« Previous Entries

Illinois State Library

Illinois State Library, Literacy
Launch of Penny Severns Web-Based Grant Application
March 10th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?
The Illinois State Library Literacy Office announced that effective at 8 a.m. on Thursday, March 11th, the Web-based version of the Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy Grant application will become available. Once the Web-based application is posted, the PDF version will no longer be available. Please plan accordingly.

If you have already begun to work on the PDF version of the application, please be certain to save that document on your desktop or your hard drive. You will be able to cut and paste from the PDF version into the Web-based version.

Here are important technical instructions for using the Web-based version of the application:
- You are encouraged to develop the proposal offline using a word processing program. The Web-based application does not have spell or grammar check capabilities. Compose and check the document using your word processing program, then copy and paste the proposal into the Web-based application.
- Be aware of the character limits within the text boxes.
- A timer within the Web-based application will expire after 30 minutes with no activity. Typing within one section or screen does not activate this activity monitor. After 30 minutes, any information on the screen will be lost. Clicking the “Save” button periodically will prevent that data loss. When you click “Save” or “Next,” your valid data is also saved.
- A shaded progress bar at the top of every page will indicate your advancement through the application.
- Navigational directions, “Previous” and “Next”, appear at the bottom of every page. Use those buttons rather than the back and forward arrows in your browser.
- To make a change within a text box, use your back space key.
- You may logout before finishing or submitting your application. When you re-enter the application, you will be directed to the last place that you entered data.
This Web-based application for the Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy program is a PILOT PROGRAM. The Illinois State Library is working toward automating all of our grant programs, from application to submission of reporting forms.

This pilot application is the first step in that direction. Your input and suggestions regarding the pilot application process are welcomed. Please submit feedback via email to Beth Paoli so that we may document your suggestions.

If you encounter any problems or have questions in preparing the Web-based application, please do not hesitate to contact the Literacy Office at 800-665-5576, extension 3, or 217-785-6921.
Illinois State Library, Literacy
Apply for Penny Severns Literacy Grants
March 9th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

Applications are now being accepted for Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy Grants. These grants provide instruction and educational activities to improve the basic reading, math, writing skills or English language proficiency of parents and children together during the summer months. Applications and other information are available here.
Continuous Learning, Illinois State Library
“On the Front Lines” Coming Up
March 2nd, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?
We’re only two weeks away from the “On The Front Lines” Conference March 15-17 at the University of Illinois Springfield. More than 200 participants took part in last year’s conference, and organizers are very excited about the agenda for this year.

“On the Front Lines” is an excellent continuing education opportunity for “front line” library staff working in all types of libraries. Participants will obtain training, exposure, and techniques that will enable them to deal effectively and efficiently with their day-to-day activities as front line employees. Some of this year’s sessions will include:
- Forming a Green Team and Making It Work
- Optimizing Interlibrary Loan throughout ILLINET
- Preservation in a Hybrid World: Past, Present, and Future
- Copyright Compliance in a Web 2.0 World
- Reference Desk Realities
- Turning a Good Grant into a Great Grant
- Internet Safety
- Emergency Preparedness
The Conference registration fee is only $15.00 for the entire event, regardless if participants attend one, two or all three days. To register and see the full conference agenda, go to L2

Contact Gwen Harrison at gharrison@ilsos.net or 217-785-7334 for further information.
Illinois State Library, Literacy
Literacy Spotlight: John Wood Community College
March 2nd, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

Every week the Illinois State Library honors a recipient of one of the literacy grants awarded by Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois State Library Literacy Office. This week they shine the spotlight on John Wood Community College in Quincy.

Several large companies who employ hourly workers reduced their workforce or closed completely in communities served by the literacy program at John Wood Community College (JWCC).

With a shortage of job opportunities, job seekers use the literacy program to become better candidates for positions that are available. An employee of a company that closed was referred to the literacy program at JWCC and began taking GED classes twice a week and working with a tutor once a week. She had worked for nearly 20 years for this company and knew she would need to improve her English literacy in order to obtain another job.

Even though she could communicate fairly well in English, her reading and writing skills were not good. The woman wanted to be at least on the same level as her children who are progressing well in school. Testing has shown that she is improving both her reading level and her writing ability since she started to work with a tutor. In fact, she is so anxious to learn that she begs for homework and will not take a break when she is working her tutor. The future is beginning to look brighter for her.
Grants, Illinois State Library
New Grant Opportunity
March 2nd, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

The Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB), using funding from National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), is offering grants of up to $5,000 to Illinois archives, libraries, museums and other historical records keepers to develop and/or carry out projects to identify, preserve, access and use historical records in Illinois. Guidelines and application forms are located on the ISHRAB page.

The application deadline is March 15th. Applications must be printed, filled out, and mailed. They cannot be submitted on-line. All grants require a one-to-one ($1 for $1) in-kind and/or cash match. Grant projects will run for one year.

The Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board is made up of representatives from different archives, museums, universities and libraries from around the state and seeks to facilitate cooperation among historical records depositories and other information agencies within Illinois. The Illinois State Archives serves as the coordinator of the board.

For additional information, email or call David Joens at 217-782-3492.
Illinois State Library, Library Management
The Impact of the Small Public Library Management Institute (SPLMI)
February 23rd, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?
Kathy Roegge of the Metropolitan Library System and Jim Deiters of the Blue Island Public Library collaborated on an article that focuses on the impact that the Small Public Library Management Institute had on one participant. Following is an excerpt and link to the full article.

In 1994 the Small Public Library Management Institute (SPLMI) was created by the Illinois State Library and Western Illinois University using funds provided by a Library Services and Construction Act (now LSTA) grant. The goals of SPLMI were to:
- Enhance administrative skills
- Develop leadership skills
- Provide opportunities for networking
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Introduce automation, technology and on-line searching techniques
Since its beginning the program has gained local, statewide and national attention. Each year 50 applications from all over the state are accepted to participant in the institute. Topics covered by the institute include laws and legislation impacting libraries, programming, administering a library, director/board relations, standards, customer service and policies. During the 5 days participants are afforded opportunities for networking and to visit other libraries or sites. Over the years the institute has expandeded its requirements to allow more libraries to be able to participate and moved the site of the institute from WIU to the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) in 2001.

In 2007 the State Library, as part of their LSTA Five-Year Evaluation stated “Four dimensions were consistently evaluated across the four years—amount and quality of learning, application of learning, networking, and contact with the Illinois State Library. There were extremely high ratings for the amount and quality of learning, with nearly all giving this the highest ratings. At least nine out of ten participants definitely felt that their new knowledge would change the way they would approach their library responsibilities. Most reported developing a better network of librarians (85 to 94%), and a similar number reported that they were more likely to contact ISL for assistance.”

A recent (2009) participant, Jim Deiters director of the Blue Island Public Library, talks about his experience at SPLMI…(read more)

Any library interested in sending their director or other staff to the 17th Annual Small Public Management Institute should visit the Illinois State Library web site for an application. The deadline for applying is March 1 and the institute will be held at UIS on June 6 – 11.
Illinois State Library
Synergy 2010 Participants Chosen
February 22nd, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

Congratulations to the following individuals selected to take part in Synergy: The Illinois Library Leadership Initiative 2010, the statewide library community’s movement to recruit and nurture future Illinois library leaders.

*Anthony Auston, Palatine Public Library District
*Emily R. Compton-Dzak, Deerfield Public Library
*John I. Ericson, Schaumburg Township District Library
*John R. Fischer, Bloomington Public Library
*Sue Foster, Rock Island Public Library
*Ryan A. Franklin, Mattoon Public Library
*Jeanne Hamilton, Helen Matthes Library, Effingham
*Liz M. Hubert, Barrington Area Library
*Lauren A. Jensen, Monmouth College Hewes Library, Monmouth
*Robert Jones, Illinois State Library
*Esmeralda M. Kale, Herskovits Library of African Studies, Northwestern University
*Susan L. Kunkle, Forest Park Public Library
*Kathy M. Ladell, Northlake Public Library District
*Heather Love Beverley, Cook Memorial Public Library District, Libertyville
*Laura A. Lowe, Des Plaines Valley Public Library District, Lockport Branch Library, Lockport
*Dianne L. Ludwig, Addison Public Library
*Kathy Lynch, Chase Elementary School, Chicago
*Courtney Anne O’Keefe, Des Plaines Public Library
*Susan B. Parsons, Plainfield Public Library District
*Kerrin K. Riley, Hinsdale Central High School
*Christine M. Ross, Brookens Library, University of Illinois at Springfield
*Deborah Shippy, Moline Public Library
*Anne Slaughter, Oak Park Public Library
*Liz Steffensen, Huntley Area Public Library
*Carrie Straka, Vernon Area Public Library District, Lincolnshire
*Penny S. Sympson, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., Northbrook
*Andrea L. Vernola, Woodstock Public Library
*Eric Werthmann, Acorn Public Library, Oak Forest
*Frances Whaley, Jacobs Library, Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby
*Rita Ziemlo Perona, Elmhurst Public Library
Grants, Illinois State Library
Funding Opportunities Chart
February 15th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

The Illinois State Library has put together a funding opportunities chart to help libraries keep all the pertinent information in order. The chart covers opportunities in the areas of construction, telecommunications, and equipment.
Illinois State Library, Literacy
Spotlight Literacy Awards
January 25th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White and the Illinois Press Association have announced that the annual Spotlight on Achievement and Spotlight on Service literacy awards ceremony will be held May 12th at the State Library.

Nominations are now being accepted from literacy providers for the 2010 awards. These awards recognize outstanding achievement made by adult literacy students or families, and outstanding contributions to literacy made by adult literacy volunteer tutors. Nomination forms are available at the State Library website.
Illinois State Library
IPLAR is Here
January 25th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

Public library directors should have received an e-mail from the State Library with everything you need to know about the Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR) FY2010 using the Bibliostat Collect software for data collection. The web-based IPLAR is accessible here.

To access the Bibliostat Collect site, you will need to know your library’s User Name and Password. Your library’s User Name is your control number and main branch number (00, NOT the letter OO).

Your library’s Password is your password for the main branch. If you need assistance with your password contact Becky Hunter or telephone Becky at 217-782-7849 or 1-800-665-5576 x1.

« Previous Entries

BlogJunction Illinois

about

search

Links

Categories

Archives Last 12 Months

Archives By Year

Pages

feeds

Meta

Copyright

Category

Illinois State Library

Illinois State Library, Literacy

Launch of Penny Severns Web-Based Grant Application

Illinois State Library, Literacy

Apply for Penny Severns Literacy Grants

Continuous Learning, Illinois State Library

“On the Front Lines” Coming Up

Illinois State Library, Literacy

Literacy Spotlight: John Wood Community College

Grants, Illinois State Library

New Grant Opportunity

Illinois State Library, Library Management

The Impact of the Small Public Library Management Institute (SPLMI)

Illinois State Library

Synergy 2010 Participants Chosen

Grants, Illinois State Library

Funding Opportunities Chart

Illinois State Library, Literacy

Spotlight Literacy Awards

Illinois State Library

IPLAR is Here