wednesday, August 2 at Stockton
Monday, August 21 at Tiskilwa
Thursday, September 21 at Rock Falls.

Even if your trustees have been to one of the training programs, they are perfectly welcome to attend another! To register for one of these programs, visit http://www.palsnet.info/events/?Action=Calendar. If you have trouble registering, contact Shirley Grasty at shirleyg@palsnet.info or x2706.

Northern Illinois University Fall Classes Announced
Twenty three students have completed their first class under the Northern Illinois University/PALS cooperative agreement. These classes, held through videoconference from the PALS service centers, are geared toward school librarians and may lead to certification, endorsement, or a Masters in Instructional Media. Fall classes have now been announced:

Tuesdays - ETT 510 Instructional Media and Technology
Thursdays - ETT 508 Reference Services: Theory and Practice

Most classes will be held from 4-6:30 during the semester but times may vary with individual classes. To register and for more information, contact Barbara Fiehn, Ed.D. at NIU 815-753-8339 or Karen Woodworth Roman at 815-753-9321.

Detailed information will be forthcoming.

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

OPAL (Online Programming for All Libraries)
Link to OPAL's Chronological List of Upcoming Programs, available and free to anyone interested.

Member News
No Member News this week.

Missing Books - we've added a new section to Prairie Views where 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.

Please check your shelves for the book "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" by Michael Baigent.
It was in transit from Crest Hill Public Library to Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library, but we never received it.

Missing DVD, Buffy, the Vampire Slayer Call # DVD 228 ID# 31556001822323.
It was returned to NLBB around the 6th of July and it is nowhere to be found!

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 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 (mailto:prairieviews@lists.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.

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.

Moline Public Library
* Ulrich's Periodicals Directroy, 42nd Ed. (c. 2004)
*The American Library Directory, 58th ed., 2005-2006, v1. and v.2

Contact: Lisa Williams lwilliams@molinelibrary.org or phone 309-736-5748

Davenport Public Library
*The Book of the States 2005 Washington Information Directory 2005-2006
*Who's Who in the Midwest 2006

Contact: Brenda Ross bross@davenportlibrary.com or phone 563-328-6835

Rockford Register Star
76 Black plastic microfilm boxes (each box holds one roll of microfilm).

Contact: Eleanora L Smith esmith@rrstar.com or phone 815-987-1349

Job Openings
Jobs can be submitted on the PALS website at http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/ or by sending them to prairieviews@palsnet.info. All jobs submitted by either method will be included in Prairie Views for one week and will be posted for 120 days on the PALS website unless the library posting the job requests that it be removed before 120 days. Visit http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/ to views all the job ads that PALS currently has posted.

Library Media Specialist
sought for Westbrook School, Mt. Prospect, IL. A new Learning Center is being completed to serve the 350 students in the PreK-Kdg. building. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who holds an IL Type 10 Standard Special Certificate in Media (K-12). The position involves opportunities to work with a wide range of students and teachers, including a variety of professional responsibilities. The applicant should be a person who loves the idea of connecting children and literature, and is exited about new technology and its applications for teaching, learning, information searching, and administration. The applicant should enjoy helping teachers and students effectively use new technology as well as enabling teachers to teach with the best resources possible.

Please complete an online application for Library Media Specialist at "http://www.dist57.org" and contact "msavage@dist57.org".

Reference Librarian
*Classification: Facultya
*Work Year: Full-time: Academic year, 35 hours/week
*Primary Purpose: To provide library reference and instructional services to the College community.
*Responsibilities: Include but are not limited to: • Provide reference and research assistance to the College community. • Plan and provide information literacy instruction for the College community. • Develop instructional materials in support of the information literacy program. • Plan and administer assessment activities for the information literacy program, analyze resulting data, develop transformations, and generate assessment reports. • Develop methods of increasing public awareness of library services. • Provide input in the selection and withdrawal of library resources. • Develop and maintain the content and layout of the library web site. • Establish and carry out departmental goals (adjuncts assist full-time librarians to carry out goals). • Provide statistical information and reports required by the Dean. • Assist in the preparation of the budget. • Represent the Library on appropriate internal and external committees. • Serve as a resource person for consultation in specialized areas of information retrieval. • Attend continuing education seminars. • Provide back-up coverage at the Circulation Desk. • Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.
*Supervision: Reference Librarian reports to the Dean, Library & Academic Support Services.
*Minimum Position Qualifications: Education: Master’s Degree in Library & Information Science or closely related field; coursework to include 3 graduate reference courses.
*Experience: • Prior successful library reference/instruction experience preferred. • Computer skills to include strong knowledge of Internet and online database searching, MS Word, PowerPoint, and basic knowledge of web page design software preferred.
*Application Deadline: Application review begins August 21, 2006 and will be considered until position is filled. Fax/email not accepted. For more information visit: http://www.mchenry.edu

Candidates should submit: Letter of application, resume, MCC application and graduate transcripts to: McHenry County College Human Resources 8900
U.S. Highway 14
Crystal Lake, IL
60012

Librarian
The Information Services Department at the Joliet Public Library has an opening for an entry-level Librarian. *Responsibilities include: providing information, print and online,to customers; limited telephone reference; materials selection; creating bibliographies and search guides; collection development.
* Requirements: MLS from an ALA accredited institution, dedication to public service, team player, Internet skills, participation in workshops and staff training, some nights and weekends. Fluency in Spanish is a plus. *Salary: $33,280, including benefits.

Send resumes or direct inquiries to:
Marcia Frowein
Lead Professional--Information Services
150 N. Ottawa St.
Joliet, IL 60432
or email to: mfrowein@joliet.lib.il.us.

Circulation Clerk
Three Rivers Library (Channahon) is looking for a part-time circulation clerk with a start of August 7, 2006. This would entail a typical schedule (in a 2 week pay period) as follows: Mon, Tues; 4-9; Fri 12-6; Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. You work only ONE weekend in a pay period.
* Starting wage is $8.10/hr. Some benefits after one year of employment. HS diploma required. Library/computer/SIRSI experience is a plus.
*Deadline is 5 PM August 4, 2006

Send/email/fax your own resume plus 2 references to:
Erik Blomstedt
Three Rivers Public Library District
25207 W Channon Dr
PO Box 300
Channahon IL 60410
email: erblomstedt@three-rivers-library.org
Phone: 815-467-6200 x208 Fax: 815-467-4012

Circulation Clerk
Plainfield Public Library is looking for a part-time circulation clerk. The hours include some evenings, alternating Friday and Saturday, and two Sundays a month.
* Starting wage is $8.00 an hour and includes some benefits after one year of employment. High School diploma required. Basic library and computer skills or experience a plus.

Applicants must apply in person at the library.
Any questions please contact Marisa Barys or Judy Hodges at (815)436-6639. Chosen applicant will start immediately.

Reference and ILL News

Ask?Away Update
Libraries and patrons continue to express keen interest in Ask?Away Illinois, Illinois' new 24/7 virtual reference service. As of last week 185 Illinois libraries have signed up to participate in Ask?Away. Log on to www.askawayillinois.info for more information.

Youth Services and School Library News

Kankakee School District 111 Receives $300,000 Grant
Congratulations to the Kankakee School District for their successful "Improving Literacy Through School Libraries" grant from the Department of Education. Their program will address the needs of all 5,277 students in the district’s 11 schools. The district will use grant funds to improve library media center resources and ensure that the new resources are aligned to both the district curriculum and the Illinois Learning Standards. It will also support an independent reading program to improve student achievement in reading and increase the availability of media staff to students and teachers by expanding the library hours. In addition, it will provide staff development to increase effective collaboration and the integration of media services into the curriculum and instruction.

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 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

New WorldCat Search Site Offers Public Access
OCLC has announced that it will launch a new destination website that will allow users to search the holdings of libraries participating in the WorldCat database directly rather than finding the records as part of search-engine results. The firm says the aim of WorldCat.org, to be released in beta form in August, is “to make library resources more visible to Web users, and to increase awareness of libraries.” Unlike the Open WorldCat program, which inserts “Find in a Library” pages into the results from Google and other search engines, the new site will give library holdings greater visibility by providing a permanent destination page with a search box to access all 70-million-plus records in the WorldCat database, not just the 3.4-to-4.4-million-record subset harvested by Open WorldCat’s search-engine partners.

As in Open WorldCat, each linked search result leads to a “Find in a Library” information page for an individual item. By entering geographic information, users get a list of nearby WorldCat libraries that own the item and links to the libraries’ online catalog records. OCLC will also offer a free modularized version of the WorldCat.org search box that users or organizations can install on their websites, as well as free web toolbars and other plug-ins and a variety of open-source software and web services such as RSS feeds. Chip Nilges, vice president of OCLC New Services, said in Information Today online July 17 that WorldCat.org is designed to complement the syndication model of Open WorldCat rather than to replace it. “There’s a symbiosis,” he said. “There’s value in having a place to go to search the world’s largest library catalog and there’s also value in capturing users who may not know about libraries.”

Free Radio Public Service Announcements with Actor George Lopez Now Available for Library Card Sign-up Month
With Library Card Sign-up Month just around corner, libraries have a new tool to help get the word out -- free, downloadable radio public service announcements (PSAs). The two 30-second PSAs are available at www.ala.org/librarycardsignup and were recorded by actor-comedian George Lopez on behalf of the American Library Association’s Campaign for America’s Libraries. Libraries are encouraged to share the PSAs with their local radio stations. The theme for Library Card Sign Up Month is "The Smartest Card. Get It. Use It @ your library." Other free tools include a summary of best practices from public libraries nationwide that are using the "Smartest Card" theme, a list of "52 Ways to Use Your Library Card," a sample proclamation, press release, op-ed, letter-to-the-editor and "Smartest Card" artwork. Libraries are encouraged to let the ALA Public Information Office know how they are celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month. Send an email description with contact information to: atyourlibrary@ala.org. The strongest examples will be shared with the press as part of ALA’s national media relations efforts.

Observed the month of September since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month is a time when ALA and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all - and this year - the smartest card a student can own.

Internet Librarian Conference
Once again this year, the Illinois State Library is pleased to offer, in association with Information Today, Inc., a discounted rate to the 2006 Internet Librarian Conference. The conference will be held at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, CA, on October 23-25, 2006. The discount rate is $245 for the 3-day event (October 23-25, 2006). (No discount rates are available for the pre-conference seminars and workshops.) In addition, discount prices of $169 on the Internet@Schools conference (Oct. 23-24, 2006) and $245 for the combo of the Internet Librarian Conference and Internet@Schools (Oct. 23-25, 2006) are also available. To receive this discount, please submit your registration form along with payment, (check or credit card), payable to Information Today, Inc., to the Illinois State Library, Lynda Maddox, 300 S. Second St. - Rm. 310, Springfield, IL 62701. A pdf version of the registration form can be found at http://www.infotoday.com/il2006/registration.shtml. Registrations must be received by Monday, September 11, 2006 to receive the discount. If you have any questions, please contact Lynda Maddox at 217-584-5866 or lmaddox@ilsos.net.

POLYTALK Seeks Interpreters
PolyTalk is a free telephone-based interpreters service developed by Lincoln Trail Libraries System with an LSTA grant awarded by the Illinois State Library. The service is now available to all Illinois libraries. PolyTalk expands the level of library service available to non-English speaking patrons by providing library staff with a secure database to locate and contact volunteer interpreters fluent in their patrons' languages. Volunteer interpreters provide real-time interpretation for the librarian and patron and help make library resources accessible to all patrons.

To use PolyTalk, library staff and interpreters need to register for an account at www.polytalk.info. PolyTalk is recruiting more volunteer interpreters. All bilingual library staff members are encouraged to volunteer. Interpreters may go online to register or contact PolyTalk for further information. Contact Randi Weiss, Project Coordinator (217-352-0047 ext. 229), Joe Sciacca, Project Director (217-352-0047 ext. 206), or email PolyTalk at polytalk@lincolntrail.info.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News
No Legislative/Advocacy News this week.

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

Grant News

2007 National Library Week Grant "Come together @ your library"
Libraries across the United States are invited to apply for the $5,000 Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant, which will be awarded to a single library for the best public awareness campaign incorporating the 2007 National Library Week theme, “Come together @ your library.” This year’s application deadline is October 16, 2006. National Library Week is April 15-21, 2007. All proposals must use the “Come together @ your library” theme, which incorporates The Campaign for America's Libraries’ “@ your library” brand, on any and all promotional and publicity material supporting National Library Week activities.
Guidelines for using the brand are available on the campaign Web site at http://www.ala.org/@yourlibrary under the “download logos” section. A grant application form and guidelines are available on The Campaign for America’s Libraries Web site at http://www.ala.org/@yourlibrary/nlwgrant.
Information also is available from the ALA Public Information Office.
Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 4020.
E-mail: mhumphrey@ala.org.
For more information about The Campaign for America’s Libraries, visit the Campaign’s Web site at http://www.ala.org/@yourlibrary.

On the Internet
Our website picks of the week are supplied by Marylaine Block, Writer, Internet Trainer and "Librarian Without Walls," http://marylaine.com/.

NEAT NEW STUFF July 21, 2006

50 Albums That Changed Music
"only a select few records have actually altered the course of music... our panel of critics argues for 50 albums that caused a revolution" and explain what wouldn't have happened without each one. How's that for a potential display, conversation starter, and lure to your CD collections?
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,1821196,00.html

The Big Here
Can you answer these 30 questions designed to track your awareness of the watershed you inhabit?
http://www.kk.org/helpwanted/archives/001084.php

Building a Sustainable Future for Libraries
A blog to go along with the sustainable future workshops sponsored by the Kansas State Library and WebJunction. Full of good ideas and links to resources (check out the how-to guide for winning support for rural libraries).
http://www.rls-ks.blogspot.com/

CBC Radio Podcasts
Includes some of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's most popular programs, including Dispatches ("Go beyond the headlines with correspondents on assignment all over the globe"), Outfront ("documentaries made by real people telling real stories about real life"), and Definitely Not the Opera ("your guide to the fast-changing world of popular culture").
http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/

Educational Gaming Links at Walking Paper
Aaron Schmidt offers links to several games designed to enhance the teaching of mathematics ("Learn Math or Die Trying"), the internet ("Play the role of a packet of data on the web"), and contemporary geopolitics (prevent genocide in Darfur, or make peace between Israel and Palestinians). They do look intriguing.
http://walkingpaper.org/328

Extreme Heat
[CDC] Includes FAQs, an Extreme Heat Prevention Guide for self-protection, and resources for health professionals dealing with heat casualties.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/

Foreign Affairs
Roundtable: What To Do in Iraq. "Can anything -- international mediation, regional collaboration, decentralization, or constitutional negotiations -- save Iraq from a full-fledged civil war?" A wide-ranging discussion among foreign policy experts. This is the web-only follow-up, with a link to the original discussion.
http://www.foreignaffairs.org/special/roundtable

Government Publications Library Blog
Gov docs librarians at the University of Colorado-Boulder help you follow current events through current and historical government documents, maps, and photos: Bush's veto of stem-cell research funding, the extreme heat, the crisis in the Middle East, the Geneva Convention, urban legends, etc.
http://cubgovpubs.blogspot.com/

Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke
Complete text of the Surgeon General's report.
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/secondhandsmoke/

InfoNation
Choose a Career in Libraries. Here's how the Canadians are recruiting people for the profession. Along with job descriptions and the skills for success, it offers real librarians ("trust us, you can't make this stuff up") talking about their work life, and a sampling of librarian blogs so people can see what issues librarians are talking about online.
http://www.cla.ca/infonation/welcome.htm

National Film Board of Canada
Play Films "Fifty NFB animated shorts, including several animation classics."
http://www.nfb.ca/animation/objanim/en/films/index.php

Science Journalism Tracker
Peer Review within Science Journalism. Provides "a broad sampling of the past day’s science news and, where possible, of news releases or other news tips related to publication of science news in the general circulation news media."
http://ksjtracker.mit.edu

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.