volume #4 issue#41

October 11, 2007

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Congratulations
to all the PALS member libraries who have been awarded FY2008 LSTA grants! A total of $706,973 was awarded to 65 PALS libraries. A full list of grant recipients and an abstract of their grant is now available on the Secretary of State's website.

PALS All-Member Meeting
PALS is premiering the first PALS all-member meeting via neighborhood videoconference. Join us from 9:30-12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 6 to meet some of the PALS staff, get updates on projects including delivery, grants, long-range plan, restructuring the webpage, PALS Day 2008 and other topics. This meeting will be available at all of the 8 neighborhood locations.

Networking within each neighborhood will follow the videoconference where we will discuss topics that pertain specifically to that neighborhood. This is your chance to network with your neighbor libraries and see what's happening in your immediate area. Door prizes consisting of a gift certificate for PALS Day 2008 will be awarded at each location. You must be present to win.
For additional information contact: Judy Hutchinson (ext 3150 or judyh@palsnet.info); Nancy Smith (ext 4466 or nancys@palsnet.info); Dawn DeVenti (ext 4463 or dawnd@palsnet.info); Sandy Ringstrom (ext 2710 or sandyr@palsnet.info)

Please register in CLeO:
Coal Valley Service Center
Elizabeth Campus, Highland Community College
Kankakee Public Library
LaSalle Public Library
Rockford Service Center
Shorewood Service Center
Sterling Public Library
Sycamore Public Library

Delivery Statistics
It's that time again when we ask our member libraries to count items being received from the delivery. Starting next week we will be sending out the statistic forms for you to fill out. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact your delivery supervisor.|
Brenda Roman - Coal Valley
Marilyn Janssen - Rockford
Shirley Grasty - Shorewood.
The dates for the count are Oct. 22 - Oct. 26 and Oct.29 - Nov. 2. Thank you in advance for all of your help in collecting these statistics.


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

New Continuing Education Courses from PLA! Prepare Yourself for All Aspects of Public Library Management
Registration is now open for: Serving Diverse Populations
Prairie Area Library System, Rockford, Illinois
October 24-25, 2007
Register Online Now!
Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge librarians need to effectively serve diverse populations. At the end of the Serving Diverse Populations workshop, participants will be able to:
* Identify the key issues and challenges of serving diverse populations; assess a library's readiness to serve diverse populations; and apply intercultural communication techniques to the delivery of library services.
* Understand how diversity factors impact the delivery of library services and how cultural differences impact people's perspectives on libraries and library service.
* Develop a culturally responsive library services plan that addresses identified community needs and develop marketing messages that connect with diverse populations.

Click here for a full class description and instructor bio.

Course Fee: $250 for PLA members and partners; $300 for ALA members; $400 for non-members

Member News

Paul M. Barrett
The author of American Islam: the Struggle for the Soul of a Religion will be at the Bettendorf Public Library on Saturday, October 13 from 11 AM to 1 PM. Paul M. Barrett was a 2007 Quill Award nominee for the best book in the religion/spirituality category. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Barrett is an Assistant Managing Editor at Business Week, New York City, where he oversees investigative projects. Barrett's presentation will be followed by a question and answer session and book signings.

Tutankhamen: The Final Journey
Art professor emeritus Bill Hannan will present a program on Tutankhamen, the 18th dynasty Egyptian boy king, at the Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus Drive on Wednesday, October 10 at 7 PM. This program is provided by Black Hawk College Speakers Bureau.

Congratulations!
The Joliet Public Library is proud to annouce that Linda Ward-Callaghan, the youth services lead professional at our main building, has been appointed to the 2009 John Newbery Award committee. This award is given for the most distringuished contribution to literature for children published in the United States and is presented annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. We congratulate Linda and wish her happy reading in 2008.

Missing Books - 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.

Lemont Public Library has:
*Downstate Illinois Business Directory, 2005-2006
*2 copies of Chicago Area Business Directory, 2006-2007 in 2 volumes

If interested contact:
Debbie Somchay
Email:dsomchay@lemontlibrary.org

Plainfield Public Library
has the following reference title to give away: Sullivan's law directory for the state of Illinois - 2006-2007, in two volumes.

If interested contact:
Michelle Roubal
Phone 815-436-6639
Email: mroubal@plainfield.lib.il.us

Bradley Public Library
Free
1 - Typewriter ribbon for Xerox 610 Memorywriter (Black Correctable Film) NuKote B182 -
1 - Box (6 tapes) Tackless (Dry) Lift-off tapes for Xerox Memorywriter NuKote 182TLD
2 - Typewriter ribbons (Black Correctable Film) for IBM Actionwriter I/Adler Royal Satellite III - NuKote B193.

If interested contact:
Barb -
Phone: 815-932-6245

Free CRT (tube based) Monitors Available
PALS has the following monitors available for pickup at the following service centers. Please contact the staff person listed for each service center to arrange pickup.

*Coal Valley – Kacy Kelly, kacyk@palsnet.info
1 - Sun 17”
4 - Gateway 19”
4 - Gateway 17”

*Shorewood – Tony Tian, tonyt@palsnet.info
12 - Gateway CRT monitors 17”
1 - Gateway CRT monitor 19”
1 - CTX CRT monitor 19”

* Rockford – Jeff Mahan, jeffm@palsnet.info
28 - Gateway 17”
4 - Viewsonic 17”
2 - Sceptre 15”
2 - Gateway 15”
2 - HP 15”
2 - Princeton 15”
2 - Viewsonic 15”
1 - NEC 15”
1 - Optiquest 17”

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.

Public Library Director
Chicago Area The Roselle Public Library District, Roselle, Illinois, seeks an energetic leader to serve as Executive Director. Located in the northwest suburbs, Roselle is approximately 25 miles from downtown Chicago, 25 minutes from O'Hare International Airport, and 10 minutes from two major shopping centers. Roselle provides the quality of life and sense of community usually found only in a small town, with the convenience of a larger metropolitan area.
The Roselle Public Library District (www.roselle.lib.il.us) enjoys strong local support and serves a population of about 25,000. Financially stable, the library has an annual budget of about $1.54 million, staff of 13 full-time and 21 part-time, and annual circulation of about 296,000. The library facility is 26,100 sq. ft. The Director reports to and is advised by a seven member publicly elected Board of Trustees. The library enjoys an active Friends of the Library group and active Library Foundation. The library is a member of the DuPage Library System.
*The Director will be expected to improve an already high level of public service and ensure the future of the library as a vibrant center of the community. Proven leadership and administrative skills, superior planning, fiscal, organizational and analytical skills, and creativity are required. Strong work ethic, integrity, and effective communication skills are essential.
* Must have a MLS from an ALA accredited library school program.
* Must have high-level administrative experience with demonstrated management and team building skills.
* Salary is $70-75,000 and is negotiable based on experience. Residency not required. Excellent benefits.

The Roselle Public Library District Board of Trustees requests that all applications and inquiries be forwarded to the executive search firm of John Keister & Associates. To apply, forward a cover letter and current resume via e-mail to:
JK@JohnKeister.com.
Position will remain open until filled.
JOHN KEISTER & ASSOCIATES
374 E. Marseilles Street
Vernon Hills, IL
60061 847-955-0540
www.JohnKeister.com

Children's Services Professional
The Des Plaines Valley Public Library District is seeking an energetic, creative and innovative Children’s Services Professional for a full time position. This individual will be expected to provide a diverse range of professional children’s library services including planning and presenting library programs, collection development, staffing the Children’s Services desk, instructing patrons in the use of electronic and print resources, and a variety of related tasks within a growing Children’s Services Department. Position reports directly to the Children’s Services Manager. *Minimum qualifications: MLS from an ALA-accredited graduate program. Applicant should have computer experience, including Internet and the use of online databases, and ability to work days, evenings and weekends. Knowledge of the Sirsi/Workflows Database is a plus. Applicant will also be required to travel between our two facilities, as needed.
* Salary range begins at $31,844.80 and increases commensurate with experience and qualifications. The District offers an excellent benefit package which includes IMRF benefits, paid sick and annual leave, and medical, vision and dental insurance.

Application Procedure: Interested parties should submit their resume to:
Scott Pointon via e-mail at:spointon@dpvlib.org ;
via fax at (815) 838-9131 or via mail to:
Scott Pointon
Des Plaines Valley Public Library District
121 E. 8th Street
Lockport, IL 60441.
Application can be submitted through October 28, 2007. The Des Plaines Valley Public Library District is an equal opportunity employer. Visit our website at www.dpvlib.org to learn more about our District.

Assistant Director
The Morris Area Public Library District is seeking a friendly, enthusiastic and customer service oriented assistant director, who will assist the library director in managing the day-to-day operations of the library. The assistant director will have special responsibilities in the areas of public relations, programming and automation.
* The ideal candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to plan and organize programs, and the ability to work effectively as a team player. Knowledge of computers, web site management, databases and library automation software is a plus.
* An MLS from an ALA accredited school is required. $35,000 minimum starting salary for a 40-hour work week.

Please send or email resume and letter of application to:
Pam Wilson
Library Director
Morris Area Public Library District
604 Liberty Street
Morris, IL 60450
Email: pwilson@morrislibrary.com

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

Youth Services and School Library News

Children’s Librarians Enter the Blogosphere
(ALA, CHICAGO) - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has launched an ALSC blog at http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/. The blog provides a venue for coverage and interactive discussion of time sensitive news in children’s librarianship, current issues in the field, programs, conferences, initiatives, resources and activities of interest to ALSC members and those interested in children’s librarianship.

Public Library News

New PLA Award Recognizes Innovation in Library Services
(ALA, CHICAGO) - The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting applications for the Polaris Innovation in Technology John Iliff award. Members of the PLA can nominate their colleagues and libraries for this new award through an online application available on its Web site, www.pla.org. The deadline for submitting an application is Dec. 3, 2007. The Polaris Innovation in Technology John Iliff Award honors the life and accomplishments of John Iliff, an early adopter and champion of technology in public libraries, and recognizes the contributions of a library worker, librarian or library who has used technology and innovative thinking as a tool to improve services to public library users. The award’s purpose is to encourage innovative user-oriented thinking and practical solutions using old and new technologies. The award provides a $1,000 honorarium, a plaque and a bouquet of roses for the honoree’s workplace. The cash award honors the recipient’s efforts, while the roses recognize the environment that helped nurture the recipient’s innovation.

An award jury appointed by the PLA president will review each nomination and select a recipient at the ALA 2008 Midwinter Meeting. Award winners will be announced in February, 2008, and each award will be presented at the PLA President’s Reception and Awards Presentation, held during the ALA 2008 Annual Conference. For more information, contact the PLA office, 800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA or e-mail the office at pla@ala.org. To apply or nominate a colleague for an award, visit PLA’s Web site at www.pla.org.

Academic Library News
No Academic Library News this week.

Special Library News

North Suburban Library System hosting SLA Managaing Digitization Projects 2-part program on
November 8 & 15
In Part I, the course will cover the stages in planning, developing, and managing digital collections. Within this framework, the presentation will cover selection, copyright, digitization, metadata creation, system and interface building, and archiving stages.
Part II will focus on development of best practices and guideline to help workshop participants in overseeing effective and efficient projects. Space is limited and participants must register for each presentation separately!
To register for Part I visit the NSLS PD Calendar at http://www.nsls.info/events/detail.aspx?eventID=9184
To register for Part II visit the NSLS PD Calendar at http://www.nsls.info/events/detail.aspx?eventID=9185

Support Staff News
No Support Staff News this week.

Technology Services News
No Technology Services News this week.

E-Rate Corner

Deadlines are fast approaching for the following:
*BEAR Form 472 must be postmarked on or before October 29, 2007 for the SLC year that ended 06/30/07 (Yellow). Please don’t wait until the last minute to gather information and get your form filled out. Remember that the service provider must fill out page 4 of this form and return it to you. This can take some time.
* Form 486 for the year that started July 1, 2007 (Pink) is due usually 120 days after receipt of your Funding Commitment Decision Letter. It is usually best to file this form as soon as you receive your FCDL. This last form can easily be overlooked. The SLC website has a great tool for you to keep track of deadlines for all E-Rate forms.
You can go to: http://www.usac.org/sl/tools/deadlines
For E-Rate help contact Marilyn at PALS-Rockford 815-229-4470 or email marilynj@palsnet.info

Library News Around the State & Nation

October Is National Medical Librarian Month!!
MLA created the NMLM observance to raise awareness of the important role of the health information professional. Patients and those in the health care community need the specialized services that medical librarians provide now more than ever before. For more information, visit the MLA website.

News from Vendors

Calling All Dummies
Publisher John Wiley and Sons is holding another For Dummies Library Display contest. Libraries can participate between January 17 and March 31, 2008, by building a yellow-and-black Dummies branded display. Request a Dummies start-up kit from Wiley by February 15. The grand prize winner will receive 50 books of their choice in the For Dummies series and a staff pizza party. View last year’s winners for inspiration. More details are in the attached flyer.

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

Grant News

The IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf
The IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf is part of a multi-year, multi-faceted IMLS national initiative to raise public awareness and inspire action to care for the collections held in public trust by libraries and museums throughout the United States. It is intended to provide small and medium-sized libraries and museums with essential resources needed to improve the condition of their collections. The Bookshelf includes books and DVDs, as well as a guide to online resources and an annotated bibliography of all the materials. Application deadline is November 15, 2007. For more information visit http://www.aaslh.org/Bookshelf/ .

Upcoming Grants Workshop by Illinois Humanities Council
The Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) invites grant applicants to attend a free public Major and Mini Grant workshop in Rockford on Tuesday, November 13. This workshop will be held at the Rockford Public Library's Main Branch (215 North Wyman Street, Rockford) from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Any non-profit organization or institution is eligible to apply to IHC for financial support of a public project in the humanities.

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

Just So You Know

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.