"Small Public Library Administration" is a workshop with Kelly Krieg-Sigman, director of the Fremont Public LIbrary in Mundelein, Illinois. Ms. Krieg-Sigman has taught this course at the Friedrick Center at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.  Ms. Krieg-Sigman will be discussing the qualities and skills of an effective manager, the four major management responsibilities, the role of the administration, how we do what we do and the issues involved, and other important issues for managers of small public libraries. There is a fee of $15 for lunch and supplies. This workshop is May 24 from 9:00 to 4:00 p.m. at RPLS. Register with Angela at angelat@rpls.ws or call 429-2586.

The "IPLAR and Per Capita Work Session" will feature a review of the IPLAR during which changes in the IPLAR will be noted.  Instructions and tips on using the diskette version of the IPLAR will also be given.  The requirements for the per capita grant application will be reviewed with tips on writing strong, meaningful narratives. This Work Session is June 5 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at RPLS. Register with Angela at angelat@rpls.ws or call 429-2586.

The "LSTA Work Session" is designed for those libraries that are applying for a FY2002 LSTA Grant.  Grant applicants will review the proposal requirements step by step with emphasis on following all directions to the letter and suggestions on how to word specific requirements.  There will be a strong focus on being creative and innovative when developing your grant applications. Grants are due at the Illinois State Library by 4:00 p.m. on June 29, 2001.  The Work Session will be held on June 6, 2001 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at RPLS.  Register with Angela at angelat@rpls.ws or call 429-2586.

If you would like to register for any of these events please contact Angela at angelat@rpls.ws or 429-2586.
 

Amanda Standerfer will be working on consolidating the continuing education and training programs into one comprehensive program.  By combining continuing education and training, RPLS hopes to provide more effective programs needed by all types of libraries.  Amanda will be working with libraries to determine the education needs of the membership.

Amanda will also be working on developing a marketing program for RPLS libraries.  The Lighting the Fire trainings and surveys indicated that there is a strong need for RPLS libraries to better market themselves, and Amanda hopes to develop a program that will help all libraries reach this objective. 

Bev Obert will be taking over public library consulting from Amanda Standerfer.  This means that all public library per capita grants, Illinois Public Library Annual Reports (IPLARs), and public library consulting questions should now go to Bev.  Bev will be taking over the public library site visits and meeting with the Small Pubs group.  Bev had previously worked with public libraries on youth services and children's program, and had also been working with trustees and district libraries on legal issues.

If you have any questions about these changes, please feel free to contact Bev (bevo@rpls.ws) or Amanda (amandas@rpls.ws) by e-mail or at 429-2586.
 

If you are going to give a presentation for your grant proposal, you must notify Amanda by Friday, June 1, 2001.  The Lighting the Fire Committee will be meeting on June 11th and 12th to review grant proposals, so all presentations will take place on those days.   Amanda will also need to know how many people there will be in your group.

All other grant materials related to your presentation (if you have budget information or supporting documents or whatever) still need to be turned in by Friday, June 8, 2001 (the grant proposal deadline).  This way, the Committee will have some documentation to review before your presentation.

If you plan on presenting your grant proposal, please also submit a one page or less abstract (not in paper, though!!) of your grant idea so the Committee and RPLS Staff can easily recall your grant after your presentation.

Do not hesitate to call if you have questions about this Request for Proposals.  Please contact Amanda at amandas@rpls.ws or call 429-2586.
 

• Over 58 million visits or 5.5 visits per capita were made to Illinois public libraries in 2000.
• Statewide, the total number of reference questions asked in public libraries increased slightly from 16.1 million in 1999 to 16.2 million in 2000.
• The number of materials loaned statewide remained steady -- 7.8 items per capita in both 1999 and 2000.
• In 2000, 97.6 percent of the reporting public libraries had access to the Internet.

Wouldn't it be great if you could participate in a pioneering collaborative service that provides quality, authoritative reference service by professional reference librarians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year?  A service that will position your library as the first place your patrons turn to for quality information on the Internet.

Now you can!  The Library of Congress, OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc., and over 80 participating institutions are collaborating to make this vision a reality. LC and OCLC, at the forefront of library cooperation efforts for over three decades in shared cataloging and resource sharing, are now beginning a brand new era in cooperative reference services. The Collaborative Digital Reference Service (CDRS) is a pioneering new service that will provide professional reference service to researchers - anywhere, anytime -  through an international, digital network of libraries and related institutions. Librarians will assist their users by connecting to the CDRS to send questions that are best answered by expert staff.  A large searchable archive of previous questions and answers will also be available to CDRS users.

For more information on how to become a founding member in this exciting project, go to
http://www.oclc.org/services/reference/cdrs.shtm  or http://www.loc.gov/cdrs
 

The American Library Association (ALA) has filed suit against this Act, but no date for a trial has been set as of yet.

What does this mean to RPLS libraries?  If you receive E-rate, you must file a compliance report with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by October 28, 2001 that includes your “Internet Safety Plan.”  An “Internet Safety Plan” must include the use of filtering technology, or the library must demonstrate that it is taking measures toward implementing such technology. Those measures could include researching, investigating, or getting cost quotes on filters.  This means that you don't need to have filters installed this year, but you need to demonstrate that you are making efforts towards getting filters and will have them installed in a year.  The filters will need to be installed on all computers at the library, including staff computers. 

If you receive E-rate through RPLS (if RPLS applied for the E-rate on your behalf), you must send your compliance report (including your “Internet Safety Plan”) to RPLS.  RPLS will pass this information on to the FCC.

The Act also requires libraries that receive LSTA funding to be in compliance.  However, certification of compliance for libraries receiving LSTA funds does not need to be done until July 2002.  Since it is the State Library that receives the LSTA funds and then grants the funds out to libraries, the State Library will issue dates for compliance on this matter prior to July 2001.

The ALA is hoping to get an injunction before October 28, 2001 that would put all forms of compliance on hold until the case can be heard and appealed.  However, it would be best to start thinking about and working on your compliance report and your “Internet Safety Plan” in case this injunction does not occur.

What filter should I look into purchasing?  We know that there is not a perfect filter out there that will filter what is required by the Act, but still allow Constitutionally protected images to be viewed.  The Act requires that the filter block images in three categories:  1) child pornography, 2) obscene images, and 3) images harmful to minors.

For more information about CIPA and the ALA lawsuit, see the following Web site:  http://www.ala.org/cipa/
 

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT LIBRARIAN, AURORA PUBLIC LIBRARIES, AURORA, IL: is seeking three full-time librarians. The West Branch, located next to a middle school, has two position to fill (1) Children's librarian- focusing on reference, programming and collection development for patrons in fifth grade and younger (2) Young Adult librarian- focusing o those same services for patrons in grades 6-12. The Main library has a vacancy in the Young People's Department serving children and their caregivers through fifth grade. Ideal candidates will possess a working knowledge of children's literature and collection development principals, strong technology skills, and the ability to plan and present a variety of programming. Spanish language fluency a plus. Requires an ALA accredited MLS. ( City residency is NOT required.) Salary range begins at $31,137. Send letter of application and resume to Eva Luckinbill, Library Director, Aurora Public Library, 1 E. Benton Street, Aurora, IL 60505. Phone (630)264-4106, Fax (630)859-1909, e-mail elluck@aurora.lib.il.us. Applications accepted until all positions are filled. EEO/AA employer, m/f/d/v

DIRECTOR, JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, JACKSONVILLE, IL: The Jacksonville, IL, Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking to fill the position of Library Director. The Jacksonville Public Library, a recently restored and expanded Carnegie Library, serves a population of over 20,000 includes a collection of 80,000 volumes, and operated on a yearly budget of $550,000. Qualifications include MLS Degree from an ALA-accredited institution. A minimum of 5 years progressive library experience; at least 2 years in a supervisory capacity, experience with budgeting, staff management, grant writing, facility management, and information technologies (including automation systems/CARL), Ability to work effectively with staff, Board, Friends organizations and community/civic organizations. Salary begins at $45,000 and is negotiable based upon qualifications and experience. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 5, 2001, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Interested candidate must submit a letter of application, resume, and three professional references to: Jacksonville Public Library, Search Committee, 201 West College, Jacksonville, Illinois 62650. EOE/AA

YOUTH SERVICES CONSULTANT, HERITAGE TRAIL LIBRARY SYSTEM: is seeking a youth service consultant to serve as a general consultant to a multi-type library system in northeast Illinois. Responsibilities include working with school and youth services librarians on recertification, collection development, programming and other library issues. Creates a monthly newsletter for schools and youth service librarians. Must be knowledgeable of overall library issues in a multi-type consortial environment. ALA accredited MLS or a Masters Degree in a related field, plus 8 hours of library course work at the graduate level. Two years experience in public and/or school libraries in a professional capacity. Salary range is from $31,900 DOQ. Excellent benefits package. Send letter of application and resume including 3 references to: Shirley Grasty, Executive Secretary, Heritage Trail Library System, 405 Earl Rd. Shorewood, IL 60431.

LOCAL LIBRARY SYSTEM AUTOMATION PROJECT COORDINATOR, HERITAGE TRAIL LIBRARY SYSTEM: is seeking a LLSAP Coordinator. Responsibilities include the overall operation and development of the LLSAP in all it's aspects and the supervision and training of the LLSAP staff. Qualifications include a minimum of two years of original cataloging experience and a minimum of two years operating a LLSAP. ALA accredited MLS strongly preferred or bachelor's degree in computer or information science. A working knowledge of integrated library systems, strong knowledge of OCLC, MARC and cataloging principles and practices, self motivated and able to work as a team member are required. Please send resume and references to: Shirley Grasty, Executive Secretary, Heritage Trail Library System, 405 Earl Rd., Shorewood, Il 60431.

INTERNET SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR HERITAGE TRAIL LIBRARY SYSTEM: is seeking an Internet Services Administrator. This position is responsible for the management and development of Internet resources. responsibilities include develop, maintain and enhance HTLS web site, assist member libraries with web development, manage Internet connectivity (including hardware), serve as the lead worker of network staff and liaison to telecommunications and network vendors, train staff and member libraries staff. Requirements include an associate and bachelor degree in computer or information science, CCNA certification preferred within two years of employment. Experience supporting and maintaining telecommunications equipment and website development. Knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, and other appropriate languages, Windows NT/2000 serves preferred and experience with Unix. Hours are Monday through Friday, with one evening per week scheduled. Additional evening and weekend hours may be required. Please send resume and references to: Shirley Grasty, Executive Secretary, Heritage Trail Library System, 405 Earl Rd., Shorewood, Il 60431.