volume #4 issue#48

December 6, 2007

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Our Condolences
to Merideth Willett, PALS Cataloging Coordinator, on the death of her grandfather, Quentin Stromquist this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with Merideth and her family at this difficult time.

New Illinois Statewide Delivery to Commence January 2, 2008
The Intrasystem Library Delivery Service (ILDS) has operated in Illinois for more than 25 years. The statewide delivery service is getting a slightly new name and will be expanded starting January 2, 2008. The new name is Illinois Library Delivery Service (still ILDS). The other big difference is that all Illinois academic libraries that are governing or associate members of the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI) will now be direct stops on ILDS.

PALS member libraries that are also new ILDS locations will be receiving training from CARLI on proper shipping procedures. For non-CARLI libraries, the main change is getting used to a new ILDS label and new ILDS codes. There are now a number of training materials on the PALS website at: http://www.palsnet.info/services/delivery/default.asp. We would ask that all staff at non-ILDS libraries that processes interlibrary loans or returns materials review this information and ask questions. All libraries should begin using the new ILDS label as of January 2, 2008.

PALS Day 2008 Registration Is Now Open
Mark your calendars now for PALS Day 2008 at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center on Wednesday, May 7, 2008. Our day will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. Transportation details will be provided at a later date.
Registration is now available in CLeO, so please register at your earliest convenience. For additional information, please contact Dawn Diventi dawnd@palsnet.info or Nancy Smith nancys@palsnet.info, PALS Day 2008 Co-coordinators.
We look forward to spending a great day with you at Starved Rock!

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

Selecting Spanish Language Library Materials
If your library needs to collect materials for Spanish speaking adults, you may find this on-line class useful. The curriculum includes rationale for collecting in Spanish, selection help, identifying Latino customers and their needs, selecting a distributor, and marketing. Find more information on the ASCLA website at http://www.ala.org/ala/ascla/asclaevents/professionaldevelopmentonlinea/webcourse.cfm.

Guide to Roving: An Essential Service for Library 2.0
Presented by: Joan Giannone - President, Mentor Group Training Inc.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007, 11 a.m. - noon Eastern / 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Pacific

Across North America, and around the world, Libraries are working to implement Roving Reference as a practical way to both improve service to their existing customers, and to attract and convert new ones into loyal patrons. Both Public and Academic Libraries are encouraging their staff to step out from behind their desks and reach out to their "hidden customers" - the 50 % or more - those thousands of customers - who are reluctant to approach staff at the Reference desk and so remain un-served. One of the driving forces behind the need for Roving at Libraries has been, and continues to be technological change. And following in the wake of the implementation of technology in any organization is the challenge posed by transition. Technological Change is comprised of external forces (Library 2.0, RSS, Wikki's, IM, Installing free downloadable digital content, policy changes, structure change, etc.). Transition is internally focused: (the reflection, re-grouping, reorientation and training people have to go through before the change can work) because, unprepared people can be nervous, or even resistant. Register now to take part in this FREE webinar.

Joan Giannone is a recognized mentor and trainer with over 20 years experience helping many organizations and Libraries achieve positive results, by focusing on communication and satisfaction for customers and staff. As President of Mentor Group Training Inc., Joan has dedicated all her company's energy over the last 4 years solely to supporting the progress and success of Libraries. Many Library managers and staff have heard about or have attended one of Joan's workshops, listened to one of her audio presentations or read one of her articles published online. Her popular BLOG "Joan's Compass" has 27 articles and submissions about Roving. (www.mentorgrouptraining.com)

Register for this SirsiDynix Institute webinar at: https://events.livemeeting.com/SirsiDynix121107reg.htm
If you have missed previous SirsiDynix Institute events, or are unable to make this one, we have an extensive archive posted at http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/archive.php. You can check them out at any time.
More 2007 SirsiDynix Institute events at http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/.

Member News

Rockford Public Library
The Main Library and its branches will close at 5:00 on Friday, December 7 for staff appreciation.

Give the Gift of Reading
For the past three months, the Davenport Public Library and Quad City Arts have cooperatively offered numerous “Big Read” programs, an initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, ArtsMidwest, and the Institute for Museum and Library Services, revolving around Harper Lee’s classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Hundreds of citizens have attended these events, further enriching their lives with literature. Beginning on Saturday, December 15, and running through Friday, December 21, we are offering the community a final chance to pick up a free copy of this timeless book for friends and family so that you may give the “gift of reading” during this holiday season.
Stop by any Davenport Public Library location (321 Main Street or 3000 N. Fairmount Street), or Quad City Arts (1715 2nd Avenue, Rock Island) to pick up your free copy while supplies last. For more information, please call 563-888-3371.

Fountaindale Public Library Board Announces Retirement of Director
BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – The Fountaindale Public Library Board of Trustees announced today that they had accepted the letter of intent to retire from Library Director Karen Anderson. “Karen has been a driving force for change at Fountaindale,” said Peggy Danhof, library board president. “As a long-time employee, her experience is invaluable. She will be missed.” Anderson has been employed by the district for 29 years, beginning as secretary/bookkeeper in 1978. She served as Deputy Director from 1991 to 2003, when she was promoted to Director.
Full Press Release

Fountaindale Public Library District Announces Retirement of Long Time Employees
(BOLINGBROOK, Ill.) – The Fountaindale Public Library District announced today that fifteen employees have taken advantage of an early retirement plan the district was offering. “This is the first time that the Board has adopted an early retirement program,” said Karen Anderson, library director. “It is an excellent benefit for our long-term employees who have worked for the library for many, many years.” Employees who have taken advantage of early retirement – listed with their job titles and years of service to Fountaindale – are:

Karen Anderson, Director, 29 years
Patricia Auriene, Assistant Director for Technical Tervices, 25 years
Carol Bloor, Acquisitions Assistant, 20 years
Priscilla Gotham, Payroll and Benefits Specialist, 23 years
Wayne Keil, Adult and Teen Services Manager, 21 years
Marge Kill, Acquisitions Assistant, 18 years
Carol Mally, Technical Services Assistant, 20 years
Fran Miller, Senior Cataloger, 21 years
Yvonne McCurrie, Circulation Manager – Romeoville, 25 years
Cindy Palermo, Circulation Manager – Bolingbrook, 22 years
Judy Prawiec, Adult and Teen Services Assistant, 21 years
Chris Smallwood, Assistant Manager for Circulation, 21 years
Caroline Sullivan, Periodicals Assistant, 27 years
Helen Valantinas, Assistant Director for Administration, 16 years
Jane Whiteside, Children’s Services Manager – Bolingbrook, 26 years

With the position vacancies, Anderson reports that the District will look at each position and consider reorganization to best meet the needs of the library district. Employment opportunities are listed on the library website at www.fountaindale.lib.il.us.
Full release

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.

DeKalb PL
has checked shelves at least twice for the following. Would the “other” library please check for these? Thank you.

SYLY: Winnie the Pooh and the honey tree JV791 WD/WI-H 32065002226293

RFSY:
Math magic for your kids 649.68 FLA 32065001436034
Six frigates 359.00973 TOL 32065002357122
The great raid DVD 791.43 GRE 32065002181993
Descartes in 90 minutes CDSW 194 STR 32065002176472
The Punisher DVD 791.43 32065002228190

FRBB: The great Montana train ride and the national parks of the north V917.86 GRE 32065001683585

SELG: St. Elsewhere CD RAP BAR 320650058270496

SAUG: Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone CHILD LIT PR6068.096 Har 1998 30050054918767

MPLY:Heartbreaker FIC FER 32065001555155 Tangy, tart, hot, & sweet 641.59 LAK 30050059473297

FPLY: House MD Season one FDVD 676 TV 38510101197188

RVLG:
Psycho III DVD PSY-R 30050045543534
Brother III VHS 1560 38511001250297

RVBB:
Small gods F PRATCHETT 040291000455066
From here to eternity FIC JONES 36059000215008

PCBB: A thousand splendid suns LP F HOS 32079000570743

SNBB: Shooter DVD 791.43 SHO 32065002454044

MPLG:I am legend FIC MAT 36059000629836

SRBB: Beat panic & anxiety 152.46 ILL 31985001748016

MKBB: I am legend FICTION MATHESON 31967010011461

SEBB: Louder now 781.66 CD TAK 30050055169733

HCCY: The widow’s kiss FIC FEA 32065001673230

MNBB: Deep Storm CD-BOOK F Child 36990000726513

Thank you, Donna DKLY

The Princeton Public Library staff asks:
please Check Your Shelves for the Following Lost In Transits. If found please check status and send. Thanks.

FICTION BALDACCI 31967009743801 The collectors / David Baldacci
MAY/JUN/JUL/AUG 2004 3196700838161 Copycat Magazine
2003 MARCH / APRIL 31967007837860 Copycat Magazine
JP M 31967005789972 A Carnival of Secrets / Paul McCusker
P EICHLER 31967008109319 Murder can rain on your shower / Selma Eichler
174.2 COV 31907001813202 The Speed of Trust / Stephen Covey
JP G NEW 31560000890422 Newfangled Fairy Tales / Bruce Lansky
230 LEW 30050057626789 Mere Christianity / C.S. Lewis
PBJ JON 31558002100816 Never Wear a Cape / Mr. Incredible, as told to Jasmine Jones
PB BUR 38662000120496 Tarzan of the apes / Edgar Burroughs
E She 30050023833485 The Whale's Song sound recording / Dyan Sheldon
E Bro 30050053689476 Where have you been? / Margaret Wise Brown
658 Col 30050048282205 Good to Great / Jim Collins
CAS CORNW 35920001460193 Book of the dead [sound recording] / Patricia Cornwell
616.716 Dan 30050050945426 Exercises for osteoporosis / Dianne Daniels

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.

Augustana Tredway Library has the following to give away:
Atlas of the World's Resources, by William Van Royen 1954. v.1
The Agricultural Resources of the World v.2
The Mineral Resources of the World Veliki Geografski Atlas Jugoslavije, Vojnogeografski institut (Belgrade, Serbia),1987
Atlas Pentru Istoria Romaniei, 1983.
Atlas De La Republica Argentina, Instituto Geografico Militar, 1965.
Atlas to Accompany the Monograph on the Tertiary History of the Grand Canon District, by Clarence E. Dutton, 1882.

If interested please contact:
Sally L. Cobert
Phone: 309-794-7641
Email: sallycobert@augustana.edu

Shorewood-Troy Library
has finished moving all of our treasures to our meeting room and they are ready for new homes! We need to move them out, so make us an offer! Check out the photos and descriptions.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneedd/

Email me your requests, no phone calls, please!
Renee Daggers
Email: rdaggers@shorewood.lib.il.us

Peru Library
has 3 Gaylord Book Chargers with Operations Manual for giveaway.

If interested contact:
Mary Jean Hauger
Phone: 815-223-0229

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
Geneseo Public Library District, Geneseo, Illinois, seeks enthusiastic leader with experience in a building project. Must have and exhibit prior success working w/personnel, community leaders and a Board of (7) elected Trustees. Experience managing a library, public relations, fundraising, public speaking, short and long term planning vision for the library and excellent verbal and written skills.
* The position requires a minimum of 5 years of public library administration and/or MLS from an ALA accredited library school program.
* Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Residency required.
* Excellent benefits package included. Position open March 1, 2008; current library director is retiring. The library has an annual budget of $507,260, staff of 1 full-time employee, 17 part-time employees and an annual circulation of 145,928. The library district serves 13,102 residents including the City of Geneseo.
Visit the library's website at http://www.geneseo.lib.il.us

Please send resume and three references to:
Geneseo Public Library
ATTN:Mr. Don Bailey
218 South State Street
Geneseo, Illinois, 61254
before November 30, 2007.

Part-time Reference Services Librarian
Immediate opening. Part-time position. Two evenings and one weekend day. September-June only. $18.00 - $19.00 per hour. Master’s in library and information science preferred; 18 graduate credit hours required. Review of resumes will begin on December 12, 2007 and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should send resume with names, addresses and phone numbers of 3 references to:
North Central College
Office of Human Resources
30 N. Brainard St.
Naperville, IL 60540
EOE

Children’s Services Professional
The Des Plaines Valley Public Library District, with two locations in Lockport and Crest Hill, Illinois, is seeking an energetic, creative and innovative Children’s Services Professional for a part-time IMRF (approx. 25 hrs/week) 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 or MLS students nearing completion of their degree. 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 $15.31/hr. for degreed candidates and increases commensurate with experience and qualifications.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested parties should submit their resume to:
Patricia Jarog
via e-mail at pjarog@dpvlib.org
via fax at (815) 838-9131
via mail to:
Patricia Jarog
Des Plaines Valley Public Library District
121 E. 8th Street
Lockport, IL 60441.
Application can be submitted through December 21, 2007. The Des Plaines Valley Public Library District is an equal opportunity employer. Visit our website at http://www.dpvlib.org to learn more about our District.

Youth Services Children's Programmer
Geneseo Public Library District, which serves a population of 13,102 resident is opening a search for a Children's Programmer.
* Job requirements listed are a must: education or experience in executing programs specifically geared for children including storytelling and crafting; coordinate programs in conjunction with other community groups which feature children's activities; excellent interpersonal skills, rapport with children, previous library and computer skills.
* Hours, 15 - 20/wk, would include some evenings, and occasional Saturdays.
* Benefit package; wage depends on experience and qualifications. Start date in December.

Contact by sending resume to:
Brenda I. Fowler Director
218 South State Street
Geneseo, Illinois 61254

Adult Services Manager
Fountaindale Public Library District, which proudly serves the diverse communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois, is seeking an experienced, public service-oriented manager to lead the adult and teen services staff of 18 in the development of new technologies, and delivery of reference, reader’s advisory, interlibrary loan and computer services to adult and teen library patrons. Strong managerial skills required. District voters will decide on a new library building referendum in Feb. 2008. Planning ability and Spanish language skills are a plus. This full-time position includes evening and weekend hours. Fountaindale Public Library District serves a population of 71,474 with two libraries, and circulated 827,000 items in 2006-07.
* A master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school, plus six year’s experience required.
* Salary range: $48,446 to $72,668 per year depending on qualifications and experience.
* Closing date: until position is filled.

Send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:
Marianne Thompson
Assistant Director for Public Services
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
personnel@fountaindale.lib.il.us
Equal Opportunity Employer

Acquisitions Assistant
Due to a retirement, Fountaindale Public Library District, which serves the diverse communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois, is seeking a full-time assistant in the Technical Services department to order library materials, maintain vendor accounts, and purchase materials for the library’s collections.
* LA/LTA certificate plus one year of experience required. Must have knowledge of computers, standard software, and integrated library systems and networks; SIRSI preferred.
* Pay range: $12.50 - $18.75 per hour, depending on qualifications
* Closing date: Until position is filled.

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

Periodicals Assistant
Due to a retirement, Fountaindale Public Library District, which serves the diverse communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois, is seeking a full-time assistant in the Technical Services department to maintain all periodical and newspaper subscriptions and maintain vendor accounts and orders for periodical materials.
* LA/LTA certificate plus one year of experience required. Must have knowledge of computers, standard software, and integrated library systems and networks; SIRSI preferred.
* Pay range: $12.50 - $18.75 per hour, depending on qualifications
* Closing date: Until position is filled.

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

Supervisor, Cataloging & Processing
(Full Time) College of DuPage Library Job
Summary: Copy cataloging (using OCLC member records) of books, sound recordings, and videos. Researches cataloging problems. Coordinates processing of materials being withdrawn from the collection; organizes, directs and supervises classified staff in materials processing and copy cataloging.
* Minimum qualifications required: Education: ABA or BS; LTA certificate or comparable experience in a library Experience: 2 years copy cataloging in MARC, including call number and subject assignment; knowledge/training in Library of Congress subject headings and call numbers; experience with book, sound recordings, and visual formats of OCLC.
* Preferred: experience with Innovative Interfaces/Millennium; supervisory experience
* Salary: $17.97 per hour with full benefits.

For detailed job description and application information:
https://www.cod.edu/job_desc/JobDesc.asp?PositionNo=13892&vClass=CLASSIFIED

Reference and ILL News

RUSA Reference and Marketing Classes Offered Online
The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is offering five Internet-based courses that offer training in specialized areas of reference and user services:

Business Reference 101, Jan. 28 - Feb. 22, is a business reference course for library staff and researches that teaches the process of business research, as well as free and fee-based resources.
Genealogy for Librarians: A Course for Beginners, Feb. 4 - March 14, is a new five-week course covering the basic sources and strategies for genealogy reference in the United States. Topics discussed will include census records, vital records, immigration records and other basic sources. The class will discuss reference strategies, with a focus on helping genealogy novices begin their research. Case studies will help illustrate the concepts discussed, and students will have an opportunity to practice research methods using online databases.
Marketing Basics for Libraries, Feb. 25 - March 28, is a course designed as an introduction to marketing, focusing on the uses of marketing and explaining basic marketing tenets using the framework of libraries. Students learn about the nature and role of marketing, how to create a marketing plan, marketing research and evaluating the success of marketing efforts.
Readers' Advisory 101, March 24 - April 23, trains library staff on how to use readers' advisory tools, craft annotations, read genres, articulate appeal and experiment with methods to offer readers' advisory tools, craft annotations, read genres, articulate appeal and experiment with methods to offer readers' advisory services.
Reference Interview, Feb. 18 - March 21, is a course focusing on the methods of evaluating reference service, behavioral aspects of reference service and the different types of questions that can be used to help patrons identify what they need.

The easy access of the online courses attracts students that live and work in the US and overseas. The students build their social network during scheduled chat sessions with the instructor and other students, sharing information and ideas on practices used in their organization, state or country.

The registration price for a course is $130 for RUSA members, $160 for ALA members, $190 for non-ALA members or $100 for ALA student and retired members. For more information, or to register for a course, visit ALA's website.

Youth Services and School Library News

AASL Releases Report on First Longitudinal Survey
(ALA, CHICAGO) - The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has just released the results of its first longitudinal survey, School Libraries Count! The survey, conducted January-March 2007, gathered data in a number of areas, including library staff, collections, technology, class visits and budgets. AASL will be using the data to develop tools to help library media specialists advocate at the local, state and national level. "In a time of budget cuts and confusion about the role of library media specialists," said AASL president Sara Kelly Johns, "it is more critical than ever that both the profession and educational decision-makers understand the state of the nation's school library media programs." The survey will be conducted annually and will result in a longitudinal series that will provide data on the health of the nation's school library media programs. The second survey is scheduled to open at the 2008 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia. Nancy Everhart, chair of the AASL Research and Statistics Committee, said, "The data from this survey will be valuable to researchers and practitioners alike. Researchers can use it to support further studies, and practitioners can use it to compare their programs to national benchmarks."

To see the survey and the report, visit http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/slcsurvey.cfm.

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.

E-Rate Corner

It’s not too early to file a form 470. This form opens the competitive bidding process. The form allows you to describe the services you are requesting. The service providers can then search the forms which are posted on the USAC website and can then respond to the applicant’s requests. You must file a new Form 470 if you: Are seeking non-contracted tariffed or month-to-month services Intend to sign a new contract Want to extend an existing contract Because the FY2008 form 471 application filing window closes on February 7, 2008, the last possible day to post a form 470 to the USAC website is January 10, 2008. Filing on line is always recommended.
If you need assistance filing your form 470, please contact Marilyn at PALS – Rockford at 815-229-4470 or email marilynj@palsnet.info

Library News Around the State & Nation
No Library News Around the State & Nation this week.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

SB1472 Internet Safety Education Act
SB1472 is now PA 095-0509, amending the school code to include 2 hours annually of internet safety in the curriculum and cites various components to be included. Visit the Illinois Library Association's NetSafe area of their website for links to resources, including a link to a comprehensive curriculum plan developed in Virginia, entitled Guidelines and Resources for Internet Safety in Schools. At Saturday's legal workshop at PALS, attorney Phil Lenzini summarized that the law does not mandate Internet Safety Education but merely allows it to be part of the curriculum if the school chooses.

Library Law: Libraries and Pregnancy Leave
(courtesy of the Metropolitan Library System - new article by Gerard E. Dempsey and Janet N. Petsche, partners with the law firm of Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, Ltd., an Illinois law firm)
Pregnancy related medical conditions may or may not qualify a library or library system employee for leave under current law. Library administrators should be aware of which laws are to be considered when approached by an employee for such leave. In addition, hiring procedures, provision of healths insurance and distribution of fringe benefits can be affected by the law pertaining to pregnant applicants for employment and current employees. This article will explain how the law applies to these situations.

Grant News

Application, Theme and Titles Announced for Great Stories Club Grant
Book club program funded by Oprah’s Angel Network will target underserved, troubled teen populations
(ALA, CHICAGO) - The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, in cooperation with the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), is pleased to announce that applications for the Great Stories Club are now available at www.ala.org/greatstories. Applications from all types of libraries will be accepted through Feb. 1. Funding has been provided by a grant from Oprah's Angel Network. The Great Stories Club is a reading and discussion program designed to reach underserved, troubled teen populations through books that are relevant to their lives. The program is built on partnerships between libraries and a variety of organizations that serve troubled teens: juvenile justice facilities; alternative high schools; drug rehabilitation centers and nonprofits serving teen parents; and other agencies. Teen participants are invited to read and keep three theme-related books and encouraged to consider and discuss each title with a group of their peers. The program's ultimate goal is to inspire young adults who face difficult situations to take control of their lives by embracing the power of reading.

YALSA's Outreach to Young Adults with Special Needs Committee selected "Choices" as the 2008 Great Stories Club theme, along with the following titles:

Tyrell by Coe Booth (Scholastic, Inc., 2007)
Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2002)
Sold by Patricia McCormick (Hyperion, 2006)

All types of libraries (public, school, academic and special), located within or working in partnership with facilities serving troubled teens in the United States and its territories, are eligible to apply for a Great Stories Club grant. Up to 200 libraries will be selected to develop a book discussion program for teens based on the three theme-related titles and will be given copies of the books to share with each participant. Participating libraries will also receive access to an online toolkit to support the program, including sample discussion questions, recommended titles for further reading, downloadable bookmark art and other resources. Small cash grants ($100-$200) will be awarded to up to 20 sites for the support of program-related expenses. Guidelines, application instructions and the online application are now available at www.ala.org/greatstories. Applications will be accepted from Dec. 3 through Feb. 1.

Time to Apply for The Big Read
Application Deadline: February 12, 2008
(IMLS, Washington, DC)—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), announces the fourth deadline for the Big Read program. The purpose of the Big Read is to revitalize the role of literature in American popular culture. Grants ranging from $5,000 – $20,000 are available to encourage local communities to inspire reading through the Big Read program. This will be the only application deadline in 2008.

Big Read grants require the participation of a library as a lead applicant or a partner. IMLS strongly encourages museums of all types to apply as lead applicants or as partner organizations in the Big Read. Communities across the country have strengthened their Big Read projects by enlisting the support of art, science, history, and children’s museums, as well as aquaria, arboreta, botanical gardens, nature centers, and zoos.

Organizations selected to participate in the Big Read will receive a grant, financial support to attend a national orientation meeting, educational and promotional materials for broad distribution, an organizer’s guide for developing and managing Big Read activities, guidance on working with local media, inclusion of the organization and its activities on the Big Read Web site, and the prestige of participating in a highly visible national initiative. The Request for Proposals can be downloaded at www.NEABigRead.org. The proposal deadline is February 12, 2008. Questions should be directed to Arts Midwest at 612/341-0755 or TheBigRead@artsmidwest.org.

New Books at PALS

The unofficial tourists' guide to Second Life / Paul Carr & Graham Pond LS 794.8 CAR
Managing facilities for results: optimizing space for services /Cheryl Bryan for the Public Library Association LS 022.3 BRY
Special edition using Microsoft Office Access 2007 Prof. Coll. 005.7565 Jen .
Special edition using Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 Prof. CoIl. 005.58 ǂb Rut
Special edition using Microsoft Office Word 2007 Prof. Coll. 005.52 Wem
The synchronous trainer's survival guide Prof. Coll. 370.113 Hof
Special edition using Microsoft Excel 2007 Prof. Coll. 005.54 Jel
Special edition using Microsoft Windows Vista Prof. Coll. 005.446 Cow
Special edition using Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 Prof. Coll. 005.57 DiG
Naked reading : uncovering what tweens need to become lifelong readers Prof. Coll. 028.55 Les
Live and online! : tips, techniques, and ready-to-use activities for the virtual classroom Prof. Coll. 371.358 Hof

Managing Facilities for Results by Cheryl Bryan. Published by the ALA, copyright 2007.
Based on PLA's "...For Results" series, this new hands-on workbook guides library dirctors, staff, and boards through the process to: Prioritize new services that need space Make plans and identify appropriate locations Present the case to funding authorities Conduct a gap anaylsis Find resources to reallocte and determine what new items are needed Identify building professionals to assist with alterations. Supplemented with 23 workforms and three tool kits, the process is equally valuable for school, special, and academic librarians who are faced with similar space repurposing challenges. Any library can embrace these practical, proven techniques for addressing its community's needs.

Just So You Know
No Just So You Know 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.