Volume 11, Number 11 May 26, 2000
Number of pages to print: 7 
00-173 Calendar:  
May 29 RPLS Closed for Holiday.
 
June 1 IPLAR & Per Capita Grant Work Session 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
 
June 5-June 9 Small Public Library Management Institute, WIU, Macomb.
 
June 11- June 16 Bradley Institute, Bradley University, Peoria.
 
July 7 - July 11 American Library Association Conference, Chicago, Illinois
 
July 18 LSTA Work Session, RPLS, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
 
00-174 FREE ALA EXHIBIT PASSES:  The ALA Annual conference in Chicago this year presents Illinois librarians with a great opportunity to easily visit the exhibit hall.  There are many new vendors and new products since the last Chicago conference in 1995 and a visit to the exhibit show is always rewarding. 

You may have noticed that the cost of "Exhibit Only" passes has climbed to $20 this year, but DEMCO is offering Illinois librarians all of the passes they can use at no charge.  You must provide your own transportation.  Contact Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us) by June 2nd, if you are interested in the passes.  Conference dates are:  July 8-11 at McCormick Place.
 

00-175 RPLS AWARDS:  Information on the 2000 RPLS Awards can be found at:  rpls_awards.htm.  Nominations are due at RPLS on September 22, 2000.  Contact Bev Obert (bevo@rpls.lib.il.us) if you have any questions.
 
00-176 HELP WANTED FARM PROGRESS SHOW: RPLS and Member libraries will be hosting a booth at the 2000 Farm Progress Show to be held Sept. 26, 27 & 28 in Cantrell, just northwest of Springfield.  A volunteer form went out to libraries about a month ago and response had been very slow.  We need people to help set up and take down the booth, man the booth and do story times.  If you have not signed up, please do so soon.  We need to plan some meetings, order shirts for workers of the booth, and finalize a schedule for working.  If you can help, call or email Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us) or Bev (bevo@rpls.lib.il.us) before June 9th.
 
00-177 SHELBYVILLE OPEN HOUSE:  The Shelbyville Public Library Board of Trustees cordially invites you to an open house on Wednesday, June 7, 2000  at 1:00 p.m. at the Shelbyville Public Library, 154 North Broadway, Shelbyville.  Shelley says, "Come help eat the food!"; she doesn't want to take any home!
 
00-178 WARRENSBURG OPEN HOUSE:  Barclay Library invites all library district residents to join in celebrating its 55th Anniversary at an Open House on Sunday, June 4, 2-4 p.m.  The celebration will begin with a visit from Representative Bill Mitchell, who will present a  proclamation in honor of our anniversary.  Storyteller Dan Keding will provide entertainment, and refreshments will be served following the opening program.  Founded in 1942 by Warrensburg teacher Pyrle Barclay, the library became tax supported in 1945.  The Constitution and By-laws were formally adopted on June 4, 1945.  The library will also unveil plans for a Commemorative Walkway, a brick path and outdoor reading area.  Interested persons may purchase a brick that will be engraved with their name and placed in the walkway or patio.  Those who purchase bricks at the Open House may purchase them at a reduced rate, and will be able to select the spot they wish to have their brick placed.  Please mark this very special day on your calendar now, and plan to join us in celebrating this milestone anniversary.
 
00-179 ROCHESTER BIRTHDAY PARTY:  All patrons of Rochester Public Library were invited to a 15th birthday party held Thursday evening May 25 at the library.  Rochester Public Library was formally established on May 25, 1985.  It opened its doors in leased space at Rochester Station II under the directorship of Delores Palmer.  At that time the staff was all part-time or volunteer.  In 1992, Linda Shaw became the Library Director, and the staff now includes two full-time M.S.-degreed professional librarians, a part-time certified Library Technical Assistant, and two part-time student assistants.  The library remained in leased space until 1995, when it moved to its permanent home at #1 Community Drive.  All services and collections have expanded, as well as dozens of new programs for all ages, public Internet access, and a new reading garden in memory of Rachel Anne Sperry.  New books, audio tapes, and music cd's have been chosen to be added to the Library's collection in honor of the library's 15th birthday.
 
00-180 RPLS AVERAGE NON-RESIDENT FEE:   The fee for 1999-2000 is $44.77 based on information taken from the '98-'99 Annual Report.
 
00-181 REACHING FORWARD SOUTH: A conference for Library Assistants, Friday, September 29, at the Holiday Inn in Decatur.  Vendors' exhibits, awards, and door prizes! Registration is limited!  Early registration before July 31 is $45, after July 31 it's $50. Deadline is August 31, no refunds after September 10.  Call Debbie for a copy of the registration form.
 
00-182 PROJECT NEXT GENERATION:  Today's youth face challenges unique to their generation.  The use of technology has become a necessity for education and professional success, and many young people need extra encouragement to become successful in school and beyond.  That is why Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has spearheaded a pilot program to empower students with technology and interpersonal skills to set them on the right track. 

Nine Illinois public libraries will implement pilot projects involving 10-12 sixth-through ninth-grade students at each site.  Qualified individuals at each library will provide a mix of technology experiences including learning how to use the Internet, scanners and digital cameras, and mentoring on life skills vital for lifelong success.  A reward system will offer exciting incentives to recognize student achievement.  Local agencies, businesses and educational institutions will assist with community advocacy, job-search skills for teens, personal growth and award incentives.  If you want to know how you can get involved, contact Bev Obert (bevo@rpls.lib.il.us).
 

00-183 SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION OPPORTUNITY: The Illinois State Library, working with the Missouri Library Network Corp., is providing special pricing for several database subscriptions. All of these titles are available to ILLINET member academic, public, school and special libraries. The three offerings include:  1) from Oxford University Press - the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and the American National Biography (ANB); 2) Grove's Dictionaries Online - Grove's Dictionary of Art, the New Grove Dictionary of Opera Online and the Encyclopedia of Life Sciences (Embryonic Version); 3) from McGraw-Hill - Access Science, which includes the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, the Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 2100 science biographies, news stories from Science News.  The earliest deadline is June 5, 2000.  For more information and the forms to fill out visit:  www.library.sos.state.il.us/eresource_oppor.html. Questions? Contact J. Howard  Carter at MLNC, 800.969.6562, x806 (howard@mlnc.org) or Barbara Alexander at ISL, 217.785.7334 (balexan@library.sos.state.il.us).
 
00-184 ILLINOIS CENTURY NETWORK CONTACT NUMBER:  The ICN has a new toll free contact number.  Please call 877-305-1496 if you have questions for the Century Network.  The old number will be disconnected in a few weeks.
 
00-185 ILA CONFERENCE 2000 TALK TABLE TOPICS & DISCUSSION LEADERS: The ILA Conference 2000 Talk Table  Committee is seeking help to complete the list of topics and leaders for Talk Table discussions for Illinois Libraries: Taking you FAR* (*friendly, accessible, responsive) to be held in Peoria, October 15-17, 2000.  Do you have a subject you would like to see included at Conference?  Have you been working on something about which you would like to share information?  Do you want to learn more about a topic?  This is your chance to be a participant at ILA Conference.  Volunteers are needed to facilitate one-hour informal table discussions on several selected  topics or other discussion topic suggestions, which you might have.  If you are interested in leading any of the topics suggested or any other library related topic, please call or e-mail Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us) for the registration form.
 
00-186 ILA POSTER SESSIONS: The ILA Poster Session Committee invites your application to present a poster session at ILA Conference 2000 at the Convention Center in Peoria, October 15-17, 2000.  This is your opportunity to show off and share a successful research project, display a grant project, or talk about an innovative program your library has done!  The theme of the conference is: Illinois Libraries:  Taking You FAR* (*friendly, accessible, responsive). Deadline for receipt of Poster Applications is July 1, 2000.  Selected presenters will be notified by August 15, 2000.  For poster session application information, contact Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us).
 
00-187 DISTANCE LEARNING SERVICES, MORE THAN REMOTE POSSIBILITIES:  Join us June 16, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. for a live 90 minute satellite teleconference that will explore the issues and answers for all libraries facing the challenge of providing service to students/patrons at distance with complex service needs. 

You will be joining John Berry, President-Elect of ALA, Dr. Dan Kies, Professor of English, College of DuPage, Dawn A. Bussey, MLS, Director of Reference Services, Schaumburg Public Library and other library professionals in lively discussion. 

Our ability to serve these distant learner/patrons is a growing problem for many of us.  We will define the salient issues, examining solutions based on best practices and look at what problems and tools the future will bring. 

Program Overview:  Variations on an Old Theme, Distance Learning, Staying in Step, Addressing Current Needs, A New Dance, and Future Horizons.  RPLS will be a site for the teleconference. Contact Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us) to sign up.
 

00-188 VENTRILOQUIST FOR SUMMER READING: Coach Davis Alridgeis traveling to the International Festival of Puppeteers and Ventriloquists in Kankakee on July 30-August 6.  He will be available for presentations on July 28, 29 and August 7 and 9.  Program titles are: Can't Read or Don't Read, African Tour, Kindness Is a Boomerang, and Choose Today. Davis brings a special blend of entertainment and uplifting values with "Ronny" and his friends. Total booking fee is $350.  Call 816-737-1202 or 800-207-4002 for more information.  References and video are available upon request. 
 
00-189 PROJECT VOTE SMART: The Project is a national library of political information on 13,000 political candidates and issues.  The Carnegie Corporation is funding a number of free services for your library through Project Vote Smart:  free reference books on candidates and issues, a directory of political information sites on the World Wide Web, unlimited number of Voter's Self-Defense Manuals (80 page brochures giving factual backgrounds on the candidates in your area) for your patrons, 3' x 5' colorful wall banners on how to get registered and vote in this year's election, and an educational video on how to acquire accurate, abundant information on candidates and issues through the Project's free library services.  Call 406-859-8683 or www.vote-smart.org.
 
00-190 SLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:  SLA's 91st Annual Conference/Philidelphia, USA 2000 is only five weeks away! June 10-15, 2000 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. To find out more about this Special Libraries Association conference, visit the conference planner website at www.slaconference2000.org. or call 1-202-234-4700.
 
00-191 GIVEAWAYS: RPLS has 10 folding tables to give away to a tax-supported library with the following measurements:  2-8'x30", 3-6'x30", 1-6'x24", 3-5'x30", and 1-4'x30".  Contact Debbie at RPLS debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us.
 
00-192 OTHER WORKSHOPS:  "How to Deliver Exceptional Customer Service" a dynamic one day seminar presented by Fred Pryor Seminars at several locations in Illinois from July 31 to August 4.  For just $99, learn to turn every customer into an ally, out service your competitors, eliminate negative situations and overcome stress and burnout.  Call 800-255-6139 or contact Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us) for details.

"How to Take Charge of the Front Desk"  a one day seminar from Keye Productivity Center coming to Illinois in July.  This receptionist seminar should be mandatory. Gain the edge you need with training that is guaranteed. Cost is $169 per person.  Call 800-821-3919 to register.  Contact Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us) for more info.

"The Essentials of Facilities Management" A comprehensive 2 day workshop filled with powerful solutions and innovative ideas presented by National Seminars Group in Springfield, July 11& 12.  To enroll call 800-258-7246 or online at www.natsem.com

"How to Handle Difficult People"  a powerful one-day workshop on how to understand and deal with the problem people in your life.  July 24 in Springfield.  Cost $139. To register, call 800-258-7246.  Contact  Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us) for details.

"The 2000 Springfield Conference for Administrative Professionals"  August 7-8, Northfield Inn & Conference Center, Springfield.  A one of a kind event for all levels of administrative support to polish your skills and boost your career!  You may call 1-800-682-5078 or register online at www.natsem.com.  The cost is $195.  Contact Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us) for further info.

"Conflict Management & Confrontational Skills" Control, confidence, and composure in even the most highly charged situations.  This seminar is offered in June at several locations in Illinois.  Cost $195.  Call 1-800-255-6139 to enroll or contact Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us).

"Human Resources and the Law" A two day course designed for HR Professionals who want the latest information on the laws that impact their departments so they can ensure company compliance and avoid ending up in court.  Coming to Illinois in August.  Call 1-800-255-4141 to register or contact Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us).

"Troubleshooting and Maintaining PCs for IBMs and Compatibles"  Get the tools, techniques and shortcuts you need to keep your PCs up and operating at peak performance.  Cost for two full days only $395, or enroll 3 and the 4th attends FREE. Comped Solutions is presenting this workshop in Illinois at selected locations in June and July, 2000. 

"Adobe Photoshop Conference"  A state-of-the-art event featuring top Photoshop experts from around the country!  The conference and workshop will be held July 18-19 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield.  Call 1-800-682-5078 to enroll now.
 

00-193 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: The job notices printed in the Prairie News are either submitted to the newsletter editor or taken from the University of Illinois Graduate School of Library and Information Science Placement web site.  The address is:  http://carousel.lis.uiuc.edu/~jobs/

Circulation Librarian.  Decatur Public Library seeks a dynamic and creative individual to take charge of a circulation department consisting of 10.5 FTEs.  The library currently operates a GEAC plus circulation system.  Responsibilities include scheduling and training staff, planning and implementing departmental services and working with the public on a daily basis.  Position reports to the city librarian and requires an ALA accredited Master's Degree in Library Science.  Previous experience with the circulation of library materials is also required.  The Decatur Public Library serves a population of 85,000 from a recently renovated 104,000 sq. ft. main library facility and two bookmobiles.  Salary from $34,228.  Please submit resume by May 29, 2000 to John A. Moorman, City Librarian, Decatur PUblic Library, 130 N. Franklin St., Decatur, IL  62523.

Media Center Director/Librarian, NEOGA COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT.   Apply to: Bill Steichmann, Superintendent, PO Box 280, Neoga, IL 62447 Phone: 217-895-2201 Notes:  Please submit letter of application, transcript, credentials, and copies of certificates. 

Visiting Assistant to Associate Librarian/Plan & Budget & Visiting Assistant Professor for Library Administration, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Temporary Full-Time faculty position.  Duties:  - responsible for budget oversight & planning, facilities management & program plan, management plan & statistical report, provide incumbent w/broad intro into the administrative activities of a premier academic library.  Requirements:  ALA-acc. MLS excellent written, oral communication skills excellent analytical, quantitative, planning & organizational skills, knowledge of spreadsheet & project management software, experience with library budget activities & facilities management.  Apply to: Joyce Lowder jlowder@uiuc.edu, Secretary, Library Personnel, 1408 West Gregory Dr, Urbana, IL 61801  Phone:   217-333-8168  Notes: Send letter of application and complete resume with info for 3 references. 

Library Access Services Manager, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT SPRINGFIELD 
Duties:  - manage unit w/combined circulation & ILL including a growing electronic reserves, direct supervision of daily circulation operations & general supervision of ILL, dev of policies & services relating to circulation & ILL.  Requirements:  MLS or other relevant field, minimum 3 years work in circulation & ILL with in an automated library environment, strong supervisory skills with minimum 3 years experience in supervision of FT library staff.  Salary:  $35,000 - 37,500  Apply to: Marcia Rossi, Library 204, PO Box 19243, Springfield, IL 62794-9243  Notes:  Send resumes with cover letter and contact info for 3 references. 

Librarian/Media Specialist, CHAMPAIGN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL.  Duties:  responsible for overseeing all facets of the library's operation.  Requirements:  lllinois teaching certificate.  Salary:  based on negotiated contract.  Apply to:  c/o Donald Hansen hansendo@cmi.l12.il.us, Principal, 610 W. University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820  Phone:  217-351-3914  Fax:  217-351-3919 
 

00-194 PRAIRIE NEWS SUBMISSIONS: The Prairie News is a biweekly publication of RPLS. Notices, meetings, giveaways, career opportunities and other news items of interest to the membership may be submitted. Items will be edited to fit the space requirements of the newsletter.  The next issue of the Prairie News will be Friday, June 9, 2000.  All submissions should arrive on or before 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 5, 2000, for inclusion in the newsletter.