volume #5 issue#18

May 1, 2008

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Sad News
Jack Chitwood, first Executive Director of the Northern Illinois Library System, passed away last week at the age of 86 in Columbus, Indiana. An obituary is available at: http://www.legacy.com/rrstar/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=108257337. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack's family at this difficult time.

Change of Location for May Meeting of PALS Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Prairie Area Library System will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the LaSalle Public Library, 305 Marquette Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301. Please note that this is a change in location from the original schedule. For further information call 309-799-3155 ext. 3163.

Vote now for the PALS Librarian's Advisory Committee
Deadline is May 25, 2008
The election for the PALS Librarian's Advisory Committee is now open. Cast your ballot.
Each member library may cast a ballot for the current nominees to the PALS Librarian's Advisory Committee. There is a space for a 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 printed off and mailed to the Coal Valley Service Center, PO Box 125, Coal Valley, IL, 61240. Deadline for submission is May 25, 2008.
Even if you are not casting a ballot for your library, please take a look at our list of candidates, available from the PALS website.

If you have questions about the voting process or are having a problem submitting a ballot, please contact Cori Swanson at 309-799-3155 ext 3163 or coris@palsnet.info.

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

Continuing Education Elsewhere in the State

Reaching Forward South
The Reaching Forward South Conference for Library Support Staff will be held October 2-3, 2008, at the Northfield Inn in Springfield. This year’s theme is “Library Support Staff: A True Treasure.” On Thursday afternoon there will be two sessions to choose from and in the evening we will network with SS Treasure Pursuit! On Friday the keynote speaker will be Karen Schmitt, President of Karen Schmitt & Associates Consulting and Training. The day will be filled with great sessions to choose from. This year’s conference fee is $65 all inclusive and the deadline is September 26, 2008. For further information contact Kim Drake at 217.223.1309x201 or kdrake@quincylibrary.org. A registration flyer is attached. We hope to see you there!

Member News

Big Book Sale
May 7 at the 30/31 Rock Island Branch Library. The all-day sale is Wednesday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street. The Friends of the Library Book Sale room is always open during library hours, but six times a year, they slash prices even further. Proceeds from the sale benefit special library programs and purchases, such as our upcoming Summer Reading program at all three libraries.

Congratulations and New Name!
to Lynn Seline of Davenport Public Library who was married on April 1, 2008, and is now Lynn Palmer.

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

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 the following to giveaway
1) Hoovers handbook of World Business - 2006
2) Hoovers handbook of Emerging Companies - 2006.

Elaine Chapman Technical Services Coordinator Reddick Library 1010 Canal St Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-0509 - phone

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.

Delivery
Prairie Area Library System, Shorewood Service Center, is seeking summer help in the delivery dept. We have three positions open; two for part-time sorting and one for part-time driving/sorting. Hours vary.
* Starting wage: sorter $8.04 and driver/sorter $9.69.
* Must be able to lift 40 lbs and have a valid driver’s license.

Contact:
Shirley Grasty
815-729-3345 ext. 2706
Email: shirleyg @palsnet.info
or apply in person at
405 Earl Rd.
Shorewood,IL

Technical Services Aide
Rock Island Public Library
This is customer service and clerical work in the Department of Reference and Technical Services at the Main Library. Work involves responsibility for assisting in the technical services area with sorting mail, distribution of materials to appropriate departments, and tracking of materials usage via statistical reports. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the appropriate department supervisor assigned. *Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of high school with some experience in the operation of libraries or in a customer service position in addition the ability to operate library computer system.
* Salary is $10.64 per hour depending on experience/qualifications, 12 daytime hours per week. Must pass a background check and substance screening.

Applications will be accepted in the:
Personnel Department
Rock Island City Hall
1528 3rd Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
or may be obtained on the City’s website at http://www.rigov.org.
A City of Rock Island application must be completed to be considered. Applications will be accepted through May 9, 2007.

Circulation Supervisor
Responsible for planning and supervising the activities of the Circulation Department in the Bettendorf Public Library. Administers area policies and procedures and serves as the primary resource for program development and evaluation within assigned area.
*Primary Responsibiliities and Duties: 1. Develops and recommends plans and goals for Library area assigned, assists in integrating area plans and goals into overall Library goals and objectives. 2. Develops, recommends, implements and enforces policies and procedures for area assigned. 3. Schedules, trains, assigns work to, and evaluates the work performance of Librarians, Library Assistants, Library Clerks and others who work in assigned area. 4. Develops, recommends, and manages budgets for assigned Library area, reviews and recommends expense items, purchases, etc. for payment. Writes grants and/or seeks donations for materials, services and programs. 5. Serves as the primary resource individual for Library Circulation Area:
1. Supervises circulation desk and procedures 2. Supervises handling of overdues 3. Supervises circulation staff and volunteer(s) 4. Supervises the maintenance and physical condition of adult collection. 6. Works with community organizations to reach library goals. 7. Performs other related job responsibilities as required.
*Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Education: A professional level of knowledge normally acquired through completion of a Master's degree in Library Science. Experience: Two to three years work experience as a Librarian. Previous working knowledge and experience with SirsiDynix library circulation system preferred. Interpersonal Skills: The ability to interpret and enforce policies and procedures as well as guide and motivate staff. The job requires contact with a wide range of publics from Library patron to area educators and the ability to positively represent the Library. Analytical Skills: The ability to plan, organize and manage the work of assigned Library area as well as being the technical resource individual for area involved in program development and evaluation activities. Working Conditions: Work is generally performed in a normal office environment.

This is a full time position. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit an application, resume and salary history and salary requirements to the following address:
City of Bettendorf
1609 State Street
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Attn: Kathleen Eisbrener Deadline for accepting applications is Monday, May 5th, 2008.

Full Time Young Adult Services
* Professional Hours: 40 hrs per week.
* Compensation: • $31,844.80 yearly, based on qualifications and experience • Full benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance, IMRF position.
*Overview of Position: • Position would report directly to the Adult Services Manager • Duties would include answering reference questions, assisting with YA collection development, promoting YA programs, and other duties as needed within the department • Further description of job duties will be discussed during the interview • Be a part of a growing Adult Services Department.
* Expectations: • Employee must be willing to travel between libraries as needed • Hours must be flexible to accommodate initial training • Evenings and weekends will be required.
* Qualifications: • MLS required, MLS students encouraged to apply • Internet and Computer Skills required • Internet and Computer Skills required • Knowledge of the Sirsi/Workflows Database preferred.

If interested, please submit a resume to:
Shannon N. Pohrte via e-mail at spohrte@dpvlib.org
or via mail to:
Shannon Pohrte
Des Plaines Valley Library District
121 E. 8th St.
Lockport IL 60441
by May 16th,2008. All applications will be given equal consideration.

Library Director
New, beautiful Library facility in historic Princeton, Illinois seeks ambitious, innovative, people-oriented individual for the position of Library Director. The Director will oversee all aspects of the Library including: personnel and scheduling, budgeting, programming, grant writing, collection development, working with community organizations and schools, facility maintenance. The ideal candidate would have working knowledge of technology to enhance services and build patron usage. This is an exciting opportunity for a Library professional to work from our traditional foundation to bring the Princeton Public Library up to its full potential as a vibrant asset in our community.

Opened in 2007, the Princeton Public Library boasts a 27,000 square foot building that includes WiFi throughout, a community meeting room, an extensive children’s collection, and a dedicated local history room among many other features. Princeton is conveniently located one hour from Peoria and the Quad Cities and two hours from downtown Chicago. The community is home to Festival 56, the largest summer theater festival in Illinois, plus the Owen Lovejoy home (a stop on the Underground Railroad), and numerous other historic attractions and outdoor activities.

Education: Accredited MLS preferred; Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science or equivalent experience
Qualifications: Prefer experience in a Library of similar size or larger
Salary Range: $40,000 - $50,000 with benefits, depending upon qualifications
Deadline: May 10, 2008. Ideally the position will be filled by mid-June.

Please send a letter of interest and resume, plus name, phone/e-mail details of three references to:

Laurie Bonucci, President
Princeton Public Library Board of Trustees
698 E. Peru Street
Princeton, IL 61356
Tel: 815 875-9169
E-mail: lazyb87@gmail.com

Library Development Consultant
The Alliance Library System (ALS) seeks a Library Development Consultant who initiates, plans, organizes, implements and monitors program efforts for library development and cooperation. Initiative, self-direction, planning, strong management and communication skills are essential to this high profile, exempt position. Teamwork and commitment to excellent customer service are required. The Library Development Consultant works closely with staff at member libraries and at ALS. Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library program is required. Knowledge of multitype library services plus state and national library trends is essential. Four to six years of experience in at least one of the following library types is desired: public library, school library, special library, academic library or library system. Preference will be given to those with experience in academic libraries.

The salary range for this position is $48,800 to $73,200. Starting pay will be based on qualifications and experience. The Alliance Library System offers the following benefits:
• 7 ½ hour work day
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• 13 paid holidays
• 20 paid vacation days
• 2 paid personal days
• 12 paid sick days
• Participation in IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund)
• Participation in pre-tax retirement savings plans

Please send resume, letter of application and three references to:
Via Mail
Paul Santos, Finance, Facilities & HR Director
Alliance Library System
600 High Point Lane
East Peoria, IL 61611

Via Email Paul Santos: psantos@alliancelibrarysystem.com

Via Fax Paul Santos: 309.694.9230 All applications are due by 2:00 PM on Friday, May 9.

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
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

Colt
Come join us in beautiful Anaheim, CA for COLT'S 41st Annual Support Staff Conference. The dates of the conference are June 26 and 27, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Ahaheim Resort, Garden Grove, CA. We guarantee an informative - fun filled conference. COLT is an international organization solely for support staff. We are affiliated with ALA, OALT and ALIA. Our membership runs approximately 100 strong. We would love to have you join us.
For more information on what we are about, membership, and our 41st Annual conference agenda, please contact
Jackie Lakatos jlakatos@lemontlibrary.org or Cheryl Jeans cljeans@lemontlibrary.org.

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

Illinois Blue Books
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has just published the 2007-2008 edition of the Illinois Blue Book, and every library in Illinois will be receiving a copy during the coming weeks. The Illinois State Library will be distributing them through the Illinois Library Delivery Service (ILDS), but ask for your patience because it will take a little while to distribute all copies. The Illinois Blue Book is one of the most valuable reference tools available for information about the state of Illinois and Illinois government.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Virtual Library Legislative Day!
Can't make it to DC on May 14 for National Library Legislative Day? No problem. Post this flier and recruit everyone you know to take part in a VIRTUAL LIBRARY LEGISLATIVE DAY! Through Virtual Library Legislative Day, thousands of people all across the country will call, fax and email their Members of Congress to tell them about [...] For more information, please follow the link below: http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=469

Grant News

LAMA Diana V. Braddom Fundraising Scholarship Deadline Announced
(ALA, CHICAGO) – The deadline for submitting applications for the Diana V. Braddom FRFDS Scholarship is Dec. 5. Librarians and library staff members eager to enhance their fundraising skills through formal financial development training are invited to submit an application essay. Recipients will be notified by March 15, 2009. The Diana V. Braddom FRFDS Scholarship, made possible through the personal generosity of Braddom, a long-time member, now retired, of LAMA's Fundraising and Financial Development section (FRFDS), offers support for those seeking to learn new fundraising skills to enable them to increase funding to their libraries from public, private and corporate sources. The application consists of a resume and essay demonstrating the applicant’s genuine interest, need and motivation for library fundraising development; previous experience in library fundraising; quality of writing; clarity of content and form for the required essay; persuasiveness of arguments; applicability to library settings; and opportunities for fundraising in current position.

Scholarship recipients receive a stipend of $1,000 for use in attending the LAMA Fundraising and Financial Development programs at the 2009 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. For more information and criteria, consult the LAMA Web site at www.ala.org/lama and click on the navigation item “Awards,” or contact Fred Reuland at 1 –(800) 545-2433 x5032 or by e-mail at freuland@ala.org.

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.