volume #3 issue#47

December 7, 2006

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

PALS Closed for Staff In-Service
PALS will hold our annual staff in-service on Thursday, December 14, 2006. All three service centers will be closed that day, and there will be no deliveries made. All regular services will resume on Friday, December 15.

Honoring Retirees Rita McGeary and June Peterson
All member libraries are invited to join the PALS staff to honor retirees June Peterson and Rita McGeary. Dessert will be served from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM on Wednesday, December 20 at the Rockford Service Center. There will be homemade ice cream and other “goodies!” Please come join us for food, fun, and to wish our good friends a truly enjoyable retirement.

PALS Offers Group Purchase of USB Headset with Microphone
PALS has organized a group purchase of a USB headset with microphone. This Plantronics DSP-400 Headset will be a good one to use with our OPAL presentations, and, of course, you can use it for many other things as well. Please do note that your PC must have a USB port in order to use it. Our price on this unit is $37.00 per headset with a flat $7.99 per order shipping charge. So, if you place an order for three headsets, you would pay $118.99 ($37 x 3 plus $7.99) If you are interested in ordering, please contact Kacy Kelly at kacyk@palsnet.info and include the following information:
Library Name and Delivery Address (i.e. shipping address)
Delivery Code
Quantity Desired
Orders will be processed as they are received, and you will receive a bill directly from PALS. Deadline for the group purchase is Friday, January 5, 2007.

Update on Financial Info
The IRS recently announced that the standard business mileage reimbursement rate for 2007 will be 48.5 cents per mile. Employers typically reimburse employees at the IRS standard business mileage rate for business use of a personal vehicle. Other information pertinent in 2007 is as follows: Social Security wage base: $97,500 (increased from $94,200 in 2006) Medicare tax rate: 1.45% with no maximum wage base (same as 2006) 401(k) contribution limits: $15,500 (increased from $15,000 in 2006) 401(k) catch-up contribution for those over 50: $5,000 (no increase from 2006)

Website Reminders
2006 is nearly over, and that gives us an opportunity to remind you of a few services that PALS offer because of recent updates on the PALS website.

Vendor Discounts - PALS negotiates discounts for our members with a number of vendors each year. We have recently been updating those agreements for the new year. Check out the vendor discount area of the website for the complete list. You do need a CLeO account to be able to login to this area.

Houchen Bindery - PALS facilitaties pick-up and delivery of materials to/from Houchen Bindery for member libraries whose volume doesn't warrant direct delivery from Houchen. The 2007 schedule for the Shorewood delivery hub has recently been updated, and the Coal Valley and Rockford schedules will be updated later. this month.

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

PALSGroup Training
Numerous PALSGroup training sessions have been scheduled for the coming months and are available for registration in CLeO. Please contact Rhonda Krahl at ext. 3151 or rhondak@palsnet.info if you have any questions.

Refwiki training in Kankakee, LaSalle, and Freeport
Just added to the PALS calendar:
Refwiki Introduction & Training
Dec. 13, 10:00am-Noon, Kankakee Public Library
Dec. 18, 10:00am-Noon, LaSalle Public Library
Dec. 19, 10:00am-Noon, Freeport Public Library
(Same class, three locations.) Refwiki is a new web resource for all PALS libraries to use and contribute to. It will include information about each library's collection strengths, online databases, and other resources. And the goal is for it to include a lot more! Refwiki is a collaborative effort built on the same platform as Wikipedia, which means that anyone in a PALS library can add or change pages using simple formatting marks, without needing special software.

This hands-on class will cover:
Overview of Refwiki
Editing a library's resource-survey form
Editing and adding pages in Refwiki
Page reversion, "special" pages, and other wiki features
See Refwiki at http://www.palsnet.info/refwiki
Register on CLeO http:/http://www.palsnet.info/events/
For more information, contact Brian Smith at PALS, ext. 2704.

Freebies/Exchanges/For Sale/Wanted

Prairie Area Library System offers a means for members to share discarded items to needy libraries. Procedures are outlined in the Reference Member Services Guide http://www.palsnet.info/services/reference/reference_guide.asp They are also outlined below.

Libraries wanting to offer up materials can email to Prairie Views, providing the following information:
*Library's name and phone number
*Title(s) of the items discarded

A list will be compiled for inclusion in the weekly Prairie Views newsletter. Anyone interested in freebies are to contact the library directly, (no earlier than Monday following the listing). Members are responsible for making their own arrangements. The PALS van delivery may be available for transporting items, as space and time permits. Contact your Service Center Delivery Manager to arrange for delivery of large shipments.

PALS Members - please remember that you are asked to not request or release any items whether they are Free or For Sale until Monday following the publication of the announcement in Prairie Views. This gives library staff a chance to see the message and request the materials if they are interested. Thanks for your cooperation - we have had several complaints in recent weeks about items being released before Monday.

Clinton Community College
Xerox 5830 toner cartridges 6R244. We have 4 cartridges.

If interested contact:
Cindy Hoogheem
choogheem@eicc.edu
563.244.7106.

Kaplan University
is offering the books in the following attachment.

If interested contact
Jennifer Smith
jsmith@kucampus.edu

Kishwaukee College Library
has available for Giveaway the 2002 edition of the Library of Congress Subject Headings, 5 vol. hard-bound set.

If interersted contact:
815-825-2086 x567 to claim.

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.

Assistant to the Executive Director
Prairie Area Library System
Individual needed to assist Executive Director with agendas, minutes and other communications for Board and Librarians' Advisory Committee. Also help with other reports, scheduling, membership issues, communication and duties as assigned. Individual will primarily work at the Coal Valley Service Center. Position is 15 to 20 hours per week. Weekly schedule may vary.

Requirements: familiarity with Microsoft Office suite of software; very good written and oral communication skills; Associate degree or two years college and minimum of four years workplace experience required. Library experience preferred. Position qualifies for IMRF retirement and prorated paid time off. Salary range $12.69 to $19.03.

Visit www.palsnet.info/jobs/application.doc for application form. Please submit cover letter, resume and application to Brenda Roman, Prairie Area Library System, PO Box 125, Coal Valley, IL, 61240 or brendar@palsnet.info. Review of applications will continue until position is filled.

PALS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Cleaning Person
PALS, Rockford Service Center is looking for a 10-hour per week cleaning person to replace our current cleaning service. This is a non-IMRF, no benefits position that pays $10.00/hour. It is somewhat flexible with the two hours being worked in the early morning or late afternoon Monday through Friday.

If you would like more information, please contact:
Marilyn Janssen
PALS Rockford
815-229-4470
email marilynj@palsnet.info

Childrens Assistant
The Plainfield Public Library’ Childrens Department is looking for PT assistant who is outgoing, enthusiastic, and loves working with children. Job includes childrens programming, computer assistance, and helping patrons locate books and other library materials.
* 19 hours per week, 4 nights per week, and ½ day on Saturday, $15.83/hr.
* LTA certification required with two years working experience with children, or Bachelor’s degree plus two years working experience with children.

Send cover letter, resume, and names of three references to:
Deb Piunti
Head of Childrens Services
Plainfield Public Library
705 N. Illinois Street
Plainfield, IL 60544
or dpiunti@plainfield.lib.il.us.
Position available January 1st.

Library Assistant
The Kids'Library at Plano Community Library is looking for a part time Library Assistant,$10/hr.
* Experience working with children, ability to work with the public in a positive manner, knowledge of computers, and good communication skills are a must.
* High School diploma or equivalent required. Job includes providing reference assistance to children and adults and programmong for children.
* Schedule: Wednesday and Thursday 5:00-8:15 p.m., Friday 1:00-6:15, and 2 Saturdays a month. Applications due December 22.

For more information, contact Pat Schwartz, (630)552-2025.

Adult Services Librarian
Fountaindale Public Library District, which proudly serves the diverse communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois, is seeking a public service-oriented librarian to provide reference, readers advisory, interlibrary loan and computer services to library patrons.
* Assists patrons at the Adult and Teen Services desk. Develops, prepares and presents library programs including computer classes. This full-time position includes evening and weekend hours.
* Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school, plus one year library experience required.
* Starting salary: $35,303 per year
* Closing date: Until position is filled.

Send cover letter, resume and three references, including contact information, to:
Pris Gotham
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
personnel@fountaindale.lib.il.us

Library Technical Assistant
Joliet Central High School
The individual is to provide library assistance to staff, students, and the media specialists with an emphasis on all areas of the library. The individual will operate and maintain the computerized circulation system (material check-in, check-out, overdues, maintain patron files and provide statistical reports as required). Position is a ten months contract, 40 hours per week.
* Starting salary starts at $16,028 with 60 college hours and no prior experience. Position qualifies for health benefits, dental, and eye.
* Requirements: Successful applicant must have 60 college hours or show Proficiency Certificate that is given for successful completion of WORKKEYS Assessment.

Visit http://www.jths.org/jths/district/job_opennings/index.asp
for on-line posting and application form.

Paraprofessional Position
Do you want a job where you can be a mover and a shaker? Do you love books but not a quiet library? Do you love helping kids, teens, and adults and thrive in a fast-paced environment? Then we may have the job of your dreams! The Public Services Department of the Bourbonnais Public Library has a part-time paraprofessional position available providing reference, readers’ advisory, and homework support during afterschool, evening, and weekend hours approximately 30 hours per week.
Full job description available at the library or on the library’s web site at http://bourbonnais.lib.il.us. We’re looking for an energetic, creative, flexible team player. Bachelor’s degree plus previous experience with teens and excellent communication and computer skills required. Spanish language skills a plus. Demonstrated customer service orientation and knowledge of children’s literature are essential. Not for everyone; rigid, grumpy people need not apply.
Pay rate: $8-10/hr DOQ.

Please submit a job application and resume for full consideration. Send resume and job application, postmarked no later than January 10, 2007 to:
Bourbonnais Public Library
ATTN: Public Services Supervisor
250 W. John Casey Rd.
Bourbonnais Public Library
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Circulation Clerk
Plano Community Library
We have a part-time position available for an enthusiastic, service-oriented individual in the increasingly busy circulation department.
* Responsibilities include issuing library cards, checking materials in and out, answering phones, cash handling and other clerical duties.
* All evening and weekend hours (Mon-Thurs: 3:00-8:15, rotating Saturdays 9:30-4:15); 20-25 hours/week. *Requires high school diploma or equivalent. Previous work in customer service or clerical position required; library experience preferred; bilingual (English/Spanish) helpful.
* Salary: $8.00/hourly.

Applications available at
15 W. North Street, Plano.
Applications accepted until December 21, 2006. For more information call Randy Struthers at (630)552-2013.

Technical Services Assistant
The Kankakee Public Library is looking for a detailed oriented person who is a high school graduate (some college preferred) to join our growing library team. This part-time (20-25 hours per week) position will consist of mostly daytime, including some Saturday, hours.
* Highly desirable would be an individual with previous library and computer experience and previous library experience, preferably in Technical Services. Primary responsibilities will consist of performing copy cataloging and data entry for books, periodicals.
* Primary responsibilities include assisting the Technical Services Supervisor by receiving, preparing, and repairing materials for our Library’s collection, as well as by maintaining our library’s office supply inventory. Some data entry, filing, and AV materials. Other duties will include processing of donations, assisting with inventory, and performing book repairs. Please note that this position will be required to attend cataloging training at the library system in Shorewood and will be required to pass a barcoder’s examination by June 2007. Some light lifting will also be required. We offer a starting salary of $8.00 per hour, a great work environment, and some flexibility in scheduling.

Send a resume to the:
Kankakee Public Library
201 E. Merchant Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
or apply in person at the Library. Residents of the city of Kankakee will be given first preference. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The Kankakee Public Library is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.

Youth Services Assistant
Part Time (15-19 hours per week) Matteson Public Library Position. Seeking a service-oriented individual to work part time with flexible hours during the day, one evening per week, and alternate weekends.
* Duties include reference and reader’s advisory service for pre-school through high school aged patrons, parents, and adult students, collection development, programming, publicity, and school outreach. Strong knowledge of children’s literature and strong computer skills a must.
* Requirements: Minimum requirement of an LTA program degree including a children’s literature course and/or two years work experience in library services to children, or at least two years of college with a major in a related field.
* Salary: $9.00 per hour Position begins in January 2007.

Contact:
Judith A. Vostal
Head of Youth Services
Matteson Public Library
801 S. School Avenue
Matteson Public Library
Phone: 708-748-4431 x26
Fax: 808-748-0510
E-mail: jvostal@sslic.net

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

Youth Services and School Library News

National Storytelling Festival in Johnson City, TN
Think stories - tents - stories - fall leaves - stories . . . We all need more stories so check your calendar and make your reservation NOW for the 2007 National Storytelling Festival. There are still a few openings available at the Early Bird rate. Questions? Drop me a line --Denise at McHenry County Storytelling Guild--festivaltrip@earthlink.net

Free Curious George Family Activity Booklets
Thanks to the generosity of PBS Kids and WGBH TV in Boston, the Illinois Center for the Book received Curious George Family Activity Booklets to give away at the Illinois Authors Book Fair. Now that the book fair is over, we want to pass along those that are left to Illinois schools and libraries. The booklets are 8.5 x 11 and are 12 pages in length. They contain many ideas for family interaction with hands-on activities for young children. Inside the booklet, children will learn about:
* Science, with a pinwheel they can cut out and put together with their parents help
* Engineering, with building and rolling activities they can do with items found around the house
* Math, with pattern and sorting games along with a cooking with parents segment that highlights recipes for Curious Pancakes and Marvelous Meringues. All learning segments refer the children to a Curious George story.

If you are interested in receiving activity booklets for your school or library, please contact:
Bonnie Matheis
bmatheis@ilsos.net

Teen Tech WeekTM Registrants Receive Access to Online Resources
CHICAGO - The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), is pleased to offer access to online resources from Rosen Publishing and Tutor.com to people who register for Teen Tech WeekTM by February 1, 2007. Teen Tech WeekTM is a new YALSA celebration aimed at getting teens to use their libraries for the different technologies that are offered there, such as DVDs, databases, audiobooks, video games and more. Registration is now available on the Teen Tech WeekTM Web site at www.ala.org/teentechweek. Teen Tech WeekTM will be celebrated for the first time March 4-10, 2007.

Teen Tech WeekTM registrants will be entered into a drawing for a free year’s subscription, and every registrant will have one-month free access to Rosen Publishing’s new online database, Teen Health & Wellness: Real Life, Real Answers; and two week’s free access to Tutor.com’s Live Homework Help and Ask A Librarian online services. Librarians will have access to these resources during Teen Tech Week so they can incorporate them into their activities and programming.

Rosen Publishing’s database, Teen Health & Wellness: Real Life, Real Answers, provides students with comprehensive curricular support and self-help tools on topics including diseases, drugs, alcohol, nutrition, fitness, mental health, diversity, family life and more. Developed for teens, with their unique concerns and perspective in mind, all content is reviewed by leading professionals in medicine, mental health, nutrition, guidance and career counseling. Teen Tech WeekTM registrants will have access to the database from March 1 – March 31.

Tutor.com’s Live Homework Help connects students to expert tutors who are live online while Ask A Librarian connects users to professional librarians online to chat, share Web sites and print materials 24-hours a day. Teen Tech WeekTM registrants will have access beginning Teen Tech WeekTM, March 4-10, 2007, through March 17, 2007.

Teen use of nonprint resources has increased dramatically in recent years, yet more and more teens are doing this from home instead of the library. According to a recent study by Harris Interactive, 86 percent of youth aged 8-18 in 2005 had a computer in their home, and 74 percent had Internet access in their home. On average, 8-18 year olds spent 6 hours and 21 minutes per day using media (including TV, video/DVDs/movies, video games, audio media, computers and print media). According to Pew Internet Research, 71 percent of teens reported that the Internet was their primary source for completing school projects. Yet multiple studies have shown that the majority of teens lack the critical thinking skills and technical expertise to use the Internet and other electronic resources effectively.

For more information on Teen Tech WeekTM, visit the web site at www.ala.org/teentechweek.

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

ALA Library Launches Web Tools to Access Professional Information
(CHICAGO) The Library of the American Library Association (ALA) today announced the launch of two new Web tools to aid ALA members, librarians and library workers in accessing professional information online. The “Librarian’s E-Library” (http://www.ala.org/librariantools) uses tools from Google Co-Op to create a customized search engine. Librarian’s E-Library searches over 125 key information-rich web sites with the information library workers need to do their jobs better.

The ALA “Professional Tips” wiki (http://wikis.ala.org/professionaltips/) provides a pathfinder to using the rich resources of ALA’s Web site; compiles the ALA Library’s responses to questions received from the field; and, perhaps most importantly, enables the library community to share new resources for advancing the practice of librarianship. The wiki already includes three main areas: a categorized set of articles on topics in librarianship, an ALA history timeline, and a Q & A area with links to longer articles. Both Web tools are open to registered collaborators and are managed by ALA Library staff. To participate in the wiki, register by clicking the “log in/create account” button in the upper corner and follow the screen prompts. To contribute to the Librarian’s E-Library, click the “volunteer to contribute to the search engine” link, sign in with a Google account, and follow the prompts. The "Librarian's E-Library" and wiki join the ALA Library fact sheets and ALA FAQ as ready-to-use resources for ALA members and others.

The mission of the ALA Library (www.ala.org/library) is to help the staff of the American Library Association serve ALA members, and thereafter, the needs of the members of ALA, other libraries, and members of the public seeking information on librarianship. The ALA Library is a small special library with a collection that focuses exclusively on the history of and issues within libraries and librarianship. The library responds to roughly 800 inquiries each month.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Illinois Library Day 2007- Save the Date!
Thursday, April 19th, 2007, is the date selected for the statewide Illinois Library Day. More details will follow shortly but for your advance planning, please note that on Wednesday evening, a statewide dinner with Kip Kolkmeier, ILA lobbyist, will be held at the Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Drive, Springfield. At that time, participants will receive packets of information and a full briefing by Kip on the issues. You may want to call the Inn and make reservations at (217) 523-7900 if you plan to arrive on Wednesday.

Early on Thursday morning, a breakfast with legislators will be held in the atrium of the Illinois State Library. This would make for an easy opportunity to visit with your legislators and make them aware of the very latest library related legislation and how it affects us as you'll just have heard a presentation by Kip the night before.

PALS is also working on blocking some rooms at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel, formerly the Renaissance, ( 217) 523-7900 for Wednesday night at $70 for a single and $85 for double occupancy. Tax is not included in the rate. Similarly to last year, a Rally with some motivational speakers is on the agenda. All involved in planning last year's event recognize that we need to change how lunches were handled and you can count on the committee to do so.

This year's event will take the best parts of last year's ILD and make it better yet. You'll definitely want to be a part of it and leave Springfield feeling upbeat. PALS arrangements for transportation are still in the works and will be made known as they're worked out. We'll also allow for some time for you to visit the Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library. Even if you spent time at the museum last year, the exhibits change and there are new things to look at and study. Plan on a beautiful spring day among the dogwoods and crab apples in Springfield and block the dates now!

Representative Jerry Mitchell to Speak on Importance of Reading and Libraries
Rep Mitchell will receive his READ poster at an all school assembly at Sterling High School on December 19th. Kathy Brokaw, Sterling school librarian, has done such an outstanding job having a school principal understand the importance of libraries and the tie in to improved learning, that the principal was pleased to be involved in the poster presentation. Following music by the school's band, some awards will be announced and the READ poster will be presented. Then Representative Mitchell will speak briefly on the importance of reading and libraries.

This illustrates how the READ posters can be used to create an event with a legislator. It also serves to illustrate how school librarians can, and should, take an active part in using the data from the Illinois Study and present it to their administrators as well as to the school's parents and community. Librarians need to tell the story!

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

Grant News

IMLS Calls for 2007 National Leadership Grant Applications
Application Deadline: March 1, 2007
Washington, DC--The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting grant applications to the agency’s 2007 National Leadership Grant (NLG) program. The previously published deadline of February 1, 2007 has been moved to March 1, 2007. Since 1998 National Leadership Grants have supported the innovative thinking that is needed to help libraries and museums meet the changing needs of the American public. They are an important investment in the future of library and museum service. In 2007, these grants will provide an opportunity to explore important research questions, develop and test new models of library and museum service, and help build digital resources.

This year the agency is bringing back its Library and Museum Community Collaboration category. Collaboration grants provide opportunities for libraries and museums to partner with each other and with a host of other community organizations including public broadcasters, schools, universities, cultural and performing arts organizations, and health and social service providers. With this change, the three funding categories for 2007 are as follows:

• Building Digital Resources
• Library and Museum Community Collaboration
• Research and Demonstration

Museum applicants may request between $25,000 and $1,000,000; the range for library applicants is $50,000 to $1,000,000. In addition, collaborative planning grants of $30,000 are for the first time to enable project teams from more than one institution to work together to plan a collaborative project in any of the three categories. Successful proposals will show evidence that they will have national impact and generate results--new tools, research, models, services, practices, or alliances--that can be widely adapted or replicated to extend the benefit of federal support. Proposals will reflect an understanding of current issues and needs, showing the potential for far-reaching impact throughout the museum or library community. Projects will provide creative solutions to issues of national importance and provide leadership for other organizations. Applications, guidelines, and examples of successful proposals can be found on the agency’s Web site. All applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Instructions for completing and submitting applications through Grants.gov are in the guidelines and on the IMLS Web site. Awards will be announced in September 2007.

Arthur's 10th Anniversary Literacy Initiative
In the spring of 2006, PBS' Arthur marked a milestone that few children's-or adult-series ever attain: ten seasons on the air! To celebrate the occasion, the WGBH Educational Foundation is pleased to launch Arthur's 10th Anniversary Literacy Initiative, a new outreach effort targeting public libraries. This new outreach effort is designed to use the series' continuing popularity to support two intersecting target audiences-libraries and parents. WGBH will award grants in the amount of $1,000 each to 15 public libraries, asking them to design projects using the Arthur resources and targeting parents and children, including soon-to-be as well as independent readers. We seek libraries that represent diversity in size, location, and population served (with an emphasis on reaching at-risk audiences), and will also consider the creativity of their approach and the strength of their community partners (including local PBS stations), which will be essential to access families not currently served by the library. We invite you to apply for an Arthur's 10th Anniversary Literacy Initiative grant. Applications are due by Monday, December 18, 2006 and can be found at http://www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/chapters/literacyoutreach.htm If you have questions on the grant application, please feel free to contact Natalie Hebshie, Arthur Outreach Coordinator, at 617/300-3639 or by e-mail at natalie_hebshie@wgbh.org.

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 December 1, 2006

A personal note: My son Brian Block and his wife Cindy brought forth my first grandchild, Donovan. I brought forth Donovan's first web site, <http://marylaine.com/donovan.html>. As one who values factual accuracy and measurable claims, I can't say he's the most beautiful baby ever, but he's pretty cute.

2006 Public Officials of the Year
Governing.com
A healthy reminder that some public officials work hard and deliver effective services to the public - and one of them is a librarian, the head of the Chicago Public Library.
http://www.governing.com/poy/2006/intro.htm

The Butterfly Site
Entomologist and artist Randi Jones aims to provide "the most complete and current Butterfly information on the Internet." The site provides information on butterfly-friendly gardening, biology, picture resources, fun facts, activities for children, and plenty of butterfly supplies and gifts in Jones' Butterfly & Nature Gift Store.
http://www.thebutterflysite.com/

Digital Works by Charles W. Bailey, Jr.
Bailey, who has monitored digital scholarship for over ten years, has moved his work here: The Scholarly Electronic Publishing Bibliography, the Scholarly Electronic Publishing Weblog, The Open Access Bibliography, and more.
http://www.digital-scholarship.com/

Diplomacy Monitor
"The latest communiqués, transcripts and news releases from around the world." Searchable, and browsable in a variety of ways: by newest documents, or by issue, region, or nation (as source or topic). You can also select two countries to examine nation-to-nation relations, and a nation and an issue to examine how a nation is dealing with that issue.
http://www.diplomacymonitor.com/

Earth Shots
Photo of the Day Contest
"a Photo of the Day contest celebrating the beauty and diversity of our planet. Everyday we feature the best photograph submitted by our visitors." There's some gorgeous stuff here. It's a new site, so the archive is limited at the moment, but it's browsable by tags. You can subscribe by RSS or e-mail.
http://www.earthshots.org/

Invention Dimension
This Lemelson-MIT program invites you to "Have some fun with our invention games and explore the wealth of inventor and invention resources, including inventor profiles and patent guidelines..." Also check out the links and resources section.
http://web.mit.edu/invent/invent-main.html

Off the Beat
Recommended Books from Madison's Police Officers
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/booklists/offthebeat.html
Now here's a clever idea: invite various groups and organizations in your community to submit their own "Don't Miss" reading lists. For other "Don't Miss" lists from Madison Public Library, go to http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/booklists/.

OPL Plus
(not just for OPLs anymore)
Judith Siess, a go-to person on management of one-person libraries, has broadened her concerns to any small library with limited staff. Her blog links to news items, articles, interesting web sites, and tips and good ideas from other libraries.
http://opls.blogspot.com/

Science Quotes and Sayings
Not only is this a nice collection, but some of the quotes are even documented (a rarity in internet quote sites).
http://www.quotegarden.com/science.html

The Top 100 Most Influential People in American History
As you know, I love the power of lists to start conversations, and I like the idea of using them in a library's programs, exhibits, or interactive blogs where patrons can join that discussion.
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200612/influentials/

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.