volume #5 issue#12

March 20, 2008

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Nominations for the FY2009 PALS Librarian's Advisory Committee Are Sought
Submission deadline is Sunday, April 20, 2008
Nominations for the PALS Librarian's Advisory Committee from persons working in the Coal Valley, Kankakee, and Sterling neighborhoods are sought. Terms of office are for two years beginning July 1, 2008. Self nominations are welcomed. Nominees should complete the online nomination form or send a paper form to Cori Swanson at the Coal Valley Service Center no later than Sunday, April 20, 2008. See the PALS website for more information on LAC or the nomination process. Please contact Cori Swanson with any questions at 309-799-3155 ext3163 or coris@palsnet.info.

Deadline Reminder
This is a reminder that the Deadline to pass the Barcode test for those libraries and staff members that were new to Sirsi is June 30, 2008. There is one testing day a month scheduled through June. The dates are Thursday, March 20th; Wednesday, April 23rd; Friday, May 16th; and Tuesday, June 10th. These dates are in CLEO. Please do not wait until the last minute to take the test. Also, there will be 2 sessions of the Match and Catalog class offered at the Rockford Service Center in April. The dates are Tuesday, April 15th from 12:30 to 4 pm and Wednesday, April 16th from 9 to 12:30. This class will help you identify records that match your items.
If you have any questions, please contact Merideth Willett at meridethw@palsnet.info or ext. 2357 or John Slanicky at johns@palsnet.info or ext. 2716.

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:
Brand Aid: Marketing for Budgets of all Sizes - Members of the PALS Marketing Power Team (PMPT) will host a panel discussion of their strategies for consistent marketing of your library with or without a marketing "budget". The PMPT will also host an informal PALS "Swap and Shop" at PALS Day where members are encouraged to share ideas for promotional materials. More information on the "Swap and Shop" will be announced soon.

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.

Continuing Education Elsewhere in the State

“Girls Fight Back”
What: LACONI Circulation Services Section Spring Program
Speaker: Erin Weed, founder of Girls Fight Back
Date: April 24, 2008
Time: 9:00 am-12:00
Location: Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120
Business Meeting followed by Program
For more information and to register, see the attached flier or contact Vicky Greear @ Fountaindale Public Library, at 630-685-4166 or vgreear@fountaindale.lib.il.us

Member News

Author Visits
The Manhattan Public Library District is hosting author, researcher and lecturer, Rebecca Hunter on Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30pm at The First Bank of Manhattan on Rt. 52 and Foxford Drive. Ms. Hunter will be presenting her program "Yes, Virginia, Sears Did Sell Barns". She will be discussing the barns sold – yes we do have one in Manhattan and Sears homes – possibly several in town as well. The GFWC-IL Manhattan Woman's Club will be providing refreshments. Please contact the library for more information or to register, (815) 478-3987. This program is made possible by a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council of Illinois and the Illinois General Assembly.

Come to the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook to meet author Angela Johnson on Monday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m. Angela is the author of several novels for teens including but not limited to: Toning the Sweep, Looking for Red, Heaven, and the award-winning The First Part Last. In her talk, Angela will speak about creativity, humor and the writing process as well as read from her body of work. There will be an autograph session after the presentation and books will be available for purchase. Refreshments will be served. For grades 6 through 12.

You are cordially invited to the program featuring 2008 Illinois Library Association I-READ children’s author/illustrator, Tom Lichtenheld at the Moline Public Library, 3210 41st Street, on Monday evening, April 14th at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s meeting room. Tom Lichtenheld has been described as writing “for kids who love to laugh and adults who love to laugh along with them.” His books include What Are You So Grumpy About?, It’s Not Fair, and Everything I Know About Pirates. His works have been featured in national publications, including Child and Newsweek. To learn more about this author and his work, visit http://booktour.com/author/tom_lichtenheld. This National Library Week program is sponsored by the Friends of the Moline Public Library. For further information, please visit the library’s website at www.molinelibrary.com or call the library’s reference desk at 309-736-5737. Hope to see you there!

Congratulations
to Moline Public Library for their selection as recipient of a Let's Talk About It: Jewish Literature grant from ALA and Nextbook. Visit the press release for more information.

to Roosevelt Alternative High School of the Rockford Public Schools for their selection as recipient of a Great Stories CLUB grant from ALA/YALSA. Visit the press release for more information.

KALA Dinner
The Kankakee Area Library Association (KALA) will be honoring Dr. Fred Schlipf, U of I Professor, Consultant, Administrator, and Librarian Extraordinaire at their annual awards dinner on Friday, April 25, 2008. The dinner is $25.00 and includes a buffet dinner at the Kankakee Country Club. Everyone is invited; last year 140 librarians, trustees, and library supporters attended this annual event! For more information or to RSVP contact Cindy Fuerst (cfuerst@lions-online.org) at the Kankakee Public Library (phone: 815/939-4564).

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

Station Jim jDVD 791.4372 Sta Intransit to BPLG from BYLY
Olympos by Dan Simmons FIC SIM Intransit to BYLY from GALY
The lady in the lake by Raymond Chandler LT CHA intranist to BYLY from ROBB

Bishop McNamara High School has two missing in transit books:
Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton, loaned to Chicago Theological Seminary and marked returned on 2/27/08--item has not arrived yet and was sent ILL via OCLC. Call number is 248 MER.
Ghost Opera by Kamelot (CD), in transit from Barlett Public Library to Bishop McNamara High School, shipped 3/6/08 and not yet received. If anyone happens to see either of these two materials, please do let me know as soon as possible. Thanks!
Catherine Yanikoski, Librarian

Could everyone please check their shelves for the following missing-in-transit items. If found please check in and route to owning library. 1) DVD 613.7 YOG Yoga booty ballet - 31523101252827
2) 530.11 HER Relativity by Judith Herbst 31562001101387
3) FIC CAN Widows club by Dorothy Cannell 3718000062453
4) E WIL (concept) I went walking by Sue Williams 30050058991000

Thanks
Elaine Chapman
Technical Services Coordinator
Reddick Library

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.

Reddick Library has to giveaway:
1) Rugg's recommendations on the colleges. 23rd ed. 2006
2) Sears list of subject headings - 16th ed.

If interested please email emchapman@reddicklibrary.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.


Reference Librarian
The Itasca Community Library is accepting applications for the position of a part-time Reference Librarian. Applicants should demonstrate competency in the use of online catalogs and research databases, be able to perform readers’ advisory services, and maintain certain areas of the collection.
* This 19/wk. position requires flexibility and the availability to work evening and weekend hours.
* An MLS from an ALA accredited institution is preferred. Applicants who are LTA graduates with library-related experience are invited to apply. *Salary ranges $15.00-$17.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.

Please send or email resume and cover letter to:
Tuki Sathaye
Adult Services Dept. Head
Itasca Community Library
500 W. Irving Park Rd.
Itasca, IL 60143
Phone: 630 773 1699
Email: tsathaye@itasca.lib.il.us

Public Services/Access Services Librarian
(Tenure Track) Reports to:: Vice President of Academic Affairs
*Duties and Presponsibilities: 1. Co-coordinate the management of the Integrated Library Systems, databases and interlibrary loan 2. Provide reference and information services for the students, staff and faculty. 3. Provide bibliographic instruction, information literacy and instructional service support. 4. Assist with the development of new library and information service programs and services. 5. Assist in publication of the library web page and information resource guides. 6. Provide advice and technical support to faculty and staff in using learning resource technology. 7. Assist in collection development activities in all forms of library information resources. 8. Participate in institutional committees and professional peer organizations. 9. Maintain current awareness of professional practice and commitment to personal career development activities. 10. Help support all functional service areas of the Library 11. Position is subject to all terms and provisions of the Joliet Junior College faculty contract. 12. Other duties as assigned.
*Qualifications: 1. An MLS Degree in Library Science/Information Studies from an ALA accredited institution. 2. Demonstrated professional growth and development in an access services management role; experience in a public services setting, including library orientation instruction. 3. Experience in an academic setting preferred; consideration given to experience in special, school and public librarianship 4. Proficiency in information technology, including: ability to use and manage applicable software, including library integrated systems and database administration. 5. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
*Placement: Placement on salary schedule is dependent upon qualifications, education and related work experience.
*Application Deadline: April 15, 2008
*Application Procedure: Apply on-line at http://employment.jjc.edu
Human Resources Center HRC3/08 JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE

Director
Towanda District Library
Qualifications: MLS or MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution preferred; bachelor’s degree required (with some library course work). Some administrative experience preferred, library experience a plus.

Special Requirements: Significant financial management experience. Strong human relations skills. Knowledge of and vision for ways to use technology to improve services. Ability to connect with community and network with other organizations. Proven leadership and communication skills. Creative problem-solving skills.

General Responsibilities: The Director serves as the chief executive officer of the library, under the direction of the Library Board of Trustees. The Director is responsible for the functioning of the library as a whole, with specific responsibilities including: personnel and scheduling, budgeting and budget control, programming, publicity, grant writing, recommending policy adjustments to the board, collection development, working cooperatively with the Friends' as well as with other organizations in the community and directing the care and maintenance of the physical plant.

Salary Range of $22,500 to $30,000 based on a 30 hour per week

All letters and resumes should be received by April 30, 2008. Please send to:

Search Committee
Towanda District Library
301 S. Taylor St.
Towanda, IL 61776

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

Youth Services and School Library News

Monarch and Caudill Winners Announced
The Monarch and Rebecca Caudill winners have been announced. The Monarch winner is If I Built a Car. Bad Kitty came in second and Fancy Nancy came in third. The Caudill winner is Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie. The Old Willis Place came in second and MVP came in third. Further details are available at www.islma.org.

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.

Library News Around the State & Nation

Construction Grants Announced
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded grants to ten public libraries with capital improvement needs under the FY08 Live and Learn Construction Grant program offered by the Illinois State Library. "These grants assist public libraries in paying for the cost of projects such as remodeling for handicapped accessibility, new carpeting, window replacement and parking improvements," White said. "Many of our public libraries simply don't have sufficient financial resources to pay for essential capital improvements on their own. I am pleased that we can award these grants to help maintain our public libraries as cornerstones of their communities."

Congratulations to the PALS libraries that received grants:

Schmaling Memorial Public Library District in Fulton, $3,275 for installation and purchase of a power door operator and ramp, handicapped accessible water fountain and accessible computer furniture and telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD).

Coal City Public Library District, $32,500 to revise a storage area, creating additional archival storage and staff workstations.

Lemont Public Library District, $40,000 to update and remodel the library's young adult and juvenile areas, which are located in a 2,880 square foot room.

Warren Township Public Library in Warren, $50,000 to make the building accessible to the handicapped. An elevator will provide access to both floors of the library. A new 2,400 square foot area will include a handicapped accessible restroom, computer area, and reading

The Campaign for America’s Libraries Offers Prizes for National Library Week Stories, Photos, Videos
(ALA, Chicago) The Campaign for America’s Libraries is collecting stories from libraries about how they plan to “Join the circle of knowledge @ your library” during National Library Week (April 13-19), and here is the best part: there are rewards for sharing a story. From now until April 21, libraries are encouraged to submit stories, photos and videos of National Library Week activities. Libraries can upload videos to the National Library Week group on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/group/nlw , submit photos to the National Library Week group on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/groups/nlw/ or submit a story to the National Library Week 2008 database at www.ala.org/pio/nlw. Three winners will be drawn at random from among all photos, videos and stories submitted. Each will receive a $25 gift certificate to ALA Graphics. Examples can include footage and photos from events, photos of signage, National Library Week posters in the library, customized public service announcements (PSAs), clips from local media or scans of publicity materials. Materials and stories that incorporate the National Library Week theme “Join the circle of knowledge @ your library” are of particular interest. All examples submitted may be shared with national media as part of ALA’s National Library Week outreach. For more information and to download free tools to help promote National Library Week locally, including sample media materials and PSAs starring Academy Award-winning actress and National Library Week Chair, Julie Andrews, visit www.ala.org/pio/nlw. The Campaign for America’s Libraries is ALA’s public awareness campaign to promote the value of libraries and librarians. The Campaign is made possible in part by ALA’s Library Champions, ALA’s highest level of corporate members, who support public awareness and advocacy for America’s Libraries.

Prizes for IOUG Annual Meeting!
Join us at the Illinois State Library for the IOUG (Illinois OCLC Users Group) Annual Meeting on Friday, May 9, 2008. The theme of this year's meeting is "Back to the Future: The Technological Evolution of Libraries Revisited." Registration and a continental breakfast will start the day at 8:00 a.m. Opening remarks will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the day's events will end at 3:00 pm. Please go to www.islcleo.org to register. All registrants will be entered into a drawing for a Sony Reader Digital Book and several other prizes. The $45.00 registration fee for this event includes lunch. Feel free to contact the ILLINET/OCLC Services Office at 217-785-1532 if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you in Springfield on May 9th!

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Countdown to Illinois Library Day
We're less than a month now from one of the most important library related events in Illinois each year, Illinois Library Day in Springfield April 10. Register now, and keep checking in at the ILD website (www.illinoislibraryday.info) for the very latest information. Make your voice heard at the Capitol next month!

Grant News

Great Stories CLUB (Connecting Libraries, Underserved teens and Books)
The Great Stories CLUB is organized by the American Library Association Public Programs Office (PPO), in cooperation with the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Major funding for the Great Stories CLUB has been provided by Oprah's Angel Network. The Great Stories CLUB is a reading and discussion program that targets underserved, troubled teen populations. The program reaches teens through books that are relevant to their lives, inviting them to read and keep the books, and encourages them to consider and discuss each title with a group of their peers. It seeks to show that reading can be a source of pleasure, a tool for self-exploration, and a meaningful way to connect to the wider world. Its ultimate goal is to inspire young adults who face difficult situations to take control of their lives by embracing the power of reading.

Round I - All types of libraries located within or working in partnership with organizations that serve troubled teens were invited to apply by February 15, 2008. See the list of Round I grant recipients. Want to learn more about this round? Read about the Round I program themes, and check back soon for resources for project directors.
Round II - Round II applications will be accepted from September 1-November 1, 2008. Want to get a head start? View the guidelines and application instructions from Round I. The Round II theme and reading list will be announced in July 2008.
Round III - Round III applications will be accepted from September 1-November 1, 2009.

For more information, visit the Great Stories CLUB 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.