nsls.info

Grim Illinois State Budget May Impact Libraries and Library Systems

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The budget situation is not looking good for Illinois. The current budget, going into effect on July 1, could impact your library as well as the services you receive from library systems and the Illinois State Library. Take a look at the info gleaned from known library bills--as well as what you can do--that's been put together by Illinois Library Systems. Information will be updated as it becomes available.

NSLS Will Be Closed Friday, July 3

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

NSLS headquarters in Wheeling will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. There will be no NSLS van deliveries on this day. NSLS will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 6. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.

Nominees Sought for NSLS Board Vacancy

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A vacancy exists on the NSLS Board of Directors for a public library representative. Simply complete a self nomination form and submit it online before Friday, July 17. All applicants will be interviewed by the NSLS Board of Directors at their July 27 board meeting. The appointed candidate will be sworn in that evening and will complete one year of an unexpired two-year term ending June 2010. For eligibility requirements and additional information, see articles on the Board of Directors page of the NSLS site or contact Sarah Long at slong@nsls.info or 847-459-1300, ext. 7125.

AWE – Early Literacy Station Demonstration

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how your library can offer kids an age-appropriate, fun learning experience that will open the door to a lifetime of learning. Join Don Kennedy on Wednesday, July 8 at 9:30 a.m. for a demonstration of the AWE - Early Literacy Station™. This “All-In-One” digital learning center especially designed for children comes pre-loaded with more than 37 top-rated educational software packages. Learn more about the benefits of this easy-to–use, educational learning station and a possible group purchase discount. Register for this free event.

NSLS Programs Help You Love Your Job and Your Books

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Revitalize your career and your collection this summer. On July 29, Take This Job and Love It! will help you find the confidence to bring your best and be enthusiastic at all levels of your job. And Book Repair with Demco on September 10 will introduce you to the tools you need to bring new life to old and damaged materials from your library collection. For more great learning opportunities, be sure to check out NSLS's listings on the statewide events calendar, L2.

Cool Down This Summer with More Trustee Training

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to become a better trustee with more offerings from NSLS's Trustee Training Series. In Basic Library Law on August 4, you'll learn how to make sure your board is working within the law, and unravel the mysteries of the Open Meetings Act, Model Ethics Ordinance, and Freedom of Information Act. And on September 1, Advocating for Your Library will close out the series by giving you an understanding of why and how you need to reach out to government officials at the federal, state, and local level. Early Bird pricing is available for both sessions!

Behind the Scenes at ALA Longshots Podcast Series

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you are attending the 2009 American Library Association Annual Conference or staying back to keep the doors open at your library, take a few minutes to peak behind the scenes at ALA with Sarah Long. Her ALA series of Longshots podcasts begins this week with two conversations: Incoming ALA President Dr. Camila Alire, and ILA Executive Director Robert Doyle, who has been named the 2009 Freedom to Read Foundation honoree. Be sure to return to Longshots next week for two more exciting ALA "behind the scenes" podcasts.

New at Library Beat: You Don't Look Like a Librarian

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This week at Library Beat, break out of the mold. NSLS Executive Director Sarah Long invites librarian Ruth Kneale onto her Longshots podcast to discuss her book You Don't Look Like a Librarian. They discuss where the stereotypical image of the librarian came from, as well as how library patrons' perceptions can be changed. To keep up on all the latest from Library Beat, follow along with RSS feeds or through Twitter. Have thoughts about Library Beat? Let us know!

Library Law: Defending Your Tax Base From Challenges to Assessed Valuation

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Gerard E. Dempsey and Donald E. Renner III are attorneys with the law firm of Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, Ltd., who write an article each month focusing on different aspects of library law. "In the present state of the economy where taxpayers and taxing districts alike are finding unique ways to preserve and protect their bottom lines, [Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB)] appeals are more important than ever. For your public library or public library district, it is vital that you put into place regular procedures for forwarding notices from your local board of review with regard to PTAB appeals." Read full article

What's New at WebJunction Illinois

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Browse the WJIL State of the Stats, find out how you can get the WJIL “wordle” out, utilize the newly published Competency Index for the Library Field, and learn more about bringing Web 2.0 into Academic Libraries. All of this and more in the latest What’s New!

Web Search University Conference Discount

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A special rate of $445 is available for ILLINET member libraries to attend WebSearch University. The 2009 fall conference will be held September 14-15 at the Washington Marriott in Washington, D.C. This special rate is $200 off the regular price and $100 off the early bird registration price. The pre-conference workshops are not included with this discount. To obtain the discount, completed forms must be returned to Jill Heffernan by Friday, August 7.

Apply for 2010 Emerging Leaders

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Applications are being accepted for the 2010 class of Emerging Leaders. The program is designed to enable library workers to get on the fast track to ALA and professional leadership. Participants are given the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, network with peers, and get an inside look into the ALA structure and activities. This year, library support staff personnel are encouraged to apply to the program and will have an opportunity to be considered for sponsorship through the ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table. Deadline is Friday, July 31. For more info, including how to apply, visit ALA's site.

AASL National Conference Early Bird Registration Ends July 16

Christina Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National Conference & Exhibition will be held November 5-8 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The conference features workshops on key issues and concepts taught by leading professionals. In addition to relevant educational programming, exciting special events such as a cruise aboard the Catawba Queen; a tour of historic homes and neighborhoods in the Charlotte area; a riveting discussion on this year's One Book, One Conference selection, “Born Digital”; and a thrilling tour of NASCAR Valley have also been planned. For more info, including how to register, visit the conference website.