Illinois State Library Director Anne Craig recently contacted the Secretary of State’s Assistant General Counsel to obtain a clarification about what types of items can be delivered to member libraries through the inter-system Illinois Library Delivery System 
(ILDS) and the three regional library systems’ intra-system delivery services.
This week the Illinois State Library spotlights the Aquinas Literacy Center in Chicago.
While very young, this woman was left to care for her siblings in Mexico. When she found it impossible to provide for them, she moved to the United States to obtain work. Although she found a job to support her family back in Mexico, she knew she needed to learn English if she wanted a better life for herself and her family.
The woman enrolled at Aquinas Literacy Center and began working with a volunteer tutor. She studies regularly with her tutor, participates in conversation classes, and practices her English on the computer. Unfortunately, she is the primary bread winner in her family because her husband struggles to find steady work due to medical problems. The woman keeps food on the table through her part-time job and the generosity of food pantries, but there isn’t money left for extras.
An organization that adopts a family for the holidays contacted Aquinas Literacy Center, asking to sponsor an adult learner. When this young woman and her family were chosen, she was thrilled. Last Christmas, they did not have any presents, but this year they will. The woman is thankful for the help she has been given and is determined to succeed.
Why not contribute to our upcoming blog series: Powerful Programming? We’re looking for thoughtful and fun blog posts about the programs you provide in your library. Want to write a post, but feeling uninspired? Check out the ideas below:
Please email Lesley Zavediuk: lzavediuk@illinoisheartland.org, if you are interested in contributing.
The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) is looking for input from library staff around the country who work in rural and small libraries. The survey is part of research sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in an effort to more fully understand the important work of small and rural libraries and learn more about current concerns and needs.
Please take the survey and pass it on!
www.surveymonkey.com/
The Illinois State Library has announced that the deadline for completing the FY2011–2012 ILLINET Interlibrary Loan and Reciprocal Borrowing Statistical Survey has been extended to December 31. The survey can be accessed on LibPAS for Illinois libraries at http://il.countingopinions.com. Library usernames and passwords to access the system are the same as used on the previous system.
Please review the instructions prior to completing your online survey. The instructions are available on the LibPAS login screen on the web portal.
Problems with your username or password?
Contact any of these Illinois State Library staff members: Becky Hunter, bhunter1@ilsos.net, 217-557-7259 or Gwen Harrison, gharrison@ilsos.net, 217-785-7334 or Robert Jones, rjones1@ilsos.net, 217-785-1168. The 800 number is 1-800-665-5576 x1.
Questions about content or subject matter?
Contact any of these Illinois State Library staff members: Gwen Harrison, gharrison@ilsos.net, 217-785-7334 or Robert Jones, rjones1@ilsos.net, 217-785-1168. The 800 number is 1-800-665-5576 x1.
Are you having software or technology issues?
Contact Counting Opinions at 1-800-521-4930
Applications are now available for the 18th Small Public Library Management Institute (SPLMI). Sponsored by the Illinois State Library and hosted by the University of Illinois Springfield, the Institute will be held June 2-7, 2013.
The weeklong Institute is intended for directors of small public libraries as well as directors of all sizes of libraries that are either new to their position or new to the Illinois library community. Key goals of the Institute are to assist public library administrators in better understanding their roles and responsibilities as well as how to provide better service to their constituents. Topics included for this year will range from legal and budgeting issues to policy development, innovative programs, building safety, leadership, customer service, and personnel. In addition, there are numerous opportunities for idea-sharing, networking, and team projects.
Participants are housed in individual rooms on the UIS campus during the week, and classes will take place on campus. The registration fee for this week is only $50, which includes housing, meals, speakers, and program materials. Applications can be mailed, faxed, or submitted as an email attachment and must be received by 5 pm, March 15, 2013.
For additional information, contact the ISL Library Development Group at,
1- 217-782-1891 or 1-800-665-5576.
This week the Illinois State Library spotlights the De La Salle Institute’s Tolton Center in Chicago.
Two years ago a mother joined the Family Literacy program to improve her life and the future of her four-year-old son, one of several children she had. The woman knew just enough English to order in a restaurant, speak with her children’s teachers, and talk with medical personnel. Her limited English kept her close to home, afraid to venture much farther. Her son was shy and reluctant to join other children.
Mother and son have made great strides since joining the program. The mother’s language skills have improved and she has learned about the community around her. After participating in instructional field trips, she is now able to use public transportation to visit sites around Chicago. She embraced the program’s goal-setting workshops and plans to make the most of her time with her children. Her son now greets everyone with a big smile upon arriving at classes. He loves class discussions, particularly those involving books. He has learned colors, numbers and counting, shapes, letters and letter sounds, in English and Spanish. Mother and son have benefitted greatly from the program.
The Illinois State Library is conducting a survey to assess the value of OCLC services for ILLINET member libraries. Survey questions address both current OCLC services and usage, as well as the development of future enhanced OCLC services. You’ll find the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OCLC-USE.
The deadline to complete the survey is January 4th, 2013.
Questions or comments about the survey should be directed to Pat Boze, pboze@ilsos.net or Suzanne Schriar, sschriar@ilsos.net.
The Illinois State Library’s Annual Library Certification Website is now available at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/libraries/librarycertification.html.
This site includes a link to the data and questions that will be included in the certification form, a link to the online certification portal (accessible only between January 2 and March 31), and a timeline and Frequently Asked Questions document about the annual certification process. Additionally, all system member libraries will receive an informational letter from State Library Director Anne Craig with more information about the certification process.
The annual certification process is a requirement for all library system members, full or developmental, in order to qualify for system services and programs/services from the Illinois State Library. The window for this certification will begin January 2 and will be open through March 31, 2013.
Questions about the process should be emailed to Pat Boze at pboze@ilsos.net.
The Illinois State Library will host ILEAD USA (Innovative Librarians Explore, Apply and Discover): The 21st Century Technology and Leadership Skills Institute for the States at the University of Illinois Springfield on March 25–28, June 17–20 and October 21–24, 2013.
The ILEAD USA initiative, begun in 2009 by Illinois as ILEAD U, has now been propagated to partner states Colorado, Iowa, Ohio and Utah.
Do you have a technology skill or knowledge of technology tools? Be an instructor! Want to learn? Be a participant! The Illinois State Library is accepting applications for PARTICIPANTS, INSTRUCTORS and MENTORS until December 14 at http://www.webjunction.org/
Contact Gwen Harrison at gharrison@ilsos.net, 217-785-7334 or Debra Aggertt at daggertt@ilsos.net, 217-558-1945 if you have questions.