volume #5 issue#17

April 24, 2008

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Vote Now for PALS Board of Directors
Deadline is May 18, 2008
Each member library may cast a ballot for the current nominees to the PALS Board of Directors. There is a space for write-in candidates as well. Unless the library makes other arrangements, we expect the Library Director to cast the library's ballot. If your library needs to make arrangements so PALS will count the ballot from someone other than the Library Director, please contact Cori Swanson at coris@palsnet.info.

Ballots may be submitted online from the PALS website or mailed to the Coal Valley Service Center, PO Box 125, Coal Valley, IL, 61240. Deadline for submission is May 18, 2008. Even you are not casting a ballot for your library, please feel free to take a look at our list of candidates.

Additional Barcode Testing Dates at the Rockford Service Center
Due to the large number of library staff that need to take the barcode test in the Rockford Service Center Area, we have added 4 additional testing days only at the Rockford Service Center in May and June. There is a limit of 20 people for each of these sessions. The additional dates are Friday, May 2nd; Thursday, May 22nd; Thursday, June 5th; and Monday June 23rd. There is also testing on Friday, May 16th and Tuesday, June 10th. May 16th is already full. If you plan to take the test on any of these days, please sign up in CLEO. Unfortunately we cannot accept any walk-ins at Rockford on any of the testing days. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact John Slanicky, johns@palsnet.info or x2716 or Merideth Willett, meridethw@palsnet.info or x3257.

New Status for Deere & Company in PrairieCat
The Deere & Company Library staff is beginning their final migration to their new worldwide standalone system (leaving PrairieCat membership). Here are some important dates for other PrairieCat members to be aware of:

May 1, 2008 – all holds will be turned off both for DCLG patrons and for DCLG materials. Materials can be borrowed from Deere via other traditional ILL methods (OCLC, fax, etc). DCLG patrons are being told that if they need to borrow materials for recreational purposes, they will need to do that via their public or academic library affiliations.
May 8, 2008 – all DCLG items will be shadowed in the PrairieCat OPAC. The items will still be in Workflows until the migration is completed and they can be removed (projected to be July 2008).

Please direct any questions or issues to PrairieCat staff.

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

Listen Up! Moving Your Local Leaders to “Yes”
One of the many terrific PALS Day workshops available to you will be advocacy for your library. Stephanie Vance, Advocacy Guru, has presented for ALA’s National Legislative Day in D.C. She lives in D.C. where among her other clients, she’s arranged lobby days for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. We’re bringing her to Starved Rock so you can hear her and pick up great tips.

Program synopsis: Thinking about launching a local referenda campaign to get more funds for your library? Want to convince your city council member of the value your library provides to the community? Just want to be sure that existing library programs aren’t cut? Local governmental actions impact libraries in many ways: come to this session to learn more about how you can raise the profile of your library with local leaders without going too far outside your front door. We’ll discuss the basics of effective advocacy including knowing what you want, who you’re talking to and how to develop a winning message. We’ll also share the number one tool in the effective library advocate arsenal. Come prepared with your questions on getting legislators to listen, identifying your goals and, most important, what NOT to say to your local leaders. Oh, and be ready to have some fun with group discussion, role playing and fabulous prizes!

Continuing Education Elsewhere in the State

Planning and Management of Library Buildings
Non-credit Continuing Education course offered by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Approved by ALA-APA for CPLA candidates. Open to other librarians and information professionals needing training in the planning and management of buildings. This course will familiarize the student with the basic principles of building planning and management. Topics included are building maintenance and operational procedures, capital and facility development plans, building programs, construction process for new and remodeled buildings, life and safety issues in building operation and planning, technology planning, and post-occupancy evaluation. Upon completion the student be able to employ effective building maintenance and operation procedures, understand and prepare capital improvement and facility development plans, list procedures used in employing architectural, engineering, and consultant assistance in building maintenance and development programs, describe the planning and construction processes for new or renovated facilities, list issues involved in building operation and planning, and describe post-occupancy evaluation procedures.

Dates: May 7 – June 11, 2008
Times: Online synchronous sessions Wednesdays, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Central time *** Please note that the archives of audio and text chat are available if you are unable to attend a synchronous session.
Cost: $300
Instructor: Rose Chenoweth, MLS, Alliance Library System

For additional information and to register: http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/CPLA/bldgs.html

Second Life Courses
Are you interested in learning about the virtual world of Second Life? Do you want to use Second Life in your classroom or your library? If so, please join the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois, classes in Second Life coming up in May. These classes are open to anyone interested in SL, though some experience in SL is required for the second two courses listed.

Second Life 101 - May 6, 13, 20, 27 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm SL time (Galik)
New to Second Life? It’s a whole new world. Having trouble navigating, flying, and getting dressed? Join Barbara Galik (Puglet Dancer) for four fun and interactive sessions which will assist you with Second Life Basics, acquaint you with educational and other great places to go, teach you how to design an avatar – virtual persona, and give you the skills you need to enjoy Second Life. For additional information and to register: http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/VW/SL101.html

Setting Up an Educational Presence in Second Life - May 2, 9, 16, 23 from 7:30 am - 9:30 am Sl time
Looking to set up an educational presence in Second Life but don’t know where to start? Join us to learn about planning, needs assessment, goals, expectations, buying or renting land, where to find help, prefab versus building, challenges, positives, teaching tools in Second Life such as Power point, class management, groups permissions, communication, and evaluating your presence once you have it set up. We will take field trips so students can see and discuss some of the educational presences in Second Life. For additional information and to register: http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/VW/edpres.html

Intermediate Virtual World Librarianship – programming and planning - May 2, 9, 16, 23 from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm SLT
Learn about virtual worlds in general and what libraries are doing in them. Discuss how to plan events, programs, and training in Second Life – considerations, techniques, and technical considerations. Different types of libraries use virtual worlds for different purposes – get ideas and discuss roles for all types of libraries- public, academic, school, and special. Experience immersive learning in Second Life and how this enables librarians, students, educators and residents to engage and live the period in addition to reading and lectures. For additional information and to register: http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/VW/Intermed.html

Member News

Our Condolences
to Janie Dollinger, Director of the Lanark Public Library, on the death of her father, Robert Miller, this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with Janie and her family at this difficult time.

Congratulations and Farewell
The public is invited to celebrate and honor Sheila Chaudoin for her 36+ years of service to Musser Public Library and the City of Muscatine. An Open House reception will be held on Thursday, May 1, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Library Meeting Room. 304 Iowa Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761.

Come join us in celebrating the retirement of Jan Heppe! Manteno Public Library will be having an open house for Jan Heppe on May 1st from 4:00 until 8:00 at the Manteno Library, 50 W. Division St., Manteno, IL.
If you have any further questions please e-mail me at jmmueller@manteno.lib.il.us

Congratulations
The American Library Association (ALA) announced the recipients of “The American Dream Starts @ your library” grant, which helps public libraries increase their literacy services to adult English language learners. Each of the 34 winning libraries will receive a one-time award of $5,000. The grants are funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and implemented by the ALA. Congratulations to the Moline Public Library for winning this grant!

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

Reddick Library
Could everyone please check their shelves for the following missing in-transit books.
1) E 863.64 BRO My name is Gabito by Monica Brown. 37578001358623.
2) 530.11 HER Relativity by Judith Herbst. 31562001101387

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
The Columbia Granger’s Index to Poetry in Anthologies, 12th ed.

If interested contact:
Debbie Somchay
Email: dsomchay@lemontlibrary.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 & Reader Services Librarian
The Plainfield Public Library District is looking for a customer-service oriented librarian to join our staff. The successful candidate will be a team player with excellent communication and technology skills, who enjoys working with the public.
* Responsibilities include: • Providing reference, interlibrary loan and reader’s advisory services • Assisting patrons in the use of online catalog, online databases, online services, software, hardware, Internet, and other equipment available for public use • Developing and presenting public computer classes • Performing collection development and maintenance • Preparing flyers, press releases, bibliographies, public handouts and displays • Participating in professional development activities and continuing education opportunities • Acting as the Person-In-Charge in the absence of a Department Head • Other duties as assigned.
* Requirements include: • MLS/ALA degree • One year of adult reference experience • Knowledge of print and online information resources • Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills • Instructional skills and experience • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software • Access to a vehicle • Sirsi experience is a plus
* This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, including evening and weekend rotation. Salary begins at $39,499 and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
* Deadline for applications: Until position is filled.

Please send résumé, cover letter and the names of three professional references to:
Michelle Y. Roubal
Head of Reference and Reader Services
Plainfield Public Library District
15025 S. Illinois Street
Plainfield, IL 60455
Email: mroubal@plainfield.lib.il.us

YOUNG ADULT SERVICES MANAGER
MANHATTAN PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Creative, organized and collaborative person desired for 30 hours per week including evening and Saturday hours.
• Plans and conducts all programs and activities including a 9 week Summer Reading Program
• Supervises department and its staff
• Provides outreach programs to schools
• Conducts tours as requested
• Responsible for book selection according to library policy
• Attends job appropriate workshops, classes and meetings
• Is able to perform all Library Clerk duties
• Computer skills required.
• Handles reference questions
• Performs other duties as requested. Experience working with teens a plus.
$10 - $14 dependant on qualifications. MLS, LTA or library experience required. Taking applications until position is filled. Please send cover letter, resume and 3 references with contact information to:

Barb Hnetkovsky
Assistant Director
Manhattan Public Library District
P.O. Box 53
Manhattan, IL 60442
815-478-3987 ext. 204

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

Youth Services and School Library News
No Youth Services and School Library News this week.

Public Library News

PLA Extends Deadline for 2008 PLDS Questionnaire
(ALA, CHICAGO) – The Public Library Administration (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA) is extending the deadline for public librarians to complete a questionnaire to provide essential information for the Public Library Data Service Statistical report. The new deadline is April 30. The Public Library Data Service (PLDS) Statistical Report, a project of the PLA, is designed to provide public library administrators and others with timely and library-specific data that illuminates and supports a wide variety of management decisions. In addition, since its beginning in 1988, the PLDS reports have been used extensively by the press to understand the public library and its environment. To complete the survey online, visit http://www.uiuc.edu/goto/PLDS. Respondents will need a PLDS ID number and username to access the survey. If you cannot locate a PLDS identification number and username, send an email to Virgil Varvel, (vvarvel@uiuc.edu) or Kathleen Hughes (khughes@ala.org).

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

Hopefully some of you may have started getting your (FCDL) Funding Commitment Decision Letters for the 471 forms that were filed last January. If you are unsure of the status of your 471, there is a 471 Application Status Tool where you can check the current status of your form. You can find this form at: http://www.usac.org/sl/tools/search-tools/form471-application-status.aspx
To use this tool, you must enter a Billed Entity Number, choose a funding year, and click ‘search.’ The first screen you see gives you some general information about the results of your search. If you click ‘continue,’ at the bottom of the page, you will then see the following information for every Form 471 for the Billed Entity Number and funding year you entered.

If you need help with any of your 471 issues, please contact Marilyn at PALS-Rockford at 815-229-4470 or email: marilynj@palsnet.info

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

Library News Around the State & Nation

ISL Strategic Plan Unveiled
For three years a committee of Illinois State Library staff, representing every ISL division, has thoroughly examined all facets of State Library operations with the goal of developing a comprehensive strategic plan for the coming few years. We are pleased to say our strategic plan for 2008-2011 has now been finalized, and you can read our plan by logging to our website at: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/whats_new/pdfs/strategic_plan2008.pdf

Freedom to Read Foundation Announces Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship
(ALA, CHICAGO) - The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) is offering a scholarship enabling library school students and new professionals to attend an ALA Annual Conference. The goal of the Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship is to advance two principles that Conable held dear: intellectual freedom and mentorship. The next ALA Annual Conference will be held June 26–July 2, 2008, in Anaheim, Calif. The scholarship will provide for registration, transportation, housing for six nights and a per diem. In return, the recipient will be expected to attend various FTRF and other intellectual freedom meetings and programs at conference, consult with a mentor/board member and present a report about their experiences. The deadline for submitting an application for the 2008 Conable Scholarship is Monday, May 5; the award will be announced on Wednesday, May 14. Students currently enrolled in a library and information studies degree program and new professionals (those who have worked in librarianship for three years or less) are eligible to receive the Conable Scholarship. Those interested must submit an application that includes two references and an essay detailing their interest in intellectual freedom issues. Applicants also are asked to attach a résumé, particularly those who are working professionals. If the recipient is already registered for ALA’s Annual Conference, he or she will have the conference fee refunded. To apply for the Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship, visit http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/oifprograms/ifawards/conablescholarship/Conablemain.cfm. For more information, please contact Jonathan Kelley at (800) 545-2433, ext. 4221 or jokelley@ala.org.

News from Vendors

PBS DVD Sale
Spring is here at last... and that means it is time for the spring PBS DVD sale! And it is a big sale, probably 900 titles or so, all on the attached list. Sale is good until June 30, 2008.
Any questions, please contact:
Hjordis and Jim Garner
PBS Video (IL & WI)
1834 Lincoln Park West
Chicago, IL 60614
PH 800-677-7067
Fax 312-664
hjgarner@sbcglobal.net

Legislative/Advocacy News

Illinois Minimum Wage Update for Minors
House Bill 5141 recently passed the Illinois House and has now been sent to the Senate Rules Committee. It eliminates the minimum wage provision that allows workers under the age of 18 to be paid 50 cents less than the full minimum wage. This change could have a large impact on the business community. PALS Reps Mike Boland and Jack McGuire are sponsors of the bill. It passed in the House 69 Yeas to 41 Nays.
PALS legislators in favor of the bill: Boland, Franks, Gordon, Jefferson, Mautino, McGuire, Jerry Mitchell, Vershoore
PALS legislators opposed to the bill: Cross, Kosel, Lindner, Moffitt, Pritchard, Sacia, Wait, Winters

Giving Thanks Where Thanks is Due
PALS legislators have come through for us on one of our issues. Rep Frank Mautino (D-76, Spring Valley) introduced HB 4518, Libraries in Name Only. When the issues first arose, you may recall that we referred to these as Paper Libraries. Rep Mautino sponsored the Libraries in Name Only Bill in the House where it passed. Rep. Bob Prichard (R-70, Sycamore) signed on as a co-sponsor of the bill on Illinois Library Day – perhaps our conversations with him were instrumental? They came through for us when we needed them. The bill passed unanimously! Every single PALS legislator as well as all others in the state voted in favor of the bill.

Please send a thank you note or make a quick call thanking YOUR representative for supporting libraries. We must let them know that we appreciate this, we notice it when they support us, and we don’t call on them only when there’s a battle on harder issues. Senator Dahl (R-38, Peru) has now introduced the bill in the Senate where it’s been placed on the Calendar Order for First Reading on April 17. Should you need information for calling, emailing or faxing, go to ILA’s legislative directory: http://capwiz.com/ala/il/directory/statedir.tt?state=IL&lvl=state

Grant News

LSTA Letters of Support
For libraries submitting LSTA grant applications under the "In Sync with Technology" category, please remember to include letters of support from community agencies attached to the application, not mailed separately to the Illinois State Library.

Ezra Jack Keats Minigrant Application Available
Though the deadline is not until September 15th, the form is available for applying for the next round of Ezra Jack Keats minigrants. This is a $500 award available only to public and public school libraries. It looks like a pretty simple application. For more information and a link to the application go to http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/programs/minigrant.html.

Grantseekers Informational Mtg - Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Libraries in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson or Winnebago counties can apply for the workshop on grants available in this area. Please register with James L. Patterson at jpatterson@cfnil.org Attendees to the grant seekers meeting will learn about the Foundation’s grants and effective grant-writing tips. Informational meeting for Grant Seekers at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Tuesday, May 6, 9 am at the Community Foundation Offices, 946 North Second Street, Rockford.

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

We are often asked for sample library policies on various topics. You may want to look through some of the topics on WebJunction to see if any of them are relevant for your particular situation: http://il.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=19563

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.