volume #4 issue#8

February 22, 2007

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Is there a referendum in your future?
If so, the PALS staff is planning a series of workshops on how to plan and manage a referendum. Topics will include such things as a general overview of why you might want to hold a referendum and some things to consider; legalities involved in conversions, annexations and tax increases; and a panel discussion from "those who've been there, done that." Participants will learn what worked for one library but didn't work for another, how to work with the community, staff and board roles, etc. Specifics are still being worked out but we plan to start the series by late summer.

Extended Deadline
In order to allow ample time for member staff to prepare and/or receive training before they take the Barcode Certification test, PALS has extended the deadline for Barcode certification. Those libraries that have been using Sirsi - HAL and QL libraries - now need to be certified by December 31, 2007. Those libraries that are new to Sirsi will now need to be certified by June 30, 2008.
If you have questions, please contact Merideth Willett ext. 3257, meridethw@palsnet.info or John Slanicky ext. 2716, johns@palsnet.info

Getting the Word Out
Do you have someone in your community who has used library resources as they worked to start up a new business? ALA and Woman's Day magazine have teamed up to publicize that aspect of library use. Every year, more than 500,000 entrepreneurs start new businesses in the United States. But how and where to they get the resources and support it takes to succeed? The answer is @ your library. From now until May 10th, Woman’s Day magazine, in conjunction with ALA’s Campaign for America’s Libraries, is collecting stories on how its readers have used the library to start their small businesses. The magazine announced the initiative in its March 6 issue, where it asks its women readers aged 18 and over to submit their stories in 700 words or less.
Stories can be sent to womansday@ala.org. Four of the submissions will be featured the March 2008 issue of Woman’s Day. Librarians can promote this initiative locally by downloading sample promotional materials from The Campaign for America's Libraries’ Web site at www.ala.org/@yourlibrary. Sample tools include a press release, newsletter copy and Web button.

It's Statistics Time!
Once again, PALS is asking that member libraries that receive vehicular delivery from PALS count the items that your library receives for the two week period of February 19 through March 2, 2007. Forms will be sent to each library in the next week. If you have any questions, please contact your delivery hub supervisor:
Coal Valley - Brenda Roman (brendar@palsnet.info, or ext. 3152)
Rockford - Marilyn Janssen (marilynj@palsnet.info, or ext. 4470)
Shorewood - Shirley Grasty (shirleyg@palsnet.info, or ext. 2706)
We really appreciate your willingness to complete these counts for us twice annually.

Why Attend Illinois Library Day?
Attending Illinois Library Day presents a unique opportunity to meet personally with local state legislators whose activities impact our libraries. It is also an occasion to exchange ideas with library advocates from all over our state. Don't miss this exciting, active day to experience and observe first hand our Illinois Legislature in action in our Springfield state capitol!

Illinois Library Day Registration
The registration form for Illinois Library Day (ILD) April 19 can now be found at https://www.ila.org/events/reg_ild.htm. There's also a link to the form and other information at the ILD website at www.illinoislibraryday.info. Please register even if you attend only the Rally and won't be taking part in the dinner on Wednesday night or the legislative breakfast on Thursday morning.

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 Sessions Fill the Bill for Many Members
OPAL Blitz—On January 25th, PALS conducted an all day program on OPAL consisting of 4 sessions—Freedom of Information Act, E-mail with Style and Grace, Evaluating Creditability on the Web, and It Doesn’t Grow on Trees (finding funds) with a total of 113 attendees. They were presented by an Assistant Attorney General, an Illinois Department of Public Health librarian, a member of the faculty at the Illinois Science and Math Academy (IMSA) and our own Jane and Norma respectively. Forty-nine percent of the member attendees have returned evaluations and, despite a few technical issues, the sessions scored a very nice average 3.96 rating on our 5 point scale; 3.0 is Meets Expectations and 4.0 is Exceeds Expectations. Comments included some from those new to OPAL like “I love the OPAL format. I can sit in my office…” “My first experience with OPAL and it was wonderful.” A more experienced attendee commented, “I was surprised how well this [E-mail with Style] worked for an OPAL program.” More OPAL sessions are in the works. Give one a try. They are concise, convenient, and don't require any travel time.

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.

Please go to http://palsnet.info/events/ to register and to get additional details.

FirstSearch/OCLC ILL training
Sign up for hands-on FirstSearch workshops. Classes on searching, interlibrary loan, and the OCLC policies directory are scheduled during March at all three PALS service centers. ILL is offered in the morning, and policies directory in the afternoon of the same day.
the afternoon of the same day.

Searching FirstSearch: Coal Valley, Rockford, Shorewood

Interlibrary Loan: Coal Valley, Rockford, Shorewood

OCLC Policies Directory: Coal Valley, Rockford, Shorewood

ILA Sponsors Workshop on Intellectual Freedom at Reddick Library in Ottawa and other locations around the State
Defending Access with Confidence by Catherine Lord is a step-by-step program that takes participants through the history of intellectual freedom and the law, related policies, and approaches to challenges against intellectual freedom in the context of libraries. Utilizing this program, trainers will help participants understand their role in protecting the right to access in library settings and find alternative ways to satisfy patrons whenever possible. This workshop is being offered in eight locations, throughout the state. The training is for all library staff members. Each workshop runs from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

The Reddick session is on Tuesday, May 1st. Registration is through ILA at https://www.ila.org/events/reg_dawc.htm.
March 9, 2007 DuPage Library System in Geneva
March 22, 2007 Lincoln Trail Libraries System in Champaign
March 29, 2007 Shawnee and Lewis & Clark Library Systems at the Mascoutah Training Center
April 12, 2007 Rolling Prairie Library System in Decatur
May 1, 2007 Prairie Area Library System at the Reddick Library in Ottawa
May 3, 2007 Alliance Library System in East Peoria
May 10, 2007 North Suburban Library System in Wheeling
May 17, 2007 Metropolitan Library System in Burr Ridge

Information Literacy Summit 2007
Registration is Now Open! Join us for the sixth annual Information LIteracy Summit - bringing together librarians and others to share and learn. Librarians and instructors from colleges, universities, high schools, middle schools and public libraries are invited to participate. Others who are interested in information literacy at these levels are also encouraged to attend. Please register early. Space is limited.
*Theme: “Working Together for Lifelong Learning”
*Keynote & Breakout Sessions: Keynote panelists representing a variety of library types will discuss ways the library community can work together to maximize information literacy as it develops through and beyond school.
For more information about panelists and breakout sessions, see www.morainevalley.edu/library/informationliteracysummit2007.asp.
*How to Register:
Moraine Valley (April 19):
Register online at www.morainevalley.edu/library/informationliteracysummitregistrationpage.asp.

Illinois Central (April 3) or John A. Logan (April 24): Email or mail the following information to the coordinator of the summit you plan to attend (see below). Registration fee should be mailed after registration is confirmed.
· Last Name · First Name · Institution · Position · Mailing address · Phone ·

Email REGISTRATION FEE is $15 (includes materials, continental breakfast and lunch). Please make check for $15 payable to the host institution, and mail directly to the local coordinator, and note “InfoLit Summit 2007” on the check.

Illinois Central College April 3 (Tuesday), 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
One College Drive, East Peoria, IL 61635-0001
Coordinator: Amy Glass, Information Services/Instruction Librarian, Amy.Glass@icc.edu, 309-694-5748

Moraine Valley Community College April 19 (Thursday), 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 60465
Coordinators: Laura Dare, Librarian, DareL2@morainevalley.edu, 708-608-4045;
Barb Rys, Rys@morainevalley.edu, 708-974-5467

John A. Logan College April 24 (Tuesday), 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
700 Logan College Road, Carterville, IL 62918
Coordinator: Judy Vineyard, Associate Dean of Library Services, judyvineyard@jalc.edu, 618-985-3741 x 8404

Member News

Library Closing
The Homer Township Public Library will be closed to the general public on Thursday, March 1. The library is excited to announce that Home Depot has generously donated materials and volunteers to update the community room and other areas of our building. Home Depot has taken on this project as their community support initiative. The library staff would like to thank the Home Depot for their generosity.

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 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.

The Davenport Public Library
has discarded the following books from its collection and will give free to anyone who wants:
* 2006 Illinois Manufacturers Directory 2006 International Television and Video Almanac
* 2006 International Motion Picture Almanac
* 2006 Subject Guide to Children's Book In Print
* 2006 Rand McNally & Co. Commercial Atlas and Marketing Guide (2-vol set, with index)

If interested contact:
Brenda Ross
Phone : 563-328-6835 E-mail : bross@davenportlibrary.com

Illinois Valley Community College
has the following giveaways
Acquisitions Technician Jacobs Library 815 N. Orlando Smith Ave. Oglesby, Illinois 61348
*365 Days Glasser, M.D., Ronald J.
*Green Berets at War U.S. Special Forces in S.E. Asia 1956-1975 Stanton, Shelby L.
*Introduction to Scientology DVD 51 min. Hubbard, L. Ron; Golden Era Productions
*Military Intelligence Its Heroes and Legends Hamm, Diane L.
*Norman Rockwell Artist and Illustrator Buechner,
*Thomas S. Pilgrimage to the Holy Land VHS-Video 55 min. Artwork © 1994, Distributed by V.V.D., Inc.
*Ten Thousand Day War Vietnam: 1945-1975 Maclear, Michael
*This Hallowed Ground--Story of the Union Side of the Civil War Catton, Bruce

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

Kaplan University
is offering the following books free of charge.

If interested contact:
Jennifer Smith at jsmith@kucampus.edu

Fountaindale Public Library offers for free:
Bound volumes of Cobblestone Magazine 1980-2004
Bound volumes of National Geographic Magazine Jul-Dec 1961
Contact:
Pat Auriene
Fountaindale Public Library
630-759-2102 x 4154
pjauriene@fountaindale.lib.il.us

Plainfield Public Library
has the following to be given away to the first responding library:
Encyclopedia of Associations 43rd Edition (3 volume set)
School Code of Illinois 2004
2006 Illinois Manufacturers Directory
Directory of Physicians of the United States 39th edition (4 volume set)
Contact Lisa Pappas at lpappas@plainfield.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.

Library Director
Colona District Public Library, a small library district serving a population of 6,699 is seeking a library director.
*Job description: Administrative duties including staff supervision and development, collection development, purchasing, policy development; technological advancement, patron services and grant writing. *Requirements: MLS, LTA, or BA with some library experience. Interpersonal communication skills. Computer skills.
*At least 20 hrs/wk, but up to 40 hrs/wk depending on delegation of duties, including some evenings and Saturdays.
* Wage range: $13-20 per hour depending on qualifications.
*Benefits: 8 paid holidays, paid vacation, other benefits negotiable. Earliest start date: May 1, 2007

Submit cover letter, resume and three references to:
Christine Rugh – Director
Colona District Public Library
911 First Street
Colona, IL , 61241

Media/ Library Science
* Salary/ Benefits: Commensurate with education and experience. Multi-year contract considered. Full-time permanent
* Grade Level: Elementary Job
* Certification: Elementary Certificate (K-9)
* Duties: Director Media/Library services for K-8 school district of 860 students
* Qualifications: MA in Library Science

Send cover letter and resume directed to:
Dr. Michael Early
Richland Grade School Dist. 88A
1919 Caton Farm Road
Crest Hill, IL 60403

Technical Services Manager
Due to a retirement, Fountaindale Public Library District, which serves the diverse communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois, a growing suburban area approximately thirty-five miles southwest of Chicago, is seeking an experienced librarian to manage a staff of fourteen (11 FTE) in technical services functions of acquisitions, cataloging and serials.
* Supervises the daily operation of the SIRSI integrated library system and library network.
* Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school, plus six year’s experience required. Must have knowledge of cataloging, AACRII, OCLC, integrated library systems and networks; SIRSI preferred.
* Salary range: $24.17 - $36.25 per hour Closing date: March 31, 2007 or until position is filled.

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

Reference Librarian
The Homer Township Public Library District is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic reference librarian for up to 20 hours per week.
* Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): providing reference and reader’s advisory, including chat reference; assisting with collection development; program development, and instruction on Microsoft products; participation on the young adult services and technology committee
* Requirements: MLS/ALA desired; MLS students are encouraged to apply. Reader’s advisory experience and familiarity with reference and other databases a plus. Expertise in Microsoft Office. Interest in technology and knowledge of computer software and hardware preferred. Schedule includes some evenings and one weekend a month.
* Base salary (negotiable, dependent on experience): $15 per hour.

Send letter and resume to (e-mail applications encouraged):
Alexandra Tyle
Homer Township Public Library
14320 W. 151st Street
Homer Glen, IL 60491
Phone:708.301.7908 Fax:708.301.4535
atyle@homerlibrary.org
http://www.homerlibrary.org

Administrative Librarian
The Chicago Heights (IL) Public Library Board of Trustees seeks applicants for the position of Administrative Librarian. Located just south of Chicago, this home rule city of 33,000 is a multicultural community where library service can and does make a difference! Founded in 1902, this city library serves its residents from a 36,000 sq. ft. building with a collection of over 100,000 items, a budget of $1.2 million and a dedicated staff of 30. The Administrative Librarian reports to a 9 member appointed board who are enthusiastic about and committed to the library’s continued development as a valued community resource.

Qualifications: ALA accredited MLS and five years of progressively responsible public library experience.
Position available: July 2007
Minimum starting salary: $60,000 plus excellent benefits Residency requirement within one year of employment.

Submit a letter of application, resume and three references by March 31, 2007 to:
Mary Jane Kepner, Kepner + Associates
309 W. Harris
La Grange, Illinois 60525.

For more information contact Kepner + Associates at m.kepner@sbcglobal.net. No e-mailed applications accepted.

Library Administrator
The Woodridge (IL) Public Library Board of Trustees seeks a dynamic leader to continue its tradition of extraordinarily friendly and responsive service. Bring your passion for public libraries, commitment to intellectual freedom, sense of humor, intellectual curiosity and strong leadership skills to work collaboratively with a dedicated board and enthusiastic staff. With a staff of 55(32 FTE), a 51,000 sq. ft. facility, and an operating budget of $2.8 million, Woodridge Public Library serves a growing, well educated, and increasingly diverse population of about 33,000. Woodridge, a suburb 25 miles west of Chicago is located in DuPage County and portions of Will and Cook counties. The Library Administrator reports to a seven member elected Board of Trustees. Qualified candidates must have an accredited MLS and at least 8 years of progressively responsible public library experience including significant managerial experience as a library administrator or head of a large department. Essential attributes include personal integrity and strong interpersonal skills, proven fiscal and personnel management skills, and a real commitment to friendly and excellent service.

Position available: July 1, 2007
Starting minimum salary: $90,000 plus excellent benefits

Submit a resume, cover letter and three references to:
Mary Jane Kepner, Kepner + Associates
309 W. Harris Avenue
La Grange, Illinois 60525 by April 6, 2007. No e-mailed applications accepted.

For more information see www.woodridgelibrary.org or contact m.kepner@sbcglobal.net.

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

Youth Services and School Library News

Picturing America
Picturing America is a pilot project of the We the People program of the National Endowment for the Humanities, conducted in cooperation with the ALA Public Programs Office. The goals of Picturing America are to promote the teaching, study and understanding of American art and history in K-12 schools, and to facilitate interdisciplinary partnerships between school library media specialists, art teachers, classroom instructors and other educators.
Picturing America will provide 500 public and private schools with a collection of 20 double-sided, laminated posters (24” x 36”) depicting works of American art, related reading lists, and a 100-page resource booklet with information about the paintings, sculpture, architecture, and crafts reproduced.
Educators, including school librarians, are invited to apply online from January 8 through March 19, 2007.
Go to http://publicprograms.ala.org/picturingamerica/

Public Library News

Spring Public Libraries Meeting Set for March 21st
The agenda items for the Spring 2007 PALS Public Libraries Meeting include the Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR), the Public Library Per Capita Grant, Continuous Learning opportunities for public library staff, social software in public libraries and an update on System activties. Dawn DiVenti, PALS Library Services Coordinator, will announce some of the upcoming learning events for public library staff. Ron Winner, FSCS Data Coordinator for the Illinois State Library, will talk about the IPLAR and how the statistics are used. His colleague Mary Downing, Specialized Services Consultant, will discuss the Per Capita Grant and the requirements for the application due Fall 2007. Register for the meeting at http://www.palsnet.info/events. Go to March 21st and be sure to select the location where you plan to attend.

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

Good News for E-Rate
In late 2004, the E-rate program hit a major road block when the Federal Communications Commission determined for the first time that it was subject to the Anti-Deficiency Act (ADA), resulting in a delay in commitments of E-rate funds for a matter of months. Since that time, Congress has passed a number of temporary exemptions to ensure that funds keep flowing. For a program that helps libraries to meet the ongoing costs of connectivity and access to the Internet, any delay in commitments and/or funding can mean major hardship in the provision of vital services. ALA has continually pushed for a permanent solution to the ADA problem. On Wednesday, the Senate passed a Continuing Resolution containing another ADA exemption for E-rate, this one through December 2007. Another Senate bill that would provide permanent exemption from ADA for the E-rate program is in the works, and a House bill seeking permanent exemption has already been introduced by Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY). We will need your support as this legislation moves forward. Stay tuned!

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

Library News Around the State & Nation

Reaching Forward Conference
Reaching Forward, the annual conference for library support staff, will be held on Friday, May 18, 2007 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. To view the programs or to register, go to www.reachingforward.org. Transportation will be provided from the Shorewood and Rockford areas.
Watch for transportation details in upcoming Prairie Views or on our web page at www.palsnet.info. Registration for transportation will be made available in CLeO and will be required.
For additional information, please contact Dawn DiVenti at dawnd@palsnet.info.

Big Read Initiative
The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest are sponsoring The Big Read initiative. The purpose of The Big Read is to encourage literary reading, Grants from $5,000-$20,000 are available to revitalize the role of literature in American popular culture. Organizations selected to participate in the program will receive a grant, financial support to attend a national orientation meeting, educational and promotional materials for broad distribution, Organizer's Guide for developing and managing Big Read activities, inclusion of your organization and activities on The Big Read web site, and the prestige of participating in a highly visible national initiative. Approximately 120 organizations of varying sizes across the country will be selected in this cycle.
Go to http://www.NEABigRead.org to download the Request for Proposals. Questions should be directed to Arts Midwest at 612-341-0755 or email TheBigRead@artsmidwest.org. Intent to apply deadline (optional) is March 1, 2007. Proposal deadline is April 12, 2007 and the project runs from September - December 2007.

News from Vendors

Illiana Educational Products is offering special pricing on the 2007 Compton's Encyclopedia (including the 51 volume Discover America state set for free!) or the 2007 Britannica Student Encyclopedia. If interested, contact:
Dori Duncan
4130 – 28th Avenue
Moline, IL 61265
Tel/Fax: 309-762-3107
e-mail: doriduncan@juno.com

Legislative/Advocacy News

So Many Bills But What Do They Mean & Why Should I Care?
An OPAL meeting with Kip Kolkmeier, ILA Lobbyist and PPC Chair Carole Dickerson. Monday, March 12, 10 - 11 am. A list of bills introduced to date is listed below. By the date of the OPAL meeting, there well might be others. But what do they all mean and how do they affect libraries? Nobody can explain these as clearly as ILA lobbyist Kip. Join the meeting to hear clear explanations in layman's terms and ask questions. Carole will also speak on what we should do to be effective advocates and make friends before we need them .

Active Session: 2007 Spring Session in the Illinois General Assembly
As anticipated, this session has been very busy in the Illinois General Assembly. Legislation is proposed to:

* mandate that school libraries must install Internet filtering software, HB 1226
* amend the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act, HB 237 and HB 155 . ILA remains neutral on this bill.
* amend the Public Library District Annexation laws, HB 178 . ILA supports the bill which requires additional public notice as a good policy and suggests that libraries embrace this.
* prohibit social networking Web sites in public and school libraries, SB 1682 .
* improve the Public Library District Act regarding working cash funds, SB 186 . Co-sponsored by PALS Senator Pamela Althoff (R-IL 32nd) . Please call your senator and ask that he sign on to sponsor the bill. The bill would provide more consistency and equity to allow libraries to be treated like park districts and schools. The bill would also change the bench mark year from 1978 to 1998.
* amend the state library's Literacy Advisory Board, SB 576
* mandate for schools to teach Internet safety to students, HB 660 and SB 1472
* notice and restrict sex offenders in public libraries, SB 364 and SB 417
* amend the minimum signature requirement for library trustees, HB 499
* amend the Open Meetings Act, HB 210 and HB 183
* expand and extend of the Cook County cap on property tax assessments for certain homeowners, HB 23, HB 418, and SB 13
* allow greater flexibility under the tax cap statute, HB 688

All of these bills are tracked on the ILA Web site, under issues and legislation, at: https://www.ila.org/advocacy/index.htm

Resources on the ILA Web site - For more information, contact Robert P. Doyle, Illinois Library Association
"DOPA and the Participation Gap," October 2006 ILA Reporter, pp. 16-21,
"Libraries as Sanctuaries for Criminals?" December 2006 ILA Reporter, pp. 12-17,
"Confidentiality: A Case Study in Progress," February 2005 ILA Reporter, pp. 18-23,
Library Advocacy, www.ila.org/advocacy/advocacy.htm
Illinois Library Today, www.ila.org/advocacy/today.htm
The Internet & Our Children, www.ila.org/advocacy/internet.htm
Privacy & Confidentiality in Libraries, www.ila.org/advocacy/privacy.htm

ACTION REQUEST: Libraries today are yesterday's Village Green. Libraries are the common area. At their core, they are about service, for people walking in to expand their knowledge so people can be who they want to be. At the core, it's about service. Please call your legislators to ask them to think in terms of the bigger picture. Local control with trustees, parents and local librarians can make better decisions than state imposed, one size fits all state mandates. Ask that the legislators trust their known, local citizens. Chose which of the many items above speaks to you and which are the most important. Call and request that they vote according to the best way to support your library. ILA lobbyist Kip Kolkmeier does a wonderful job, but our legislators want to hear from their local people. That's YOU!

Three States and Feds Pursue Social Networking Controls
Legislators in Illinois, Georgia, and North Carolina have drafted bills that would restrict access by children and teens to such websites as MySpace and Facebook, while the U.S. Senate is again considering a law that jeopardizes e-rate funding for libraries that do not limit minors’ use of social networking sites—a replay of the Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA) of 2006, which passed the House by 410–15 in July 2006 but died in the Senate. Illinois SB 1682 would prohibit social networking Web sites in public and school libraries. Does YOUR legislator know how you feel about this? For contact information for both district and Springfield offices, go to the ILA web site, select the Advocacy tab and then enter your legislator's name. If you're not sure who that is, enter your street address and it will lead you to the names.

Tax Cap Legislation
Legislation to Change Tax Caps House Bill 688, sponsored by Reps. William Davis (D-Hazel Crest), Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) and Deborah Graham (D-Chicago), will try to correct a problem caused by tax caps. It would appear that some of our representatives would rather have our library districts continue seeking referendum after referendum instead of permanently fixing the problem by changing the tax cap law as it applies to libraries. Please encourage anyone who has ever visited a library, has been helped by a librarian or simply does not want to see our local public libraries be forced to lower their standards of service or lock their doors to contact their representatives and urge them to support House Bill 688. At the same time, you could request your legislator sign on to support the bill. You could put out a flier describing the issue and the bill and request that your library users also contact the legislators. Make it easy for them and add the contact information.

For a summary of the bill, see http://www.capwiz.com/ila/issues/bills/?bill=9345786 If you're not sure of the contact information for your legislator, simply go to http://www.ila.org/ and select the tab marked Advocacy and then enter your legislator's name. This will give you the district office as well as Springfield phone numbers. If you're not sure who represents your library, you can enter the address and that will lead you to the information Public libraries play a huge part in the growth and development of a community. Please help keep our communities alive and thriving by supporting your local public library.

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

Grant News
LSTA Grant Offerings
The Illinois State Library has announced the FY2008 Grant offerings. Go to http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/what_we_do/lsta2008.html
LSTA Grants to view the various grant programs and find application information.

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

No neat new this week.

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.