volume #5 issue#10

March 6, 2008

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

In Memory
The PALS family was shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Len Lindquist, Manager of Technology Services, on February 28 due to a massive coronary. Left to honor his memory are his wife Michelle, daughter Seren, 6, and many family and friends. A memorial fund has been established for Seren's education. Donations may be sent to:

Len Lindquist Jr Memorial Account
Macktown State Bank
300 East Main Street
Rockton, Illinois 61072

There is a memory book on the PALS website where all are encouraged to share their stories about Len or condolences for his family. They have read the site and are touched by how many lives Len touched.

Thank you to everyone who has expressed their condolences to the PALS staff and Board. It has been extremely comforting in this difficult time. Len will be sorely missed by all who knew him professionally and personally.

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

Here's What's Happening at PALS Day:
(watch for a different topic about PALS Day each week, or view the entire PALS Day schedule on the PALS website)
Have a Space Planning Question or Construction Issue
Do you have a problem with your building's current arrangement, space, lighting, HVAC, accessibility for users with disabilities, etc. ? Are you thinking about remodeling OR an addition or a new building and want to know the first steps to take? Do you want to know what to look for in an architect or how contractors are hired?

Fred Schlipf, retired director of the Urbana Free Library and building consultant extraordinaire, has offered to meet at PALS Day with folks from individual libraries to point them in the right direction toward solving their building issues. This is not meant to be a full-fledged consultation but just a "bite." Each appointment will be for 20 minutes and libraries are asked to provide their questions/issues ahead of time so Fred can be prepared to maximize the time you have together.

To take advantage of this unique opportunity and make an appointment for your library, contact Debbie Fowler at debbief@palsnet.info or x2708. This opportunity will only be available to about 10 libraries so speak up quickly. Fred has helped many PALS library members with planning or reorganizing their buildings. Ask your neighbor about him.

Match and Catalog Class
$10 Workshop Fee
* Tuesday, April 15th at the Rockford Service Center 12:30-4 pm
* Wednesday, April 16th at the Rockford Service Center 9 am-12:30 pm

This class is aimed at providing attendees with the basic matching skills to meet the following barcoders competencies from the Illinois Statewide Cataloging Standards:
• Have a basic understanding of cataloging terminology • Know where to look on the resource for cataloging information, i.e., the prescribed sources of information • Know how to interpret a bibliographic record • Know how to choose the correct bibliographic record that matches a resource

Prerequisite: none
Presenter: Jennifer Davis
$10.00 workshop fee
Jennifer Davis is retired from St. Ambrose University, O’Keefe Library, in Davenport, IA, where she was the Head of Technical Services supervising cataloging, acquisitions, serials, and processing. Jennifer believes in the importance of Technical Services to the patron – her motto - if we don't do it right, the patron won't find it.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you are not able to attend, please cancel your reservation by 9:00 am two working days (Monday-Friday) prior to the class date or you will be billed. If you have questions, contact Merideth Willett at meridethw@palsnet.info or at (877) 542-7257 ext.3257.

Please note that this class isn’t just for people taking the Barcode Test or members of PrairieCat. It is a class to help people look for records that match the items they are adding to their library.

Digital Imaging Demonstrations
Is your library applying for an LSTA digital imaging grant? Thinking about it? Vendor representative Bob Czechowicz will demonstrate products from S-T Imaging, to provide an overview of the imaging process. Bring a few photos or documents that you'd like to see digitized! Demonstrations will be held from 1:00-3:00pm on the following days (you don’t need to stay the entire two hours):
Monday, March 17 at Rockford Service Center
Tuesday, March 18 at Shorewood Service Center
Wednesday, March 19 at Coal Valley Service Center

Sign up on CLeO to attend at your location of choice.

Member News

Teen YouTube Red Carpet Event at the Putnam Museum & IMAX® Theatre
The Quad-City Area Public Libraries and the Putnam Museum & IMAX® Theatre have teamed up to present an evening of glamour and excitement in the area’s inaugural “YouTube Red Carpet Event.” On Thursday, March13, at 7:00 p.m., join area teens as they present their YouTube movie on the giant IMAX® screen. See movies written and directed by area teens as they celebrate Teen Tech Week. There will be a pre-screening party at 6:00 p.m. in the Putnam Museum exhibit hall and an awards ceremony following the event. No registration is required for this free event. For more information contact the Davenport Public Library at 563-326-7893 or visit us online at www.davenportlibrary.com.

Missing Books - members are welcome to post information about materials that are missing in transit. As with all Prairie Views submissions, please send

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.

Fossil Ridge Public Library District
has the following titles available. If interested, contact:

Sue Erickson at 1-815-458-2187 or email cadeterding@fossilridge.org

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.

Librarian
William Rainey Harper College, located in Palatine IL, is a culturally diverse community college offering degree and certificate programs, enrolling approximately 25,000 students or 9500 FTE. We are seeking a full-time tenure track librarian to serve as Coordinator of Instructional Services. Regular responsibilities will include reference, instruction, collection development, and committee work.
* Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently are essential.
* Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution required.
* Two years public service experience in a library environment preferred. The College seeks candidates who have had multicultural experience and who can demonstrate a commitment to diversity and multiculturalism.

For a complete job description, and to apply, visit the Harper College website at http://jobs.harpercollege.edu.

Adult and Teen Services Assistant
Fountaindale Public Library District, which proudly serves the diverse communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois, is seeking a public service-oriented individual to provide reference services in the Adult and Teen Services departments at our Bolingbrook library.
* Duties include helping patrons at the readers services and reference desks, interlibrary loan, assisting in the computer labs, and preparing materials for bibliographies and displays. This 24-hour per week, part-time position includes evening and weekend hours.
* LA/LTA certification, plus six months of related of experience required. Spanish language skills are a plus.
* Starting salary: $12.16 per hour Closing date: Until position is filled.

Send cover letter, resume and three references, including contact information, to:
Human Resources
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Email: personnel@fountaindale.lib.il.us
Equal Opportunity Employer 1/11/2008

Technical Services Supervisor
The Davenport Public Library is seeking a professional librarian, to plan, direct and evaluate the operations of the Technical Services Department. Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Resource Services.
*Responsibilities: • Overseeing the daily activities of the acquisitions, cataloging, serials control, collection maintenance, and switchboard functions • Monitoring cataloging workflows to ensure effective and efficient handling of materials • Acting as an expert cataloging resource, ensuring procedures and practices are followed • Developing service goals and objectives based on established library goals • Administering the departmental budget • Supervising, training and evaluating assigned staff • Filling in for Technical Services staff when needed • Cataloging up to 20 hours per week/as needed • Reviewing, selecting and weeding materials for the collection • Compiling statistics; providing data for annual and other reports and surveys.
*Education & Experience: • Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited American Library Association library school • Minimum of three years professional library experience, two of which have been in the area of technical services/cataloging • One year minimum of supervisory experience.
* Knowledge/Skills: Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of cataloging, classification and collection management; automated databases and information systems such as SIRSI, OCLC and MARC records; ability to catalog books/AV materials; manage resources; communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; supervise, delegate and problem solve; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
*Salary/Benefits: $47,027/yr with an excellent benefit package.
*Applications will be accepted March 6-31, 2008.

Apply to:
Davenport Public Library
321 Main Street
Davenport, IA 52801
Attn: Sue Anderson, HR and Grant Manager
or Email: sanderson@davenportlibrary.com
Apply online at http://www.cityofdavenport.com
To view the complete job description go to: http://www.davenportlibrary.com

Media Specialist
There will be a certified media specialist position open for 2008-2009 at Minooka Community High School, District 111. It is a 9-12 district, located west of Joliet. The position is needed because a second building is opening next fall and an administrative decision has been made to have a media specialist in each building.

It is not officially posted at this time, but you may send resumes to:
Ms. Glenda Smith
Instructional Leader
Minooka Community High School
301 S. Wabena Ave.
Minooka, IL 60447

Please contact me if you have any questions.
Carolyn Kinsella
Media Specialist
PH: 815-467-2140 ext. 142
Email: ckinsella@mchs.net

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

Youth Services and School Library News

PALS Best Books for 2007
The 2007 PALS Best Books list is now available on the PALS website at http://www.palsnet.info/services/ys/default.asp. Thanks to all who contributed favorite titles!

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
No E-Rate Corner this week.

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

Library News Around the State & Nation

Cinco de Mayo @ Your Library
If your are planning on promoting Cinco de Mayo @ your library you might be interested in using the Spanish "en tu biblioteca" logo. To download the logo visit www.ala.org/@yourlibrary and click on "download logos."

Special Offer for Libraries from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Since 1997, the Gilder Lehrman Institute has developed traveling panel exhibitions for display at schools, libraries, and historic sites. Composed of interlocking panels with graphic reproductions of rare documents, images, and interpretive text, these exhibitions circulate nationwide, providing an introduction to critical topics in American history for students, teachers, and the public. Traveling exhibitions are FREE OF CHARGE (shipping included).

The Institute is pleased to offer a new traveling exhibition, Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times. The exhibition, which incorporates letters, photographs, and images from Lincoln's presidency and Civil War soldiers and their families, is available to academic and public libraries only. If you are interested in hosting this exhibition, please apply by March 25, 2008. Questions about the exhibition may be directed to Susan Saidenberg at saidenberg@gilderlehrman.com

For more information, and to download an application form, please visit: http://www.gilderlehrman.org/institute/public_traveling.html APPLICATIONS MUST BE SENT VIA EMAIL OR REGULAR MAIL (NO FAXES) BY MARCH 25, 2008, TO:

Susan F. Saidenberg, Director of Public Programs and Exhibitions
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
19 West 44th Street, Ste. 500
New York, NY 10036
saidenberg@gilderlehrman.org
646-366-9666.

So Many Books! So Many Ideas! So Little Time?
Are you looking for more time or motivation to read the latest book on trends in society and culture? Have you recently read a business book that you think other library folks should read? Are you interested in sharing ideas with others in the library community about how we can think beyond the walls of our buildings (and our profession!) to help our libraries become even more important and relevant to our communities? Join the newest North Suburban Library System Community of Practice: Online Book Discussion Group. Following the journal discussion group model, participants will read and discuss a book chapter-by-chapter over a set time period. In this "shared reading" method, each chapter will be assigned a discussion leader (or leaders) who will closely read the chapter, post an abstract, lead the discussion, and then post a wrap-up message. Participants will be able to read the chapter as closely as time and interest allows. This is a good way to get a basic overview of a new practice or theory at the level works best for you. Books will be selected by the group and will not necessarily be library-focused but will have applications to library world. Possible titles could include books such as REN GEN by Patricia Martin, SETTING the TABLE by Danny Meyer, and/or BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne. Participation is open to all in the library community. And you can join at any time! Go to the Online Book Discussion page on the NSLS website at http://www.nsls.info/community/cops/community.aspx?copID=53. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Henderson at mhenderson@nsls.info

Apply Now For Scholarships
Each year Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awards up to fifteen $7,500 scholarships to help pay for the education of students seeking their Masters of Library and Information Science degree. Complete information and applications are available at: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/what_we_do/scholarships.html. The deadline to apply is May 1.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

No Cost Transportation to Illinois Library Day
A reminder that transportation to Illinois Library Day, Thursday, April 10, is available at no cost from all three PALS service centers. Rides are available for both the same day round trip, or to arrive in time for the Wednesday evening issues briefing with ILA lobbyist, Kip Kolkmeier. Please sign up on CLEO for the transportation. More detailed information can be found on the PALS home page. In this tight state budget year, it’s even more important than in years past to keep libraries in the thoughts of our legislators

Speaker Madigan’s State Budget Hearings
Once again, it’s time to speak up on behalf of your library as well as libraries around the state. It’s easy to ignore those who are silent but harder to not pay attention to those who are vocal and make themselves known. Below is the current schedule for budget hearings in the PALS area. We must be represented at each hearing. If you yourself are reluctant to speak or have a conflict that day, keep in mind that a trustee is your best spokesman of all. If you are planning to represent your library, please let Inara know at either inaram@palsnet.info, or give her a call at extension 4452 so she can work on making sure every location is covered. We hope that PALS librarians are visible and are heard.

March 19, 6:30 pm. Rep Jack Franks, McHenry County College Conference Center, US Highway 14, Crystal Lake.
March 20, 6:00 pm, Rep Jack McGuire, Joliet Township High School, West Campus, 401 North Larkin, Joliet
March 24, 6:00 pm, Reps Mike Boland and Pat Vershoore, 3rd floor, County Building, 1504 3rd Ave, Rock Island
March 24, 6:00 pm, Reps Lisa Dugan and Careen Gordon, Kankakee Community College, 817 River Rd, Kankakee
March 25, 6:00 pm, Reps Chuck Jefferson, Ron Wait, Dave Winters, Zeke Giorgi Building, 200 S Wyman, Rockford

Although not listed, in past years, state senators have also been present and listened to the testimony given.

A two minute speech is as long a time as you’re likely to have and not much detail can be given in that short time, but handouts and charts can be left with the legislators as well as Madigan’s staff who will check you in. It’s very possible that other locations are added at a later time as they were last year. Both Reps Sacia and Pritchard may well have hearings in their districts also. NOW is the time to not just boast about what the library adds to the legislator’s communities, but to also cite the fast growing circulation and use of library materials. This is a time to make sure the legislators know that your funding is stretched to bare bones already in order to meet an existing need. Our funding can’t be cut! Our funding needs to be increased in the state’s budget. This is a crucial time to speak up for libraries!

Grant News

Motorola Abraham Lincoln Grants Program
The Motorola Foundation is proud to partner with the Chicago History Museum to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Working in collaboration, they will identify projects developed by U.S. civic, educational and cultural organizations that actively engage the public in the lessons from Lincoln's life. Endorsed by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, the US$750,000 grant program will focus on three themes:
* Bringing history into the future Motorola Lincoln Grants will support individuals or organizations using new technologies to educate students or their broader communities — particularly in civics, history, social studies — or disciplines such as the fine arts. Preference will be given to those integrating lessons from Lincoln's life.
* Engaging in current events In recognition of Lincoln’s engagement of the public in shaping policy, Motorola Lincoln Grants will support programs engaging young people or community members in national and local public policy issues and providing creative forums and innovative tools to facilitate debate and dialogue in the online and physical worlds.
* Leadership skills Lincoln's legacy as an agent of change will be honored with support of organizations that are creating change — of perceptions and actions — in their communities with leadership programs for young people or the underserved that are based on collaboration, problem-solving and project management skills.

For more information, and to apply, visit the grant website.

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.