volume #3 issue#35

September 7, 2006

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library

System News

Mark Your Calendars for PALS Day 2007!
PALS Day 2007 will be held on Friday, April 27, 2007 at Starved Rock Lodge in Utica, IL. Speakers that are booked so far include: Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace of Library Communications Strategies; Duncan Smith of Ebsco/Novelist and Marylaine Block. More details will be coming soon.

Take Advantage of Gale Virtual Reference Library Offer
The Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) is now available to all Illinois (and PALS Iowa member) public libraries through the Library Partnership Trust. It contains 330 reference titles with 30-40 new releases added each year. The GVRL offer includes unlimited 24/7 access, translation into seven languages, the ability to generate citations, and much more. This is a great way to offer your public access to reliable information when it's convenient for them. Initial offer is good through October 31. Libraries working together will save significantly over the cost to participate on an individual basis. For more info, and a no-obligation quote, visit the Library Partnership Trust site.

Gale Virtual Reference Library Demo Is Coming to PALS!
Bring your colleagues and join us for the Gale Virtual Reference Library Demos:
Shorewood Service Center: Wednesday, September 13th from 2 to 4pm
Rockford Service Center: Thursday, September 14th from 11am to 1pm - Lunch will be included!
Coal Valley Service Center: Friday, September 15th from 11am to 1pm - Lunch will be included!

Brad Edick and Maureen Scully from Thomson Gale and Dale Lawrence from the North Suburban Library System will be here to demo the GVRL and answer any questions that you may have about this great offer. To assist with planning for food and handouts, please register for this event on CLeO. For more info, and a no-obligation quote, visit the Library Partnership Trust site.

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 Practice Sessions
All regularly scheduled OPAL sessions/meetings will have a PALS staff person available ½ hour before the listed starting time so participants can go to the URL and make sure their equipment is working. OPAL practice sessions have also been set up as follows to give you time to test equipment when you are not under the pressure of a pending session. You can contact Rita McGeary to be e-mailed a manual before you try either a regular session or a practice session.
Please use this URL http://67.19.231.218/v4/login.asp?r=325be21b&p=0 for each practice session listed below.
September 13 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM
September 18 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM
You may use this URL from any PC, including from home. You do not have to be in the session at the starting time and you do not have to stay in the session a full hour. A PALS staff person will be in the practice sessions the full hour to help with questions.

It Could Happen to You!
Preparing for library disaster recovery. Please join the Northern Illinois University Libraries Tuesday September 19, 2006 for a free workshop on Disaster Planning and Recovery for Libraries. Doors to the Illinois Room (Holmes Student Center, NIU-DeKalb) will open at 1:30 p.m. The presentation will take place from 2-4 p.m. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

This valuable program is open to all public and academic library staff and trustees. For public libraries, this workshop may provide the foundation of the disaster recovery plan which must be included in the fall 2007 submission of the Public Library Per Capita Grant application. Please plan now to attend this valuable free workshop. Space is limited and reservations are required.
To register, please go to: http://www.ulib.niu.edu/recoveryworkshop.htm no later than 5p.m. Monday September 11, 2006. For additional information contact Jane Farmer, NIU Libraries, 815-753-9869.

SirsiDynix Institute Seminars
The SirsiDynix Institute is an ongoing forum for professional development in the library community. By providing free access to industry-leading speakers and events, their mission is to support librarianship and advance the work of librarians around the world. Attend their free Web seminars as the SirsiDynix Institute presents compelling speakers selected from among leaders in librarianship and information technology. Click on http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/future.php to see upcoming events and to view past events you may have missed. Many of these programs are relevant to all library types and are usually very well done. All you need is a compatible computer with speakers or headphones. Although it's very easy to log-in and listen, if you have questions about these programs, contact Rita McGeary at ritam@palsnet.info or x4463.

Member News

Global Gathering - India
Immerse yourself in Indian culture at the Bettendorf Public Library from September 9 through October 25. India is the topic of the library's first annual cultural focus. The Library is has scheduled sixteen programs for all ages on literature, business, medicine, film, religion, food, dance, music and customs. Global Gathering, India is supported by a gift from Friends of India Association. All programs are designed to give the community a better understanding and appreciation of Indian culture. For details and times, stop by the library to pick up a brochure, call 344-4175 or visit the library web site http://www.bettendorflibrary.com.

Congratulations!
Allison Beasley – Head of Adult Services at Kankakee Public Library – on the birth of her son, Parker Gabriel. Born Friday 8/25/06 4:51pm 8 lbs, 8 oz, 21 inches long.
Parker, Mom, Dad & big brother Andrew doing fine!

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.

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 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.

For Sale
Book Repair Tape for Sale - $1 per roll!
3 - Fastape Yellow 3" X 5 yds.
2 - Fastape Yellow 1 1/2" X 5 yds.
3 - Fastape Red 3" X 5 yds.
2 - Fastape Red 1 1/2" X 5 yds.
3 - Fastape Dk Green 3" X 5 yds.
3 - Fastape Dk Green 1 1/2" X 5 yds.
3 - Fastape Brown 3" X 5 yds.
3 - Fastape Brown 1 1/2" X 5 yds.
3 - Fastape White 3" X 5 yds.
1 - Fastape White 1 1/2" X 5 yds.

Contact: Leah Bill 815-634-4552 x 100 leahb@coalcity.lib.il.us

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.

Web Services Coordinator
Prairie Area Library System
Are you looking for new, exciting challenges in your career? Interested in working with a state of the art integrated library system public interface? Are you ready to work with and for positive, upbeat, hard-working professionals to help improve and enhance library service to northern Illinois libraries? The Prairie Area Library System (PALS) is looking for an innovative, technologically progressive, self-starter willing to share their positive outlook and team player skills with colleagues and member libraries. As part of the Technology Services department of PALS, the ideal applicants will have: 3 years managing web based services with hardware & software responsibilities; 2 years experience with MySQL & Microsoft Access; Strong understanding of Internet-based services and protocols, especially MySQL, HTML, ASP; Demonstrated ability to communicate technical ideas and plans to non-technical clientele in a helpful and friendly manner; Self-motivation and ability to work as a team member; and a strong customer service orientation.

The successful applicant may work from any of the three PALS locations, Coal Valley, Rockford, or Shorewood.

Bachelor Degree in computer or information science or appropriate and demonstrated skill sets required.

Salary range $38,788 - 58,182. Excellent benefits.

Visit http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/wsc.doc for complete job description and http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/application.doc for the application. Review of applications will continue until position is filled. Please submit application and resume with three professional references to Shirley Grasty, 405 Earl Road, Shorewood, IL 60404 or shirleyg@palsnet.info

PALS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Library Services Coordinator
Prairie Area Library System
Are you looking for new, exciting challenges in your career? Do you enjoy traveling throughout beautiful northern Illinois? Are you ready to work with and for positive, upbeat, hard-working professionals to help improve and enhance library service to northern Illinois libraries? The Prairie Area Library System (PALS) is looking for two innovative, technologically progressive, self-starters willing to share their positive outlooks and team player skills with colleagues and member libraries. As part of the consulting and continuous learning department of PALS, the ideal applicants will have: work experience in several types of libraries and at different levels within those libraries; excellent written and oral communication skills; demonstrated leadership; grant writing experience; at least five years library experience; and supervisory or administrative library experience highly desirable.

*Applicants must also be proficient with new technologies, possess a positive outlook, work well with groups, be a team player, and be able to travel within the System's 11,000 square mile area. The successful applicants may work from any of the three PALS locations, Coal Valley, Rockford, or Shorewood. ALA/MLS required.

*Salary range $45,000 - 67,500. Excellent benefits.

Visit http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/lsc.doc for complete job description and http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/application.doc for the application. Review of applications will continue until position is filled. Please submit resumes with three professional references to Shirley Grasty, 405 Earl Road, Shorewood, IL 60404 or shirleyg@palsnet.info

PALS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Youth Services
The Melrose Park Public Library in Melrose Park, IL, is seeking an enthusiastic, innovative self-starter to join a growing youth services department. Responsibilities include programming, reference, reader’s advisory, collection development, publicity, and outreach for a variety of age groups. The ideal candidate will be friendly, service-oriented, and computer literate. Patience and a well-developed sense of humor are a must! This is a part-time position with the possibility of full-time. Must be able to work some evenings and weekends. Spanish skills and desktop publishing skills are a plus. MLIS students are encouraged to apply.

Send resume to:
Laura Yanchick
Youth Services Manager
801 N. Broadway
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
or at yanchickl@melroseparklibrary.org
If you have any questions, please call (708)343-3391 x224 to talk to Laura

Library Director
Fox River Grove Memorial Public Library http:// www.frgml.lib.il.us is looking for an energetic, creative and skilled leader to serve as director of a library that serves a library district of approximately 4,300. Library has a full- and part-time staff of 10. Annual budget is approximately $500,000. Uses AMLIB automated catalog stand-alone environment. Interaction with municipality and local school district is an essential part of this director’s responsibilities in this close-knit community. The library director reports to, and is advised by, an elected board of seven trustees.
* Requirements MLS from ALA-Accredited institution. Candidates must have good communication and interpersonal skills along with appropriate development and management experience. Fiscal, organizational, and analytical abilities a must. Candidate must have a strong commitment to public service and understanding of responsibilities to a small community’s needs.
* Full-Time position Salary is commensurate upon qualifications.

To apply, mail cover letter, resume and 3 references to:
Sarah Edwards
Fox River Grove Memorial Library
407 Lincoln Avenue
Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Email to: frglibrary@frgml.lib.il.us
Phone: 847-639-2274 Application deadline: Friday, October 13, 2006

Information Center Adult Services Manager
Innovative, proactive and experienced librarian sought for Adult Services Manager at Bettendorf Public Library Information Center (http://www.bettendorflibrary.com).
* MLS in Library Science and 3 years supervisory experience in a public library required. Supervises Information and Adult Services including selection, programming, reference, web site, public computers, ICN, patron training, volunteers and outreach. Adult Services staff has 2.78 FTE and Information Services has 3.46 FTE.

Send cover letter, resume, city application and references to:
Human Resources Director
1609 State Street
Bettendorf,Iowa, 52722.
Application available at http://www.bettendorf.org
Close September 29 at 4:00 p.m.

Reference and ILL News

Illinet ILL Statistics Are Due!
A friendly reminder that all PALS Illinois member libraries are expected to submit Illinet Interlibrary Loan Traffic Report forms each year, as requested by the Illinois State Library. A good response to this survey by Illinois libraries is crucial for tracking statewide resource-sharing. A letter with the URL and login information was mailed to all libraries earlier this year, or visit http://lrc.lis.uiuc.edu/web/ILL2006/ to login to complete the survey. You will need your ELI login and password to login to complete the survey. If you need your ELI login, contact Judy Hutchinson (x 3150 or judyh@palsnet.info) or Nancy Smith (x 4466 or nancys@palsnet.info) at PALS, or Gwen Harrison at the Illinois State Library (gharrison@ilsos.net).

Youth Services and School Library News

School Librarian Conference Opportunity for Public Librarians
The Third Coast Learning Collaborative, of which PALS is a partner, is offering $50 grants to youth services librarians in public libraries to attend the Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA) Conference on Nov. 9-11th in Arlington Heights. In return, winners will be asked to volunteer for a two hour shift at the registration desk. The conference is great for everyone who works with children and teens. The complete conference program can be found at http://www.islma.org/conferences.htm#conferences .
Click to download a flyer with all the details about the grant opportunity.
Questions? Ask Jane Lenser at janel@palsnet.info or 229-4461.

Ellison and Excellence
Die Shape Workshop and Booktalks on Best New Children's Books" On Friday, Sept. 15th at the Mendota Civic Center, we are having "Ellison and Excellence: Die Shape Workshop and Booktalks on Best New Children's Books" from 9:00-3:00. The morning portion will feature a trainer from Ellison Dies who will show us how to use the machine and dies to create games, bulletin boards, crafts projects, gifts, and lots more unique projects in your libraries.
The workshop includes "Make It, Take It" projects that are pre-cut and ready to assemble. Whether you're new to using dies or an old pro, you'll want to attend to get great, easy ideas. Remember that PALS maintains a list of dies owned by system libraries that are available to borrow.
See http://www.palsnet.info/services/ys/default.asp.
After lunch, our all-time favorite Illinois booktalker, Sally Walker, will share some of her favorite new titles for preschoolers through junior high readers. Find out what new, good books are out there. Sally is an award winning author of non-fiction books for young readers. You may have enjoyed her booktalks at the NIU Children's Literature Conference in the past.
The fee for the day including lunch is $30. Carpools may be available.
Register at http://www.palsnet.info/events.
Contact Norma Applegate at normaa@palsnet.info or Jane Lenser at janel@palsnet.info for more information or to request a carpool.

Author Kate Klise Coming to LACONI Program
LACONI--Youth Services Section is hosting hilarious children's book author, Kate Klise, plus the Fall Extravaganza of Books with Anderson's Bookshops on Sept. 22 at the Orland Park Public Library from 9:30-3:00. The fee is $25.00 which includes lunch. See the flyer for full details.

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

Reaching Forward South Conference Coming SOON!
The Reaching Forward South Conference For Library Support Staff will be held Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29 at the Northfield Inn in Springfield, Illinois. We’re "Putting Our Best Foot Forward with sessions from Book Repair to Identity Theft and from Aging Awareness to Centers for Effective Nonprofits in Southern Illinois. Sharon Wiseman, Wiseman Consulting & Training, will be the keynote speaker. Victor Pacini will provide the Thursday evening entertainment and a session on Friday. This would be a great staff development event. Check out all the details at www.reachingforwardsouth.org. It’s our 10th year so put your best foot forward and come help us celebrate!

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

ILA Nominating Committee Seeks Candidates
The ILA 2007 Nominating Committee is soliciting nominees to run on the 2007 spring ballot for the Executive Board, including the office of ILA Vice President/President-elect.
The Nominating Committee will select two candidates to run for each of four Director-at-Large and the Vice Presidential seats.

The President-elect will serve a three-year term: as President-elect in 2007-2008, as President in 2008-2009, and as Immediate Past President in 2009-2010. Director-at-Large seats are also three year terms.

The Illinois Library Association Executive Board is the governing body of the association and is comprised of fifteen directors serving a three-year term. The board adopts and oversees implementation and evaluation of all plans, policies, programs, and budget for the association. Together, the board members constitute the leadership of the association and assume responsibility for its success.

Members who wish to make nominations should submit the following information: nominee name; present position; institution; address; telephone; fax; and e-mail address. Self-nominations are encouraged. All
potential nominees will be asked to complete a Potential Candidate Biographical Form that will be emailed to them. Membership in the Illinois Library Association is a requirement.

Nominations may be sent to any member of the 2007 Nominating Committee:
Chair -
Dianne Harmon, Joliet Public Library
dharmon@joliet.lib.il.us

Members -
Tina Hubert, Lewis & Clark Library System
tinah@lcls.org
Kendi Kelley, Retired
kendik@shawls.lib.il.us
Mary Munroe, Northern Illinois University
C60MHM1@wpo.cso.niu.edu
Tobi Oberman, Skokie Public Library
toberman@skokielibrary.info
Lynn Stainbrook, Arlington Heights Memorial Library
lstainbrook@ahml.info
Denise Zielinski, DuPage Library System
dzielins@dupagels.lib.il.us

The Illinois Library Association
is pleased to partner with National Recording Artist and Librarian, Tracy Worth, in a fundraising endeavor.
Tracy Worth, a prior recipient of the Sylvia Murphy Williams Fund and the ALA Spectrum Scholarships, has pledged her support for library education by donating $5 to the Sylvia Murphy Williams Fund for each purchase of her CD "Don't Let Heaven Pass You By". Purchases can be made from her website at http://www.tracyworth.com
The Sylvia Murphy Williams Scholarship is awarded to the Illinois winner of the ALA's spectrum Scholarship which is given to encourage diversity in librarianship. Sylvia Murphy Williams was the Director at the Dundee Township Public Library in Dundee, Il and an origianl member of the Board of Trustees of the Boys & Girls Club of Dundee Township. She was a strong advocate of libraries and was the President of the Illinois Library Association.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Advocacy Anywhere - Strategies for the "Other" 363 Days of the Year
One of the many great Illinois Library Association programs at Navy Pier will offer strategies and practical tips that you can apply at your library. All politics is local and the message needs to be brought home throughout the year. This program will feature some active advocates who successfully talk up libraries wherever they encounter their legislators and members of the community. The panel of advocates will offer their stories on getting started and offer practical tips you can use to start advocating year round.

Mark Thursday, October 5 on your calendar.

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

Grant News

Youth Leaders for Literacy
Grants Awarded for Student-Led Projects Youth Leaders for Literacy is an initiative of the National Education Association (NEA) and Youth Service America (YSA) to help youth direct their enthusiasm and creativity into reading related service projects. Grant applications should propose youth leadership in developing and implementing a literacy project that begins on NEA's Read Across America Day, March 2, 2007 and culminates on YSA's National Youth Service Days, April 20-22.
Applications are due November 24, 2006. Applicants must be 21 of younger and can apply either as individuals or in groups. Download the current grant application. ( 69KB, 4pp). The 20 winning student-led initiatives will each be awarded $500.
See http://www.nea.org/readacross/volunteer/indes.html for more details.

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 September 1, 2006

Artnet.com
Research Library
Here's an enticement for your library to subscribe to the Grove Art database: browse or search through more than 16,000 articles on artists in all media, more than 130 articles on materials and techniques, and 1,000 articles on the most significant styles and movements in art history. Most articles are from the Grove Dictionary of Art, but some are specially commissioned for this site. A small sample from each article is available free on the web site.

Center for Best Practices
[National Governors' Association
"The Center's mission is to develop and implement innovative solutions to public policy challenges." Publications available here as pdf downloads include "Reading to Achieve: State Policies to Support Adolescent Literacy," "Protecting Privacy in Integrated Justice Systems," "Disaster Mitigation Case Studies," and lots more.

Clusty
This metasearch engine combines results from severals search engines and generates a list based on comparative ranking. You can restrict your searches to News, Blogs, Images, Shopping, Jobs, and Wikipedia, and you can also customize it.

The Comics Reporter
"Tom Spurgeon's Web site of comics news, reviews, interviews and commentary." Additional features include a Comics Event Calendar, Scheduled Books and Major Releases for 2006 and 2007, Tips on getting your own comics published, and lots of resource links.

IRCWorld
"a team blog of nearly 180 information resource centers (IRCs), libraries and American centers located at U.S.embassies and consulates in more than 140 countries" aimed at sharing ideas, tools and information, advancing collaboration between the IRCs, and promoting the use of IRCs to foreign audiences."

LifeOrganizers.com
Many articles on how to organize and declutter your home, your office, and your time. Librarians take note: I've not only SEEN what your desks look like, I've HAD a desk piled as high as yours.

Purplemath
Help with Algebra
Math teacher Elizabeth Stapel offers both lessons and links to equally helpful sites for Free Online Tutoring and Lessons, Quizzes and Worksheets, and Other Useful Sites and Services.

The September Project
Event ideas, PR materials, and a blog for anyone planning to commemorate the anniversary with "discussion, dialogue, and reflection in public, academic, and school libraries." Check out the map to see if a library near you is one of the 402 libraries worldwide that are participating.

The Skeptiseum
The Center for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal exhibits a variety of items from its collection centered on the themes of psychic phenomena, alternative medicine, UFOs and Aliens, creationism, and more.

Sports Hot Sheet
A new address for this former NBC researcher's guide to official sites for major spectator sport, both professional and collegiate.

The Storm
[Frontline]
If you missed the PBS documentary on Hurricane Katrina this week, you can watch it here, and read the background interviews, documents, analysis, and stories of Katrina survivors.

Sunlight Foundation
Devoted to helping Americans learn what their elected representatives are doing, and ensuring transparency and accountability by government. The blog focuses on exposing those "earmarks" that divert federal money into legislators' pet projects.

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.