volume #3 issue#36

September 14, 2006

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library

System News

PALS Board Meeting
The Prairie Area Library System Board will meet on Tuesday, September 19, at 10:00 a.m., at the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook.

End of the Year Reports Being Sent to Member Libraries
The End of the Year Reports including Member Value Statements are in the mail or on the van directed to each library agency's primary contact. They should have reached members beginning Friday, September 9 but most will arrive with your delivery or by mail this week. In this packet are the Value Statements, the record of CL (Continuous Learning) events and meetings that the library's staff participated in during the System fiscal year, a compilation of Member Library Successes, and the information about the FY2006 overall PALS accomplishments and the challenges ahead in FY2007. These last two documents were shared with Illinois State Library Director Anne Craig and her staff when PALS administrators visited with them in Springfield this summer. The CL record is based on the System fiscal year--July 1 to June 30. If you would like a similar report for your library's fiscal year or any other time frame, please contact PALS staff.

Because the packet was designed to help member libraries explain to their governing authorities/funders the role that System membership plays in their library's services to its constituents, the Member Value Statement continues to be expanded. This year a value was assigned to delivery received through the mail/UPS based on the average number of deliveries and the reimbursement requests. Also group purchases were analyzed to show difference between the cost as a group member and the "regular" price if a library was purchasing that service/item on its own. The third new item shown was the number of Consulting minutes that PALS staff reported spending with the member on various issues. The latter involved a new procedure for the PALS staff so as they get used to it the figures may fall short of being a true reflection of the activity.

If you have any questions about the packet and/or its contents or if your library has not recieved its packet by Friday, September 16th, please contact Nancy Smith (nancys@palsnet.info or x4466).

PALSGroup Migration Update
Keep abreast of what's happening with the countdown to the PALSGroup merger and the new PrairieCat library catalog by visiting the PALSGroup merger area of the PALS website.

Illinois Statewide Cataloging Standards – Barcode Testing Begins
Cataloging standards provide the foundation for achieving reliable online access to the vast information resources contained within the collections of Illinois’ multitype libraries. The Illinois Statewide Cataloging Standards are not intended to serve as a manual of data entry procedures. Rather, the intent is to prescribe adherence to nationally accepted cataloging standards and guidelines that are crucial to the viability of shared bibliographic databases. Selecting the correct record already in the local database, attaching and adding your holding only, with no editing to the bibliographic record, will be tested for in the Barcoding Level of the certification. The Barcoding test is the foundation to the next two levels of certification, Copy Cataloging and Original Cataloging. Please note: any staff who adds items to the HAL or Quad-LINC databases (fully participating or Union List members) must pass the barcoding test and be certified at the barcoding level by June 30, 2007. Any staff who adds items to NIC or NILSCatT databases must pass the barcoding test and be certified at the barcoding level by December 31, 2007. In our merged PALSGroup consortium, all staff who add items to the database will have unique logins to the system based on their certification level.

PALS has set one day each month beginning in September for Barcode Testing. The testing day will be the same at all 3 service centers. You may come anytime between 9 am and 4 pm, but need to register in CLEO for which day you will be coming. It will be 1st come, 1st served. We anticipate that the test will take approximately 1 ½ hours to complete, however you may have as much time as you need to complete it. The scheduled testing dates are Wednesday, September 27th; Thursday, October 12th; Tuesday, November 14th; Friday, December 1st; Wednesday, January 10th; Thursday, February 15th. More dates will be added as needed after February.

You will need to create your holdings so as to be consistent with the policies your library uses. For example, if your fiction books are categorized in Item Cat 1 as mystery rather than fiction, that is how you should add them during testing. Add the items as if you were at work at your own library. The tests will be graded within a week of the testing date and results will be sent to you via delivery. A practice test and supporting information is available on the PALS website at: http://www.palsnet.info/services/ts/palsgroup/

If you have any questions please contact Merideth Willett x3257 meridethw@palsnet.info or John Slanicky x2716 johns@palsnet.info

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

The Power of Word of Mouth Marketing
Join the New Lenox Library for this great workshop on Friday, November 10, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. Check out the flyer for this upcoming workshop.

Member News

Celebrity “Doodles” up for Auction
Everyone doodles. But how many people can say they own a drawing by John Travolta, Mario Andretti, Pamela Anderson or Donald Trump? Doodles by these and other famous authors, sports figures, actors, politicians and celebrities will be up for bid at Author & Celebrity Doodle Day at the Bettendorf Public Library on Saturday, October 21, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Go to http://www.bettendorflibrary.com/doodleday.htm for complete Doodle Day event information and to view celebrity doodles up for auction, including Whoopi Goldberg, Mary Higgins Clark, Dr. Phil McGraw, Barbra Streisand and Greg Maddux.
For more information, contact Todd Klein at tklein@bettendorf.org or 563 344-4182.

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.

Kaplan University
is offering the following titles:
* Psychology: Themes and Variations, Briefer Verstion, 4th edtion by Wayne Weiten
* Bilder Aus Berlin: Der Weg Zur Deutschen Einheit
* Enduring Voices: Document Sets to Accompany The Enduring Vision, Fourth Edition, volume 2 by James Lorence
* Wilhelm Hohenzollern: the last of the Kaisers by Emil Ludwig
* Our Naval War with France by Gardner W. Allen
* El Inca Garcilaso de la Vega by Donald G. Castanien
* The Man of Only Yesterday by Darwin Payne

Please send requests to jsmith@kucampus.edu

Free
from the Plano Community Library
* 1 Gaylord Book Return Cart, ivory, FREE (see 2006 catalog, page 24, item HP-201-33, $525.00) Never been used. Must be able to pick up from Plano.
* 1 Gaylord Baldwin 4 ft. Slatwall Displayer, FREE (see 2006 catalog, page 514, item HP-TED48, $695) Fair condition. Must be able to pick up from Plano.
*1 Revolving Bookcase Display, light oak, FREE (see 2005 Demco catalog, page 650, item P148-8928, $699.99) In good condition. Must be able to pick up from Plano. Very heavy. 1 CD Spinner, 42 pocket floor spinner, FREE (see 2005 Demco catalog, page 668, item P149-9941, $539.99) Fair condition. Must be able to pick up from Plano.

If interested contact:
Deanna Howard
ph: 630-552-2020 fx: 630-552-1008 dhoward@plano.lib.il.us www.plano.lib.il.us

Plainfield Public Library
has the following to give away:
* Video cassette cases as seen in the Demco 2006 catalog: p. 182 clear plastic cases, P153-6796 p. 183 clear plastic cases (hub less) P153-0463
* Compact audiocassette cases as seen in the Demco 2006 catalog: p. 189, 1-4 capacity. Quantity available: several hundred of each of the above.
Let us know how many you want by contacting:
kboreham@plainfield.lib.il.us

Illinois Valley Community College
Please find attached a giveaway list.

If interested please contact:
James E. Barnes
Phone: 815 224-0204 E-mail: James_Barnes@ivcc.edu

For Sale
Rock Island Public Library has 4 periodical shelving units available. These are wood, oak finish, double sided, appx 7 ft high, 3 sections per side, 5 shelves per section. Attached is a photo. Will take offers.

If interested please contact:
Amy Penry
Penry.Amy@rigov.org or (309) 732-7302.

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.

Head of Children's Services
Outstanding management opportunity for enthusiastic children’s services specialist who will ensure that children and families look forward to their visits to the library.
* Preferred candidates will have ALA/MLS, three years’ experience with selection of children’s materials, programming, and direct patron service, including some budgeting, planning and supervision responsibilities. We offer a collegial working environment in a supportive community of appreciative library patrons, with patron registration rate over 90%. Oversee programming, collection development, reference/ readers’ advisory services, outreach to schools, and participate in a five person management team.
* Salary range starts at $45,402; excellent benefits.

Please send letter of application and resume by October 20, 2006 to:
Peggy Hamil, Executive Director
Glencoe Public Library
320 Park Avenue
Glencoe IL 60022
or e-mail to hamilp@glencoe.lib.il.us

Information Technology Manager
The West Chicago Public Library District is seeking to hire an IT Manager. The person in this role is responsible for managing the day-to-day IT operation including systems analysis, programming and computer auxiliary operations. Maintaining, tracking, repairing, and enhancing the library's servers, workstations, network telecommunications system, Internet connection, peripherals, and business equipment. This key individual will assist Library staff with general IT support and training issues; implementing special projects throughout The Library, including installing new systems and upgrading and configuring hardware and software; monitor and maintain accurate inventories of all equipment, supplies, licenses, and support contracts; coordinate The Library’s electronics recycling program; and monitor and maintain the library's anti-virus and anti-spam systems. Has a responsibility for dealing with hardware and software vendors and technical support issues.
* Requirements: Hands-on hardware troubleshooting and maintenance of computers, printers, scanners, photocopiers, and other equipment; thorough knowledge of core Microsoft desktop and server products (including Microsoft Office, Windows XP Pro, Active Directory, and Group Policy) as well as at least a basic knowledge of open-source technologies (Linux, Apache, My SQL, PHP, etc).
* Salary: $37,440 - $56,160 Depending on Qualifications.

Submit your resume, including salary history and references to:
Maureen Bajor
Administrative Assistant- HR/Facilities
West Chicago Public Library District
118 West Washington Street
West Chicago, IL 60185
mbajor@linc.lib.il.us

Youth Services Librarian
Fairfield (Iowa) Public Library has an opening for a Youth Services Librarian. This is a full time, salaried position starting at $25,500 with excellent benefits including health insurance, retirement, paid sick leave, and three weeks paid vacation.
* Qualifications and skills required: MLS is preferred, but candidates who have combined an educational degree with relevant experience are also encouraged to apply •Energetic advocate for children and teens •Solid knowledge of youth literature •Able to relate well to children of all ages and their parents •Able to plan and produce quality programs for youth.

Please send your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to:
Rebecca Huggins
Director Fairfield Public Library
104 West Adams
Fairfield, IA 52556
For more information on Fairfield Public Library, go to http://www.youseemore.com/fairfield/default.asp

Part-time Clerk
The Cordova District Library has an opening for a part time position. Must be able to work evenings and some weekend. Responsibilities include staffing circulation desk, processing new materials and interlibrary loan. Degree in Library Science preferred but High School education required. Please send resume to Cordova District Library, P.O. Box 247 Cordova, IL 61242 by September 22, 2006.

Librarian
Rasmussen College Rockford, IL
Responsibilities for this position:
• Champion information literacy at a campus level by:
o Training faculty and staff on the use of print and electronic resources
o Providing assistance to patrons in person, via telephone, e-mail, and real-time chat with print and electronic resources
o Developing pathfinders, user guides, and presentations for students and faculty on library resources, electronic databases, key websites, source citations, etc.
o Workshops for new and current students about topic development, research strategies, and ethical use of information o Coordinating information literacy teaching strategies with the Academic Dean and faculty.

• Promote literacy and library usage through:
o Library-related workshops and programs for students, faculty, and the public
o Regular displays about library or subject resources o Partnerships with local business and organizations, including other campus and local public libraries

• Tabulate weekly, monthly, and quarterly statistics on:
o Use of library for reference, internet, and general purposes
o Items circulated, ordered through Interlibrary Loan
o Database use
o Customer service
o Other pertinent library metrics

• Transfer of Credit
o Evaluate incoming students transcripts for applicable course transfer
o Meet with student regarding transfer of credit questions or concerns
o Work with the admissions department in providing pre-transfer of credit assessments
o Coordinate Department Chair review of core course transfer of credit evaluation

• Perform general library duties, including:
o Assisting with development and maintenance of library collection
o Participate in faculty and staff meetings and training events
o Meet with other campus librarians & System Library Director to review best practices, challenges, and goals
o Attend and present in new student orientations on a quarterly basis
o Attend graduation and other student events throughout the quarter.

• Some night and weekend hours are required.
• Librarian reports to the Academic Dean and the System Library Director.

Requirements for this position:
• Masters degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program
• Minimum 1 year experience in reference services in a professional setting
• Mastery of Microsoft Office 2003 software, EBSCO, and other academic databases
• Familiarity with library automation software
Start date: ASAP
Close date: October 1
Salary: Negotiable
Send your resume to: Emily O'Connor, System Library Director emily.oconnor@rasmussen.edu (952) 545-2000 ext. 3014

Library Director
Hedberg Public Library (www.hedbergpubliclibrary.org), seeks a creative, dynamic leader. Janesville, “Wisconsin’s Park Place,” is a growing community of 61,604, with easy access to Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Rockford. HPL is a municipal library serving a diverse population, with a $3.6M operating budget ($465K-materials), 52 FTE, 1.2m circ, excellent collection, extensive public programming and 100 public PCs. The building was expanded and renovated in 1996 (63,000 sq.ft.). Support groups include Friends of Hedberg Public Library and Foundation. The director reports to 9-member Board and is a member of the City management team (Council-Manager). The director will continue to improve already high levels of public service and maintain HPL as a vibrant community center.

Requirements: Proven leadership; positive attitude; administrative skills, team building, good communication skills; visioning; creativity; a strong work ethic; integrity. MLS (ALA accredited), 5 years progressively responsible professional library experience, residency in agreed upon time frame.

Salary $80,000 to $90,000 DOQ, excellent benefits, open until filled.

To apply, submit resume, cover letter and completed HPL application form to City of Janesville HR Dept., PO Box 5005, Janesville, WI, 53547-5005; at humanresources@ci.janesville.wi.us. EOE.

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

Kate Klise, Children's Author Appearing at LACONI
See the attached flyer for details on the upcoming LACONI--Youth Services Section program coming up at the Orland Park Public Library which will feature fun author, Kate Klise

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

Banned Books Week is September 23–30, 2006
Observed annually since 1982, Banned Books Week reminds Americans not to take intellectual freedom for granted. This offers an opportunity for special displays at your library to aid in thinking and talking about banned books and intellectual freedom. For more information, visit the Banned Books area of the American Library Association website.

Free Exhibit Passes Available at Illinois Library Association Conference
Free exhibit passes will be available at the ILA Registration Desk at Navy Pier. Please remember the exhibit days and hours are different this year, at the request of exhibitors. Exhibits are open Wednesday, October 4, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and Thursday, October 5, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you and/or other library staff members cannot afford to attend the conference, the free exhibit passes still allow you to participate in the conference --- to see the latest in library products and services, to network, to see colleagues, etc. In addition, the exhibit hall will also contains the talk tables, the poster sessions, and the Art and Architecture exhibit. Finally, the Membership Meeting is open to all members of the association and your attendance is encouraged! PALS will be offering transportation from all three Service Centers for a one-day trip on Thursday, October 5. And, the annual PALS Conference Reception is planned for the lunch hour on that day, so make a day of it and see the exhibits and network with fellow PALS members. More details on transportation and the PALS Reception will be coming soon.

ILA/ILSDO Diversity Fair
Are you reaching out to a diverse community and want to showcase what you have done? Consider presenting your work at the First Annual Diversity Fair, to be held on Thursday, October 5 from 9:00-10:30 as part of the Illinois Library Association Annual Conference. DEMCO has graciously agreed to sponsor the event and will even be awarding prizes to the top presentations. If you are interested, please go to http://www.illinoislibrarysystems.info and follow the link in the top right corner to complete the submission form. If you have any questions, please contact Amanda McKay at amckay@lincolntrail.info or 217-352-0047, ext. 209.

Challenged - Banned Books
In recent years, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom has seen a steady increase in reported book challenges in our libraries. That is, until this year. This year, for some unexplained reason, there have been fewer challenges reported to the office. Our sense, based upon news reports, is that challenges continue to occur at a high level, yet they are not being reported. Due to budget cutbacks, the OIF no longer subscribes to a clipping service that can provide this valuable information. It is extremely important to our defense of Intellectual Freedom that the Association is able to track these challenges. It is especially important as we approach Banned Books Week (September 23-30). The data we gain through reported challenges help us prepare this program and understand the issues facing our members.

The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom would like to receive reports of all materials challenged in libraries. Reports--all kept confidential--can be made to ebyrne@ala.org or dstone@ala.org. Further information concerning challenges may be viewed on the OIF Web site.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Awards ALA Grant to Improve Internet Connectivity in Public Libraries
(WASHINGTON) The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded the Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) of the American Library Association (ALA) $525,000 in support of the ALA’s efforts to ensure free public access to the Internet in all of America’s public libraries. The three-year general operating grant will allow OITP to help libraries meet increasing demand for public computing and Internet access by supporting libraries’ participation in the federal E-rate program. “Millions of people in the United States, most of them low-income and disadvantaged individuals, rely on public libraries for their primary access to computers and the Internet,” said Jill Nishi, Program Manager of the foundation’s U.S. Library Program. “It is critical that libraries have the resources necessary to sustain these essential technology tools so that all citizens can access the information they need.”

Although virtually all of America’s public libraries now offer public access to the Internet, many public libraries have difficulty funding necessary hardware and connectivity upgrades to sustain quality services for their patrons. Without continued improvements to technology infrastructure, libraries’ ability to provide quality Internet access to the public is threatened. The foundation estimates that 63 percent of libraries that participated in its original U.S. Libraries Program are vulnerable to having their public computing programs become outdated because they have not been able to maintain or update hardware or have insufficient Internet connectivity. “The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's generous support means that OITP can expand its efforts to ensure that our communities have free public access to the Internet,” said Rick Weingarten, Director of OITP. “OITP is so pleased to be working with the foundation to close the digital divide by ensuring that all Americans-regardless of income, race, age, or geography- have equal access to online content.”

Public Programs Office Announces New Online Resources for Immigration-themed Programming
CHICAGO - The Public Programs Office (PPO) of the American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the creation of a new Web site designed to assist librarians in creating public programs on the theme "Becoming American - New Immigration Stories." The project is designed to provide libraries throughout the United States with an excellent selection of books on immigrant literature for adults and families. In the fall of 2004, ALA hosted a planning meeting to discuss building excellent collections of American immigrant literature for adults and families. An advisory group of librarians and scholars convened to facilitate the creation of reading lists for children, young adults and adult readers. Meeting participants were asked to discuss the nature and importance of collection development, the selection of appropriate and outstanding books, important themes addressed in immigrant literature, the intended readers of selected titles, and the educational benefits of providing the selection of books to libraries.

The "Becoming American - New Immigration Stories" Web site has been created to share the outcomes of this project with librarians and facilitate local programming related to the theme. The site includes reading lists, downloadable bookmarks, and programming resources to help librarians engage their communities in reading and discussing important texts containing rich and deep insights into America's vibrant tradition of immigrant literature. "Becoming American - New Immigration Stories" is part of the "Millennium Project for Public Libraries," an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the Library of America (LOA) and the American Library Association (ALA). The Carnegie Corporation of New York provided funding. To access the project Web site, please visit http://www.ala.org/publicprograms and select the "Becoming American - New Immigration Stories" link, or go directly to http://publicprograms.ala.org/newimmigration/.

Discover Southern Illinois
Discover Southern Illinois is an online representation of the lower 20 counties of Illinois from Jefferson County in the north to Alexander County in the South. The project is a community partnership between WSIL TV3, WDBX Community Radio in Carbondale, The Regional Economic Development Center in Carbondale, the Southern Illinois Tourism Development Board, 3-4 other tourism offices, The Southern Illinois Community Foundation, and other groups that aim to contribute to the betterment of this often forgotten region. Llibraries throughout Illinois are encouraged to place a link to www.DiscoverSIL.com on their websites for easy patron access. While the project does not cover counties in this area, it is still an excellent informational resource for patrons who want to learn more about the downstate area. Illinois state websites fail to adequately capture the complexity and beauty of the region. We wish to promote southern Illinois throughout the state and we would also like to offer a useful informational resource for your library patrons.

In addition to the thousands of local websites we have compiled in southern Illinois, we have also enlisted the help of professional librarians to organize about 40,000 websites into the GlobalSafe Web collection, which is accessed from DiscoverSIL.com. This is an excellent link to have on local library websites, and serves as an alternative to a Google or Yahoo search. Websites from throughout the world wide web have been evaluated by our librarians for depth of content and relevance of information. Of course, it doesn't cost anything for libraries to link to this resource; it's just another service for your patrons. Attached is a document that might help to explain the project.
Chris Kleinlein
DiscoverPlaces
Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center
150 E. Pleasant Hill Rd.
Mailbox 9
Carbondale, IL 62901
chrisk@discoverplaces.com
(618) 521-0603

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Representative Winters to Receive READ Poster at Rockton Public Library
State Representative Dave Winters will be a guest reader at a preschool story hour at Talcott Free Public Library District in Rockton at 10 am on Wednesday, October 11. At the program, Representative Winters will be presented with his READ poster. Inviting legislators, whether at the state or local level, is an easy way to have them see your library in action serving their constituents. If you've not yet done so, it's not too late even with summer programs at an end. Invite your state senator and representative. Invite your mayor and councilmen. Take a photo of them reading to the children. Give them a tour of the library. Create a READ poster and present it to them. Invite them to be guest readers. The first and perhaps the most important step in advocacy is to get to know the legislators well. What better and easier way than to have them come to you at your library!

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

Grant News

Grant Opportunity: We the People Bookshelf on Happiness
Attention Public and School (K-12) Librarians: The American Library Association (ALA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) are pleased to announce the newest We the People Bookshelf. This year's theme is "The Pursuit of Happiness." Part of the NEH's We the People initiative, this annual collection development grant project will award sets of 15 classic books for young readers to 2,000 libraries across the country. Selected libraries will also receive 4 of the Bookshelf titles in Spanish, a bonus CD (Happy Land: Musical Tributes to Laura Ingalls Wilder performed by various artists), posters, bookmarks and programming resources. Libraries interested in receiving the collection are required to develop and host a program to introduce the collection and its theme to students and/or patrons.

The list of "Pursuit of Happiness" titles has just been posted at http://www.ala.org/wethepeople. Guidelines and applications will be available online at http://www.wethepeople.gov or via http://www.ala.org/wethepeople from September 19, 2006 through January 31, 2007. All applications are due by January 31. We hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to receive the "Pursuit of Happiness" collection for your library! With questions, please contact the Public Programs Office. 800/545-2433, ext. 5045 publicprograms@ala.org To start planning your application today, visit http://www.ala.org/wethepeople for a list of programming ideas!

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 8, 2006

800-CEO-READ Blog
A blog from this retailer of business books. In addition to frequent posts by several bloggers (don't miss the Business Books Fall 2006 Preview post), this has a browsable archive of posts on topics like start-ups, marketing, global business, IT, "big ideas," etc.)
http://800ceoread.com/blog/

Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page
"A historical reference guide of sports logos throughout time," including major, not-so-major, and deceased leagues; even includes lacrosse and soccer. Checkout the evolution of team logos throughout their history, check out new of changes in current team logos, or look for logos of no-longer extant teams like the Michigan Panthers and the Carolina Cougars.
http://sportslogos.net/index.php

Donor Power Blog
This blog by fundraiser Jeff Brooks is all about good ideas for donor-centered fundraising. Among recent sample posts: Listening vs. research, 3 ways to make e-mail work for nonprofits, nonprofit horror stories, etc. One way I judge a site's usefulness is by how many other useful sites it sends me to; that alone would make this site a winner.
http://www.donorpowerblog.com/

Food, Cooking and Recipes
"A passionate online community that shares its thoughts and recipes about food and its social connections." Not only a collection of searchable and browsable recipes (including the useful browse by ingredient category), it also includes a blog, podcasts, an ask a professional chef feature, a library of articles, safety tips, a fat and calorie calculator, and more.
Chefs.com http://www.chefs.com/

Inhabitat
"a weblog devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations in technology, practices and materials that are pushing architecture and home design towards a smarter and more sustainable future." (I was wowed by the sofa that converts into a bunk bed.)
http://inhabitat.com/

Internet Broadway Data Base
This official site "provides records of productions from the beginnings of New York theatre until today." Production info includes open/close dates, awards and nominations, the theatre it played at, and the complete opening night cast and production crew (all linked to their complete Broadway histories). Searchable by show, people, theatre, or season.
http://www.ibdb.com/default.asp

IT Conversations
Podcasts from some of the most interesting thinkers in IT, including Wozniak, Kahle, Lessig, Shirky, and many more. Has both audio and text search capability. Free registration gives you access without ads and the option for free e-mail newsletters and RSS feed.
http://www.itconversations.com/index.html

KidsHealth
Kids
Kid-friendly presentation (language level, emotional level and a certain amount of pure silliness) of stuff kids need and want to know about - dealing with feelings, everyday illnesses and injuries, "my body," and even (since illness in the family is pretty scary) health problems of grownups. Includes a glossary and a section on People (medical professionals), Places, and Things (braces, shots, etc.) That Help Me.
http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/

Library Signage
[Flickr]
Observe the good, the bad, and the ugly of signs found in libraries, with viewer comments.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/librarysignage/

Muppet Wiki
"a collaborative project to create an encyclopedia for everything related to Jim Henson and the Muppets." Explore the characters, performers, episode guides, the movies, TV shows, designers and builders, etc.
http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Muppet_Wiki

NIST and the World Trade Center
If your students are writing papers about 9-11 conspiracy theories, point them to this final report, and related documents, from the National Institute on Standards and Technology on why the World Trade Center collapsed. Includes recommendations for changes in building codes for skyscrapers, and a fascinating photo gallery and computer simulations.
http://wtc.nist.gov/

Nostalgia Books in High Demand
The H2OBoro Blog helpfully lists links to webliographies and other web resources for "nostaligic boys' and girls' adventure books from the '30s, '40s and '50s."
http://www.waterborolibrary.org/2006/08/nostalgia-books-in-high-demand_30.htm

PodcastingTricks.com
This "podcasting how-to site by Bourne Media Group" offers tips, articles, news, and reviews, a monthly newsletter, and an RSS feed.
http://www.podcastingtricks.com/

Ready for Elections?
An article I wrote for my e-zine Ex Libris on reliable election information sources.
http://marylaine.com/exlibris/xlib286.html

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