Volume 11, Number 15 July 21, 2000
Number of pages to print: 6
00-243 Calendar:  
July 21 CAC Meeting, RPLS, 9:30 a.m. to noon.
 
July 27 Illinois Century Network Informational Meeting, RPLS, 10:00 a.m. to noon.
 
August 8 IREAD Brainstorming, RPLS, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
 
August 10 District Library Election Law Workshop with Steven Bean, RPLS, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
 
August 15 Small Public Libraries Meeting, Herrick 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
 
August 18 Bibliostat Test Project Participants Meeting, RPLS, 9:00 a.m. to noon.
 
August 28 Auditing Workshop, RPLS, 9:00 a.m. to noon.
 
00-244 ATTENTION PUBLIC LIBRARIES, NEW ISL PROJECT:  The Illinois State Library is conducting a test of the Bibliostat product to determine its benefit to public libraries throughout Illinois.  Each library system has been asked to identify 6 librarians who would be interested in participating in this test.

Bibliostat is a CD-ROM product that uses the statistical data produced through the IPLAR, the Public Library Data Survey from the Public Library Association, and the Public Library  Survey from the National Center for Educational Statistics and the Federal State Cooperative System.  The Bibliostat product takes this statistical data and allows the user to make queries and comparisons on a variety of variables instantly.  Volunteers will receive a free copy of the Bibliostat CD-ROM and be asked to use it, play with it, and evaluate its usefulness in determining the strengths, weaknesses and needs of their libraries.  Volunteers will be asked to report their opinions both positive and negative to the Illinois State Library.  All volunteers must: 

1. Attend a free training session from 9-noon on Friday, August 18 at RPLS.  This will be a demonstration of the product with ample time to ask questions. It will not be a hands-on training.  Attendance is mandatory.
2. Have equipment which meets or exceeds the following specifications:
Windows 95 CD-ROM drive, Pentium 90 PC, 16 MB RAM, 20 MB free had disk space, 800 x 600 resolution with 256 colors (8-bit). 
3. Attend a second workshop (probably in December or January) on the use and analysis of statistics.

The names of the first 6 respondents will be forwarded to the Illinois State Library as the participants from RPLS.  You must respond by Friday, July 28, 2000.  So, if you are interested and able to attend the workshops please email or call Amanda at amandas@rpls.ws or (217)429-2586. 
 

00-245 REMINDER: Starting September 1, 2000, RPLS will no longer search the LLSAP, IO, First Search or VIC databases for our member libraries. After that date member libraries are responsible for their own in-state searching. To help our libraries prepare for the change, we are continuing to offer an extensive schedule of interlibrary loan related training classes. The schedule through the end of September can be found at (http://www.rpls.ws/education.htm.) If you need training on any of the in-state databases, please check the schedule and register for the appropriate class or classes.
 
00-246 ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY ANNOUNCES FY2001 PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANTS: The Illinois State Library announced that for FY2001 they will accept public library construction grants applications in three areas: 

1.  New construction, additions, remodeling and conversions: maximum grant, $250,000; 50% local match required. 
2.  Remodeling for accessibility for people with disabilities: maximum grant, $150,000; 50% local match required. 
3.  Public library improvement mini grant; maximum grant, $50,000; public libraries that received an income of less than $10.00 per capita in the preceding fiscal year are eligible; no local matching funds; projects can include but are not limited to, interior or exterior painting, renovation of specific service area, or new carpeting lighting; libraries must address the legal requirements for making the building handicapped accessible. 

To receive a copy of the grant application, contact Nancy Ortciger at the ISL (217-785-1168).  Please specify if you are requesting an application for regular construction or for a mini grant.  No letter of intent is required.  Complete applications are due at the ISL no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 27, 2000.
 

00-247 ISLMA AWARDS:  It's time to be thinking about ISLMA fall grants and awards. The Polestar Award honors a member of ISLMA that has made an outstanding contribution to school library media programs in Illinois.  Nominations must be postmarked by September 1.  The ISLMA Lauretta McCusker, O.P.,D.L.S., Professional Development Grants are available to ISLMA members.  Up to two grants of $150 can be given in the fall.  Applications must be postmarked by September 30.  The Highsmith Award of $1000 will again be given to a school library media center that plans and implements  a creative/innovative program or service that has a positive impact on users.  Applications must be postmarked by September 30.  The Winnebago Award has been discontinued at the state level.  Instead, a national award will be given at the ALA summer conference.  Applications for all of the above awards and grants are available in the membership directory.  If you have any questions, please contact Debra Aper Grants/Awards Function Representative, 217-792-3480 (Home), daper@frontiernet.net
 
00-248 THE MILLENNIUM PROJECT FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES:   A national grant initiative will provide 50 Library of America volumes published between 1992 and 2000 to 800 qualifying U.S. public libraries.  The Library of America published an award winning series of America's best and most significant writing in authoritative hardcover volumes.  Applications and guidelines available online at www.neh.gov; www.loa.org or www.ala.org/publicprograms  For more information contact: publicprograms@ala.org, or 1-800-545-2433, ext. 15045.  Application deadlines are November 15, 2000 and April 1, 2001.  Funded by the Carnegie Corporation, a partnership of the National Endowment of the Humanities, the Library of America and ALA.
 
00-249 WNBA/ANN HEIDREDER GRANT AVAILABLE: The Women's National Book Association (WNBA)/Ann Heidbreder Eastman Grant is available for librarians interested in learning about the relationship between the library and publishing profession. The deadline is September 30, 2000.  The WNBA offers a grant of up to $750 for a librarian to take a course or participate in an institute devoted to aspects of publishing as a profession or to provide reimbursement for such study completed within the past year.   Librarians holding an MLS or its equivalent and having at least two years of post master's work experience in a library may apply. The primary qualification will be the likelihood of career benefit to the person taking the course. For more information or to receive a copy of the guidelines, see the American Library Association (ALA) Web site at www.ala.org/work/pub/eastman.html or call Grant Administrator Eve Cotton at 312-290-2427. The application is available from ALA Fax-on-Demand at 800-545-2433, press 8 and select number 462.
 
00-250 EZRA JACK KEATS MINI-GRANTS:  The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation announced that $35,000 in mini-grants will be awarded next December for innovative and imaginative programs in public libraries and public school libraries designed to combat illiteracy.  The deadline for submission of proposals is September 15, 2000.  Requests for applications for proposals should be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope and sent to: Deborah Pope, Executive Director, Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, 450 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215.
 
00-251 7-ELEVEN PEOPLE WHO READ ACHIEVE:  Objective: Support literacy through new or existing programs.  Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations, including public schools and libraries, located in counties where there is a participating 7-Eleven franchise opening.  Award: A maximum of $2,500 for the purchase of books, equipment, materials, or other operating expenses.  Deadlines: November 30 annually. Application: Send a completed application form along with a description of the agency and program, a copy of the organization's tax determination letter, and a project budget to the address listed below.  No e-mail or fax requests are accepted.  Applications are not acknowledged.  Send application packets and request application forms from corporate headquarters at the contact information listed below.  Information:  People Who Read Achieve, 7-Eleven Stores, P. O. Box 711, Dallas, TX 95221-0711, Tel.: (214) 828-7011, Internet: www.7-Eleven.com
 
00-252 FRIENDS OF ILLINOIS LIBRARIES:  RPLS has a membership form for libraries interested in joining the Friends of Illinois Libraries (FOIL).  With membership, libraries will receive a newsletter with valuable information on Illinois libraries.  If you would like a membership for, please contact Debbie at RPLS (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us).
 
00-253 MISSING VIDEO:  Hope Welty Public Library District is missing Flowers in the Attic, StarMaker Entertainment, Inc., Eatontown, NJ, c1991.  ID #36083000151773.  If found, please return it through delivery.
 
00-254 ORPHAN BOOK:  The paperback, Cancer Ward by Alexander Solzheinitsyn, showed up at RPLS with no markings.  Contact Debbie (debbiep@rpls.lib.il.us), if this belongs to your library.
 
00-255 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/

Technical Services Manager.  The Bensenville Community Public Library District has an immediate opening for a Technical Services Manager.  This position is responsible for the ordering, receipt, and processing of all library materials, including those requiring original cataloging, into the MARC format Dynix database.  This requires comprehensive knowledge of acquisition procedures, Anglo-American cataloging rules, Sears and Library of Congress Subject assignments, and MARC formats.  The Technical Services Manager supervises a staff of four and serves as a member of the library's management team.  This position also participates in the adult reference desk rotation, including occasional Saturday and Sunday reference desk responsibility.  Required for  this position are: an ALA-accredited MLS; a knowledge and understanding of public library objectives; independent judgment and initiative; the ability to cooperate and work effectively with library patrons and staff; flexibility; a common-sense approach to cataloging; a sense of humor; the desire and ability to participate in a team management approach; the ability to work creatively and independently.  Supervisory experience preferred.  Salary negotiable from $30,000.  Respond to: Nancy Budnik, Administrative Assistant, Bensenville Community Public Library District, 200 S. Church Road, Bensenville, IL 60106.

1. Librarian, Assistant Professor, 12 months, tenure track, 
2. Librarian, Assistant Professor, 10-month, temporary leave replacement. EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY. Responsibilities: First position reporting to the head of Circulation Services, assists in the coordination and management of one or more of the following areas: interlibrary loan, reserves, periodicals, and circulation, including supervision of library support staff and students; may include general reference desk, collection development, and/or other duties as assigned. Second position reporting to the head of Reference Services, provides general reference assistance including electronic resource instruction, and other duties as assigned.  Qualifications: ALA-accredited MLS required for appointment; second master's preferred and required for Assistant Professor rank and for tenure. Demonstrated technological expertise required; successful, relevant experience preferred. Starting Date: September 1, 2000, or as soon as possible. Salary: 1. $42,612 annual minimum salary, dependent on qualifications.  2. $3,000 monthly minimum, depending on qualifications. Review of applications will begin August 5, 2000, and will continue until filled. Applications: Send letter of application and current resume (complete with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three references) to: Dr. Allen Lanham, Dean of Library Services, Booth Library, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920.  Web Site: http://www.eiu.edu/~booth  Affirmative Action: Eastern Illinois University is an equal opportunity, equal access, affirmative action employer committed to achieving a diverse community.

Library Director. Park Ridge Public Library seeks a CEO with an MLS and at least 10 years progressively responsible public library experience. Salary $71,000+, DOQ. See our web site at http://www.park-ridge.il.us/library for full details including job ad, job description and application process under General Information.  If there are any questions, don't hesitate to contact me via email or at James M. O'Brien, 954 Sylvan Circle, Naperville, IL 60540-5532, 630-983-1687

Residence Hall Librarian.  UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN Duties:  serve the acad, cultural, recreational needs of hall residents by administering libs & maint coll for profl staff, supervise 2 GAs and secretary, original cat, oversee technical processing of matls.  Requirements:
ALA-acc. MLS, or its degree equiv, 1 or more grad level courses in cat, min 3 yrs exp as profl libn including significant admin exp.  Salary:  $35,000 DOE plus benefits: vac, sick, health, dental, retirement, dental. Apply to: Marc Goldman
Search Committee Chair, Residential Life, 1203 South 4th St., Champaign, IL 61820.  Phone:  217-244-0394.  Submit letter of interest and complete resume with contact info for 3 references. 

Librarian.  ILLINOIS VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE.  Duties:  plan, dev, implement services & progs of Jacob Lib, oversee & maint ELR & cat of lib matlsref desk duties. Requirements: ALA-acc. MLS, knowl using a variety of online info products & application sfwre. Salary: $30,000 min plus benefits: attractive.  Apply to: Jerry Corcoran humanresources@ivcc.edu, Director of Human Resources, 815 N. Orlando Smith Ave., Oglesby, IL 61348. Phone: 815/224-0426.  Fax: 815/224-1437.  Candidates must submit cover letter, resume, transcripts and contact info for 5 references. Job description and application packet available at www.ivcc.edu/hr
 

00-256 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, August 4, 2000.  All submissions should arrive on or before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2000, for inclusion in the newsletter.  You may fax submissions to (217)428-1852, or e-mail them to Amanda Standerfer at amandas@rpls.ws.