Are you considering running for a library trustee position in April 2013? You can find valuable information in The Candidate’s Gude for 2013 developed by the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Contact election specialist Jamye Sims at JSims@elections.il.gov with any questions or comments.
The Local Election Officials Handbook and the Election and Campaign Finance Calendar for 2013 will be posted to the Board of Elections website in the near future.
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced that entry forms are now available for the Eighth Annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award. Forms and other information may be found here.
“Illinois has a long and rich literary heritage, and these new poets are adding to the storied tradition established by legendary Illinois authors such as Gwendolyn Brooks. Many of our previous winners have had their works published,” said White. “Great poems have the ability to enrich and enhance our lives, and I’m looking forward to discovering talented new poets in this year’s competition.”
The competition is named for the late Pulitzer Prize-winning Illinois Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks, and is co-sponsored by the Illinois Center for the Book and Kevin Stein, who succeeded Brooks as Illinois Poet Laureate. Stein selects the winners of the first, second and third prizes.
The competition is open to Illinois residents age 18 and over. Entries must be postmarked by June 30, 2012. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, and winning poems will be submitted for possible publication in Ninth Letter, RHINO, and Quiddity magazines and Poetic License Press publications. Winners will read their poems and receive their prizes from Secretary White and Kevin Stein at a ceremony later this year at the Illinois State Library in Springfield.
For more information, email Illinois Center for the Book Coordinator Bonnie Matheis at bmatheis@ilsos.net or call her at 217-558-2065.
Library Journal magazine is collecting data for its annual December architectural issue of finished library projects. Library Journal is looking for ONLY new buildings and renovations/additions completed between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. Find the questionnaire here.
The deadline for completed questionnaires is October 3, 2011.
If you received “E-news from the ISL” in your e-mailbox last friday, you noticed the new format. Friday’s issue of “E-News from the ISL” marks the first issue of a new, easier to read, more eye-catching format. You’ll notice links to the Illinois State Library’s website, links to WebJunction Illinois and the WJIL blog, and even a link at the bottom to subscribe. We hope you enjoy the new newsletter!
You can subscribe and unsubscribe from the E-news support page, as well as view archives and subscribe to the RSS feed. With this upgrade of “E-news”, copies will not longer be stored on BlogJunction Illinois, since full archives and RSS feed are available from ISL’s Library Newsletters. Also, the feed is going to ISL page on WebJunction Illinois (see the right side of the page).
Note: Those of you receiving our first issues may have noticed it was Volume 1, Issue 2. Consider this issue a collector’s item, as it should have been numbered Issue 1. So, when Issue 2 arrives in your mailbox this week, it is not a duplicate – it is the official Issue 2. The archives will correctly reflect the volume/issue numbers.
THIS WEEK AT THE ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY (August 29, 2008)
Jesse White, Secretary of State and State Librarian
Anne Craig, Director
THE STATE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY
IN THIS ISSUE:
TAKE OUR SURVEY!
The Illinois State Library is committed to providing you with the best possible service, and we always welcome your feedback about the many services we provide. We have prepared a brief new communications survey that we encourage you to complete. It should take 5-10 minutes. Your input is extremely valuable in helping us prepare for the future.
Take the survey. Thanks to the hundreds of you who have already completed the survey.
INSIGHT GOES GREEN
You may have received in the mail the most recent issue of Insight, our bi-monthly ISL newsletter. In an effort to streamline production and distribution while conserving valuable state resources, Insight will be published online only beginning with the upcoming September/October issue. If you’re already receiving this weekly electronic newsletter, we’ll announce in E-news when a new issue of Insight is available, and include the link for you to download it.
THE BIG READ
Last week we mentioned that the State Library received one of 208 grants awarded nationwide by the National Endowment for the Arts to participate in “The Big Read”. The Illinois State Library’s “The Big Read in West Central Illinois” has its official kickoff next Tuesday, September 2 with a news conference at the State Library. Director Anne Craig and Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin will be among those participating. A website with complete details of the west central Illinois Big Read campaign is located at the Illinois Center for the Book’s website.
We weren’t the only Illinois library to receive a “Big Read” grant. Congratulations to the following libraries that will also have local “Big Read” programs:
IPLAR DEADLINE IS MONDAY!
This is an important reminder for every Illinois public library district that next Monday September 1 is the deadline to submit your FY2008 Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR). All other types of public libraries (city, town, township, village) should already have submitted their annual report to the Illinois State Library since their FY2008 fiscal year ended on or before June 30.
An information packet with username/password and access information was mailed to every public library in late April/early May. Access information (other than username/password).
The IPLAR URL is [http://collect.informata.com]. If your library has not already done so, please begin working on your IPLAR immediately in order comply with legal deadlines as detailed in the Illinois Compiled Statutes [hereinafter referred to as ILCS] to: (1) compile, preserve and publish public library statistical information [15 ILCS 320/7(m)], and (2) compile the annual report of local public libraries and library systems submitted to the State Librarian pursuant to law [15 ILCS 320/7(n)].
For information contact: Ron Winner at 217-785-1168.
IMPORTANT PUBLIC LIBRARY SURVEY
The 2008 National Survey of Public Library Funding and Technology Access will launch next Tuesday, September 2 and will close November 7th. The State Library strongly encourages public libraries to complete the survey online beginning next Tuesday. Public libraries will, however, also receive a print version of the survey in the mail.
READ FOR A LIFETIME
With school starting up again, high school students may be interested in participating in the State Library’s highly acclaimed Read for a Lifetime program. Read for a Lifetime was the state’s first program specifically targeting high school readers. The primary goal of the program is to promote the enjoyment of reading and hopefully encourage readers to develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Students participating in the program receive a list of 25 book titles, representing a mixture of classic and contemporary literature.
More information, including reading lists and participation forms.
E-RATE NEWS
The deadline for filing an invoice for Funding Year 2008 recurring services is October 28, 2008. Make sure you file a BEAR form online or send your service provider a paper copy in plenty of time to get the service provider’s approval. If the service provider’s approval comes after the invoicing deadline, you will have to submit an invoice deadline extension request, and after your request is approved, resubmit the invoice. Remember that you do not have to wait for the Funding Year 2009 window to open in order to file a Form 470 for Funding Year 2009.
(USAC “Schools and Libraries News Brief.” August 22, 2008)
LITERACY SPOTLIGHT
Every week we honor a provider who receives a literacy grant from Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois State Library Literacy Office. This week we shine the spotlight on the C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation in Effingham. A young woman with learning disabilities enrolled in the Adult Basic Education program at C.E.F.S. and was matched with a tutor that helped her achieve several remarkable goals. She obtained her driver’s license, learned to cook, increased her time and money management skills, and completed forms on her own.
The woman continues to work with her tutor and strives to increase her reading skills so she can apply for a Certified Nursing Assistant program at her local community college.
Learn more about the ISL Literacy Office and the hundreds of literacy providers who receive grants from us.
GOVDOCINFO
This week’s Democratic National Convention and next week’s Republican Convention are a reminder that the general election is less than ten weeks away-mark your calendar now for November 4. The Illinois State Board of Elections has valuable election information.
CULTURAL AWARENESS: DIVERSITY IN ACTION
Diversity is celebrated at the Rudy Lozano Branch of the Chicago Public Library, as it celebrates the legacy of Rudy Lozano, the Mexican-American activist who was killed on June 8, 1983 at his home.
The library was named for Lozano and contains posters, pictures and documents reflecting his life and activities in Chicago. The facility also contains many Spanish language collections.
The 25th anniversary commemoration of his death was marked by the dedication of exhibits by Hispanic artists Hector Duarte and Cynthia Weiss.
ILLINOIS DIGITAL ARCHIVES
Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the beginning of the end of summer, and we hope the long weekend allows you to frolic like these bathing beauties did at a beach near the Kishwaukee River during the 1920′s. The photo comes from the Cherry Valley Public Library and the Cherry Valley Historical Society.
ILLINOIS INVENTOR OF THE WEEK
To mark this week’s Democratic National Convention and honor the longtime symbol of the Democratic Party, Homer E. Cole of Eldorado is this week’s Illinois Inventor of the Week. On June 8, 1937, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued Patent Number 2,083,431 to Cole for “Donkey’s Bray.” And yes, in the spirit of bipartisanship, next week we’ll have an elephant related patent!
The Illinois State Library Patent & Trademark Depository Library is available to assist you with your patent and trademark questions. Contact us at (217) 782-5659.
The ISL Patent and Trademark Library has prepared new indices of inventors from Randolph and Fayette Counties.
SPREAD THE NEWS ABOUT E-NEWS!
Our weekly newsletter is the best source available to find out what’s going on at the State Library-everything from grant offerings and important meetings to news about electronic resources. We’re glad to have you as a subscriber, but if you know of anyone else you think should be getting E-news from the ISL, let us know and we’ll sign him or her up, or have him or her contact Pat McGuckin. Join the more than 6,000 subscribers who depend on E-news every Friday to find out what’s happening at the State Library!
Questions about “E-News from the ISL” should be referred to Pat McGuckin, Illinois State Library or 217-558-4029. Please let me know if you ever have trouble accessing any of the website or e-mail links listed in the weekly newsletter.
THIS WEEK AT THE ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY (August 22, 2008)
Jesse White, Secretary of State and State Librarian
Anne Craig, Director
IN THIS ISSUE:
TAKE OUR SURVEY!
The Illinois State Library is committed to providing you with the best possible service, and we always welcome your feedback about the many services we provide. We have prepared a brief new communications survey that we encourage you to complete. It should take 5-10 minutes. Your input is extremely valuable in helping us prepare for the future.
GRANT TALKIN’…STAYIN’ CONNECTED-LSTA GRANTS
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded FY09 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants totaling $3.19 million to 106 of Illinois’ academic, public, school and special libraries and regional library systems.
“It is always a pleasure to award LSTA grants each year because these funds reward libraries for being creative and innovative,” White said. “LSTA grants are designed so that librarians can identify specific local needs and use these funds to address those needs. They help provide our libraries with some of the financial resources they need to remain our state’s most reliable sources for information. Over the last ten years, LSTA grants have produced hundreds of worthwhile new programs in Illinois’ libraries, library systems and museums with libraries. I congratulate all of our grant recipients for their hard work and creativity in seeking to address their patrons needs.”
This year’s LSTA grants were awarded in four categories:
LSTA funding is awarded to states by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Illinois State Library administers LSTA funding awarded to the state of Illinois each year, and issues grants to applicants who seek funding as part of a competitive grant program. LSTA grants are available for the development of projects that specifically provide and focus on library service, new initiatives and library activities. All types of libraries-academic, public, school and special-and regional library systems and museums with libraries are eligible for funding.
See a list of all recipients.
THE BIG READ
This past June, the National Endowment for the Arts, in cooperation with Arts Midwest, announced that 208 libraries, municipalities and arts, culture and science organizations throughout the United States were awarded grants to participate in “The Big Read”. The Illinois State Library’s “The Big Read in West Central Illinois” was among those awarded a grant.
“The Big Read” is a nationwide reading initiative to restore reading to the center of American culture. The book selected by the State Library for “The Big Read in West Central Illinois” is “Fahrenheit 451″ by Illinois native Ray Bradbury. With its themes of censorship, freedom of thought, and the effects of television and technology on society, Bradbury’s classic novel is as relevant today as when it was published in 1953.
Joining the State Library as west central Illinois Big Read participants are:
All participants are from areas served by our grant partner, Network Knowledge, the Public Broadcasting System stations in West Central Illinois (WMEC/WQEC/WSEC TV).
Kick-off programs by some of the communities are scheduled to begin as early as September 2. Among other events, Bradbury will be awarded the Illinois Literary Heritage Award from the Illinois Center for the Book. “The Big Read in West Central Illinois” will also incorporate Banned Books Week and Fire Prevention Week during the fall of 2008.
For more information on the programs currently scheduled for The Big Read in West Central Illinois, visit the national Big Read website.
A local website will be available September 2. Information about that website will be announced here next week.
CONGRATULATIONS VICKI!
We’re delighted to pass along congratulations to ISL Webmaster Vicki Strohm, who recently marked her 35th anniversary as an employee of the State Library. Thanks for all of your hard work, Vicki!
READ FOR A LIFETIME
With school starting up again, high school students may be interested in participating in the State Library’s highly acclaimed Read for a Lifetime program. Read for a Lifetime was the state’s first program specifically targeting high school readers. The primary goal of the program is to promote the enjoyment of reading and hopefully encourage readers to develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Students participating in the program receive a list of 25 book titles, representing a mixture of classic and contemporary literature. More information, including reading lists and participation forms, can be found online.
IPLAR DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 1
This is an important reminder for every Illinois public library district that September 1 is the deadline to submit your FY2008 Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR). All other types of public libraries (city, town, township, village) should already have submitted their annual report to the Illinois State Library since their FY2008 fiscal year ended on or before June 30.
An information packet with username/password and access information was mailed to every public library in late April/early May. Access information (other than username/password).
The IPLAR URL is [http://collect.informata.com]. If your library has not already done so, please begin working on your IPLAR immediately in order comply with legal deadlines as detailed in the Illinois Compiled Statutes [hereinafter referred to as ILCS] to: (1) compile, preserve and publish public library statistical information [15 ILCS 320/7(m)], and (2) compile the annual report of local public libraries and library systems submitted to the State Librarian pursuant to law [15 ILCS 320/7(n)].
For information contact: Ron Winner at 217-785-1168.
ILLINOIS BLUE BOOKS
If your library has not received the 2007-2008 edition of the Illinois Blue Book and would like a copy, please send an e-mail to Mary Downing. Please indicate “Blue Book” in the subject and specify your library name and ILDS route code in the body of the message.
The Blue Book is available online. Earlier editions of the Blue Book are available via the Illinois Digital Archives, in the Illinois Blue Book collection.
LITERACY SPOTLIGHT
Every week we honor a provider who receives a literacy grant from Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois State Library Literacy Office. This week we shine the spotlight on the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) of Chicago. One student has studied at CMAA on and off for the past eight years. She originally managed to obtain a low-level position in a local bank where Mandarin was spoken. She could not get a better job at the bank, however, until she returned to CMAA for additional English classes. After much hard work, this student was promoted to a position that required English fluency. She eventually was promoted again and relocated in the suburban location where she was able to purchase a small condominium of her own.
When another student was unable to find a job due to her inability to speak English, she also visited CMAA. After studying very hard, the student managed to obtain a job bussing dishes in a local restaurant. She continued to study and has now been promoted to a server position where she earns more money and is able to interact directly with customers in English.
Learn more about the ISL Literacy Office and the hundreds of literacy providers who receive grants from us.
GOVDOCINFO
It may not receive the attention the Illinois State Fair achieves, but the DuQuoin State Fair is still a terrific event for folks visiting Southern Illinois. The event starts tomorrow.
CULTURAL AWARENESS: DIVERSITY IN ACTION
The Annual Diversity In Libraries “DiversiTEA!” will be held on September 24th from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at the Illinois Library Association Annual Conference at Navy Pier in Chicago. This year the event features ethnic cuisine, speakers, a lively discussion on the importance of creating equal access in libraries and music from a high school chorus. A fundraiser and raffle benefit the Sylvia Murphy Williams Scholarship Fund for minorities in library science.
The moderator is ISL Diversity Program Manager Vandella Brown. Pre-registration is required, and information can be found online.
ILLINOIS DIGITAL ARCHIVES
Illinois will be center stage in Denver next week as our junior U.S. Senator, Barack Obama, accepts the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States. The last U.S. President with an Illinois connection was native son Ronald Reagan. See a flyer promoting President Reagan’s appearance at the Illinois State Fair in 1986.
ILLINOIS INVENTOR OF THE WEEK
Clarence D. Reed of Chicago is this week’s Illinois Inventor of the Week. On September 11, 1934, Reed was granted United States Design Patent Number D93,287, for “Design for Candy.” He assigned it to Reed Candy Company of Chicago. The Illinois State Library Patent & Trademark Depository Library is available to assist you with your patent and trademark questions. Contact us at (217) 782-5659.
SPREAD THE NEWS ABOUT E-NEWS!
Our weekly newsletter is the best source available to find out what’s going on at the State Library-everything from grant offerings and important meetings to news about electronic resources. We’re glad to have you as a subscriber, but if you know of anyone else you think should be getting E-news from the ISL, let us know and we’ll sign him or her up, or have him or her contact Pat McGuckin. Join the more than 6,000 subscribers who depend on E-news every Friday to find out what’s happening at the State Library!
Questions about “E-News from the ISL” should be referred to Pat McGuckin, Illinois State Library or 217-558-4029. Please let me know if you ever have trouble accessing any of the website or e-mail links listed in the weekly newsletter.
THIS WEEK AT THE ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY (August 15, 2008)
Jesse White, Secretary of State and State Librarian
Anne Craig, Director
IN THIS ISSUE:
CONGRATULATIONS SHARON!
We were thrilled to learn this week that the Illinois Library Association has named Sharon Ruda, Associate Director, ISL Talking Book & Braille Service, their 2008 Librarian of the Year. Sharon will receive her award at the ILA annual conference at Navy Pier in Chicago next month. ISL Director Anne Craig received the same award in 2006. Congratulations to Sharon on a well-deserved honor that reflects the outstanding work performed by the TBBS staff.
MORE CONGRATS!
ISL Director Anne Craig presented 15-year employment certificates to ISL employees Becky Hunter and Lynn Bierma this week, and a 10-year certificate to Mary Downing.
Becky serves as an Administrative Assistant in the Library Development Group, where Mary serves as Specialized Services Consultant. Lynn serves as Interlibrary Loan Operations Coordinator in the Library Operations division. Thanks to all of you for all of your hard work and dedication!
GRANT TALKIN’…STAYIN’ CONNECTED
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White and ISL Director Anne Craig will be sending notification letters during the next two weeks to applicants of FY09 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants. Any questions about the grants can be addressed to LSTA consultant Karen Egan.
IPLAR DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 1
This is an important reminder for every Illinois public library district that September 1 is the deadline to submit your FY2008 Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR). All other types of public libraries (city, town, township, village) should already have submitted their annual report to the Illinois State Library since their FY2008 fiscal year ended on or before June 30.
An information packet with username/password and access information was mailed to every public library in late April/early May. Access information (other than username/password).
The IPLAR URL is [http://collect.informata.com]. If your library has not already done so, please begin working on your IPLAR immediately in order comply with legal deadlines as detailed in the Illinois Compiled Statutes [hereinafter referred to as ILCS] to: (1) compile, preserve and publish public library statistical information [15 ILCS 320/7(m)], and (2) compile the annual report of local public libraries and library systems submitted to the State Librarian pursuant to law [15 ILCS 320/7(n)].
For information contact: Ron Winner at 217-785-1168.
WEBJUNCTION ILLINOIS NEWS
If you’re confused, bothered or bewildered by the implementation of a new platform and other changes on WebJunction Illinois, here are 5 steps and some important tips to get you started on your WJIL 2.0 journey.
Additionally, there’s a series of new logos for you to use in your communications regarding WebJunction Illinois. You will find them on the new site, and can use them when posting information about WJIL, or in any other context that you feel is relevant:
You may either right click to save the files on this page, or download the individual logo files from the same page.
LAST WEEKEND FOR THE STATE FAIR
We’ve had the best weather in recent memory for this year’s Illinois State Fair, and it’s been a pleasure seeing some familiar friendly faces at our booths in Secretary of State Jesse White’s tent and the Illinois Building. We’ve visited with some library trustees, school librarians, regional library system staff and even a few patrons. The Fair ends Sunday, so if you’re in Springfield this weekend, stop by and say hello!
ILLINOIS BLUE BOOKS
If your library has not received the 2007-2008 edition of the Illinois Blue Book and would like a copy, please send an e-mail to Mary Downing at mdowning@ilsos.net <mailto:mdowning@ilsos.net>. Please indicate “Blue Book” in the subject and specify your library name and ILDS route code in the body of the message.
The Blue Book is available online. Earlier editions of the Blue Book are available via the Illinois Digital Archives, in the Illinois Blue Book collection.
AUGUST 20 DEADLINE FOR INTERNET LIBRARIAN CONFERENCE DISCOUNT
A discount is being offered to all ILLINET member libraries for the Internet Librarian 2008 Conference, held at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California October 20-22. A special rate of $275.00 is available. In addition, discount prices of $199 on the Internet@Schools West Conference (October 20-21) and $275 for the combo of the Internet Librarian general conference and Internet@Schools West Conference is also available. Pre-conference workshops are not included.
For more information regarding conference topics, preliminary program, hotel information and exhibitors list, visit the conference website.To receive a registration form with special discounted ILLINET member pricing, contact Jill Heffernan at 217-557-3386. To obtain the discount, forms must be returned to Jill by August 20th.
LAST PER CAPITA GRANT WORKSHOP NEXT FRIDAY
The State Library has been offering workshops at the regional library systems to explain requirements for obtaining an Illinois State Library Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid grant. Only one workshop remains, on August 22nd at Lewis and Clark Library System. Contact Mary Downing at 217-782-5506 or Jeanne Urbanek at 217-524-0050 for more information.
LITERACY SPOTLIGHT
Every week we honor a provider who receives a literacy grant from Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois State Library Literacy Office. This week we shine the spotlight on Carl Sandburg College. At Sandburg’s Carthage campus, about one-third of the literacy students receive math tutoring. They use calculators, and one of the students that mastered the calculator enjoys teaching other adult learners how to use the various calculator functions.
In addition to working with a reading and math tutor, she attended an Adult Basic Education (ABE) class. She made steady gains and became more confident. Once her reading level improved, she took the GED test and passed the social studies and reading sections. The student continued to work on reading, writing and math skills and passed the writing and science GED tests. It took several tries to pass the math test, working twice a week with a tutor and going to an ABE class to polish her math skills. The student tried
again and passed the GED math test. She cried upon receiving her GED. She now has more time to volunteer in her community as well as continue to teach calculator skills to adult learners.
Learn more about the ISL Literacy Office and the hundreds of literacy providers who receive grants from us.
GOVDOCINFO
With school starting again, the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health are reminding parents about immunizations students must have to attend classes.
CULTURAL AWARENESS: DIVERSITY IN ACTION
National libraries reflect the true diversity and global scope of the library community. Check out the websites of national libraries from Argentina to Wales.
ILLINOIS DIGITAL ARCHIVES
The start of school for many students next week means the return of high school football. Here’s a photo of the 1939 Towanda High School football team, known as the Green Hornets. The photo comes from the collection of Illinois State University’s Milner Library, courtesy of the Towanda Area Historical Society/Towanda District Library.
ILLINOIS INVENTOR OF THE WEEK
Sidney Diamond of Barrington Hills is this week’s Illinois Inventor of the Week. On August 22, 2000, Diamond received Design Patent Number D429,547, from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, for “Pacifier Lollypop.” Diamond has many patents and has assigned his five pacifier lollypops to Imaginings 3, Inc. of Niles, Illinois.
The Illinois State Library Patent & Trademark Depository Library is available to assist you with your patent and trademark questions. Contact us at (217) 782-5659.
The ISL Patent and Trademark Library has prepared a new index of Sangamon County inventors from 1838 to 1900.
SPREAD THE NEWS ABOUT E-NEWS!
Our weekly newsletter is the best source available to find out what’s going on at the State Library-everything from grant offerings and important meetings to news about electronic resources. We’re glad to have you as a subscriber, but if you know of anyone else you think should be getting E-news from the ISL, let us know and we’ll sign him or her up, or have him or her contact Pat McGuckin. Join the more than 6,000 subscribers who depend on E-news every Friday to find out what’s happening at the State Library!
Questions about “E-News from the ISL” should be referred to Pat McGuckin, Illinois State Library or 217-558-4029. Please let me know if you ever have trouble accessing any of the website or e-mail links listed in the weekly newsletter.
THIS WEEK AT THE ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY (August 8, 2008)
Jesse White, Secretary of State and State Librarian
Anne Craig, Director
SEE YOU AT THE ILLINOIS STATE FAIR!
AUGUST 8-17
IN THIS ISSUE:
IT’S STATE FAIR TIME AGAIN!
Thanks to everyone who made Secretary of State Jesse White’s annual pre-Illinois State Fair Project Next Generation picnic a big success Thursday. More than 200 PNG students, mentors and friends attended, representing programs from Alton, Bethany, Champaign, Decatur, Effingham, Harrisburg, Kankakee, Macomb, Peoria, Quincy and Springfield.
The State Library welcomes visitors to stop by our booths in Secretary White’s tent and the Illinois Building at the State Fair, which kicks off today. The Fair runs through Sunday August 17, and we’ll be offering bookmarks, brochures and shopping bags in Secretary White’s tent. The ISL Talking Book and Braille Service has set up shop in the Illinois Building and is providing information on the many services TBBS offers to print disabled patrons. If you plan to be in Springfield, make the State Fair a part of your travels and stop by and say hello!
NEW INAC MEMBERS
Congratulations to the four new members who have been appointed to the ILLINET Network Advisory Council:
LIBRARY SYSTEM STANDARDS COMMITTEE
The committee roster for the Library System Standards Committee has been finalized. Congratulations to Jane Sharka, past president of the Illinois School Library Media Association, who is joining the committee. During the next twelve months, the committee will be revising the library system standards with input from the Illinois library community.
GRANT TALKIN’…STAYIN’ CONNECTED
September 19th is only six weeks away, and LSTA grant consultant Karen Egan sends along a reminder that September 19th is the deadline to email final reports to her if you’re an FY08 LSTA grant recipient. Don’t put it off until the last minute!
AUGUST 20 DEADLINE FOR INTERNET LIBRARIAN CONFERENCE DISCOUNT
A discount is being offered to all ILLINET member libraries for the Internet Librarian 2008 Conference, held at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California October 20-22. A special rate of $275.00 is available. In addition, discount prices of $199 on the Internet@Schools West Conference (October 20-21) and $275 for the combo of the Internet Librarian general conference and Internet@Schools West Conference is also available. Pre-conference workshops are not included.
For more information regarding conference topics, preliminary program, hotel information and exhibitors list, visit the conference website.To receive a registration form with special discounted ILLINET member pricing, contact Jill Heffernan at 217-557-3386. To obtain the discount, forms must be returned to Jill by August 20th.
ONLY ONE PER CAPITA GRANT WORKSHOP REMAINING
The State Library has been offering workshops at the regional library systems to explain requirements for obtaining an Illinois State Library Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid grant. Only one workshop remains, on August 22nd at Lewis and Clark Library System.Contact Mary Downing at 217-782-5506 or Jeanne Urbanek at 217-524-0050 for more information.
E-RATE NEWS
The FCC released a Public Notice (FCC 08-180) establishing the comment period for the draft Funding Year 2009 Eligible Services List. Comments on the draft Eligible Services List, which is attached to the Public Notice, are due on or before August 14, 2008. Reply comments are due on or before August 21, 2008.
The FCC also issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 08-173) seeking comment on whether certain services should be designated as eligible for funding in Funding Year 2009. The due dates for comments and reply comments will depend on the date of publication of the Notice in the Federal Register.
LITERACY SPOTLIGHT
Every week we honor a provider who receives a literacy grant from Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois State Library Literacy Office. This week we shine the spotlight on Blue Gargoyle Adult Learning Program in Chicago. Michael Dellar had a difficult childhood, filled with experiences no child should have to endure. Two years ago he began learning to read and write with the help of his volunteer tutor, Paul Strauss. Left homeless by his sister, Michael was able to move into his own apartment with the assistance of Blue Gargoyle and a social service agency.
What could have been a major setback preventing his continued affiliation with Blue Gargoyle has turned into a momentous first in his life. Michael has since experienced other significant “firsts.” He now has a part-time job and a copy of his birth certificate and a state identification card, which he has never possessed before. Michael has learned to ride the Chicago Transit Authority bus alone and has been in downtown Chicago several times. He now uses a computer and works on his own stories. Michael is learning to interact professionally within a work environment and is proud of his job, taking his new responsibilities very seriously. Michael and Paul were both Spotlight award winners that were announced by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White last May.
Learn more about the ISL Literacy Office and the hundreds of literacy providers who receive grants from us.
GOVDOCINFO
Everything you want to know about this year’s Illinois State Fair.
CULTURAL AWARENESS: DIVERSITY IN ACTION
“The Digital TV Transition: What You Need to Know About DTV” will be presented at Beardstown Houston Memorial Library on August 18, 2008 from 11:00 am.-12:30 pm by the Illinois State Library’s Diversity Program. This free workshop includes information on the changes from analog to digital television that will occur after February 17, 2009. Developed by the Federal Communications Commission and WebJunction, this workshop is open to the public but focuses on Spanish-speaking persons, senior citizens, rural communities and other minorities. Review the web site, www.dtv2009.gov for more information.
ILLINOIS DIGITAL ARCHIVES
One of the most popular staples of the Illinois State Fair is the butter cow. Here’s a photo of the 1953 butter cow, courtesy of The Illinois State Fair Museum.
ILLINOIS INVENTOR OF THE WEEK
Omar H. Jewell of Chicago is this week’s Illinois Inventor of the Week. On February 7, 1888, the United States Patent Office granted him Patent Number 377,390, for “Feed Water Purifier.” He received many patents for manufacturing ice and improving the quality of water. Jewell founded the O.H. Jewell Filter Company of Chicago and was voted into the American Water Works Association’s Water Utility Hall of Fame in 1974.
The Illinois State Library Patent & Trademark Depository Library is available to assist you with your patent and trademark questions. Contact us at (217) 782-5659.
The ISL Patent and Trademark Library has prepared a new index of Sangamon County inventors from 1838 to 1900.
SPREAD THE NEWS ABOUT E-NEWS!
Our weekly newsletter is the best source available to find out what’s going on at the State Library-everything from grant offerings and important meetings to news about electronic resources. We’re glad to have you as a subscriber, but if you know of anyone else you think should be getting E-news from the ISL, let us know and we’ll sign him or her up, or have him or her contact Pat McGuckin. Join the more than 6,000 subscribers who depend on E-news every Friday to find out what’s happening at the State Library!
Questions about “E-News from the ISL” should be referred to Pat McGuckin, Illinois State Library or 217-558-4029. Please let me know if you ever have trouble accessing any of the website or e-mail links listed in the weekly newsletter.
THIS WEEK AT THE ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY (August 1, 2008)
Jesse White, Secretary of State and State Librarian
Anne Craig, Director
SEE YOU AT THE ILLINOIS STATE FAIR!
AUGUST 8-17
IN THIS ISSUE:
IT’S STATE FAIR TIME AGAIN!
The State Library welcomes visitors to stop by our booths in Secretary of State Jesse White’s tent and the Illinois Building at the Illinois State Fair, which kicks off one week from today in Springfield. The fair runs through Sunday August 17, and we’ll be offering bookmarks and shopping bags in Secretary White’s tent. The ISL Talking Book and Braille Service will set up shop in the Illinois Building and provide information on the many services TBBS offers to print disabled patrons. Secretary White will hold his annual pre-Fair picnic for Project Next Generation programs at the State Library next Thursday. This always-popular event allows PNG students, mentors and friends to meet one another, share ideas, eat and drink and enjoy a performance by the amazing Jesse White Tumblers. If you plan to be in Springfield, make the State Fair a part of your travels and stop by and say hello!
NEW INAC MEMBERS
Congratulations to the four new members who have been appointed to the ILLINET Network Advisory Council:
GRANT TALKIN’…STAYIN’ CONNECTED
September 19th is only seven weeks away, and LSTA grant consultant Karen Egan sends along a reminder that September 19th is the deadline to email final reports to her if you’re an FY08 LSTA grant recipient. Don’t put it off until the last minute!
INTERNET LIBRARIAN CONFERENCE DISCOUNT
A discount is being offered to all ILLINET member libraries for the Internet Librarian 2008 Conference, held at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California October 20-22. A special rate of $275.00 is available. In addition, discount prices of $199 on the Internet@Schools West Conference (October 20-21) and $275 for the combo of the Internet Librarian general conference and Internet@Schools West Conference is also available. Pre-conference workshops are not included.
For more information regarding conference topics, preliminary program, hotel information and exhibitors list, visit the conference website.To receive a registration form with special discounted ILLINET member pricing, contact Jill Heffernan at 217-557-3386. To obtain the discount, forms must be returned to Jill by August 20th.
NEW WEBJUNCTION ILLINOIS PLATFORM ON MONDAY!
WebJunction Illinois, the hugely popular online community for librarians, will be launching a new platform on Monday, with many new features and an updated user interface. We think you’ll appreciate and enjoy the changes you’re going to see in WebJunction Illinois. Check out the WJIL “before and after” pictures and stories in the most recent WJIL “What’s New”.
PER CAPITA GRANT WORKSHOPS
The State Library has been offering workshops at the regional library systems to explain requirements for obtaining an Illinois State Library Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid grant. ISL staff review the grant application and explain requirements that will be in place for the next three years to obtain a grant. Persons wanting to participate should sign up at the system whose training they will be attending, and participants may attend a workshop at any of the systems offering training. While the workshops are not mandatory, participation is encouraged. Contact Mary Downing at 217-782-5506 or Jeanne Urbanek at 217-524-0050 for more information.
Only three more workshops are scheduled:
E-RATE NEWS
The SLD’s News Brief for July 25th is a follow up of the June 6th News Brief that provided a number of tips for filing a Form 486 online (see SLD-NB 6/6/08 ). This week’s version includes the following tips:
(E-Rate Central News for the Week. July 28, 2008)
LITERACY SPOTLIGHT
Every week we honor a provider who receives a literacy grant from Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois State Library Literacy Office. This week we shine the spotlight on Alpha Temple in Chicago. The adult literacy program at Alpha Temple was started 11 years ago as a result of a mother’s near fatal error. Unable to read the directions on a prescription, the mother gave her child the wrong medication. Fortunately, the child reached the hospital in time. The mother realized she needed to learn to read.
Alpha Temple’s program is located in the Englewood community, and offers instruction in reading, math and employability skills. Alpha Temple is a safe haven from dangerous streets as well as a valued community resource. One of Alpha’s students has retired from a job after 35 years of employment. His goal at the age of 72 is to read labels so he can grocery shop, write letters and read his Bible. Another student is a 27-year-old single mother whose goal is to obtain a GED, read stories to her children and find employment. With the assistance of volunteer tutors and community partners, Alpha Temple offers flexibility in hours, days and locations for their students.
Learn more about the ISL Literacy Office and the hundreds of literacy providers who receive grants from us.
GOVDOCINFO
Everything you want to know about this year’s Illinois State Fair.
CULTURAL AWARENESS: DIVERSITY IN ACTION
The Springfield Race Riot of 1908 is the subject of exhibits and programs at the Illinois State Library in August. In commemoration of the centennial of this landmark event, the State Library is hosting ” The Summer of Hate Exhibit,” containing 14 banners. The ISL Diversity Program has also developed a bibliography and materials describing the Race Riot. Books include Summer of Rage: the Springfield Race Riot of 1908 by James Krohe, The Sociogenesis of a Race Riot: Springfield, Illinois, in 1908 by Roberta Senechal and “Riot in Springfield” in Outlook, August 22, 1908.
On August 27, the ISL Diversity Program will host a noontime presentation of “The Race Riot of 1908” by Curtis Mann.
ILLINOIS DIGITAL ARCHIVES
IDA continues to add content to our collection entitled “The Illinois State Fair Museum“.
ILLINOIS INVENTOR OF THE WEEK
Sol S. Leaf of Chicago is this week’s Illinois Inventor of the Week. On February 28, 1933, Leaf was issued United States Patent Number 1,899,511 for “Ice Cream Sandwich.” Leaf received more than 18 patents for designs related to ice cream, ice cream products and ice cream making equipment. He assigned his inventions to the corporation he founded, Overland Candy Corporation of Chicago. The Illinois State Library Patent & Trademark Depository Library is available to assist you with your patent and trademark questions. Contact us at (217) 782-5659.
The ISL Patent and Trademark Library has prepared a new index of Sangamon County inventors from 1838 to 1900.
SPREAD THE NEWS ABOUT E-NEWS!
Our weekly newsletter is the best source available to find out what’s going on at the State Library-everything from grant offerings and important meetings to news about electronic resources. We’re glad to have you as a subscriber, but if you know of anyone else you think should be getting E-news from the ISL, let us know and we’ll sign him or her up, or have him or her contact Pat McGuckin. Join the more than 6,000 subscribers who depend on E-news every Friday to find out what’s happening at the State Library!
Questions about “E-News from the ISL” should be referred to Pat McGuckin, Illinois State Library or 217-558-4029. Please let me know if you ever have trouble accessing any of the website or e-mail links listed in the weekly newsletter.
THIS WEEK AT THE ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY (July 25, 2008)
Jesse White, Secretary of State and State Librarian
Anne Craig, Director
IN THIS ISSUE:
E-RICH FY2009 OFFERINGS
Information about FY2009 electronic resource offerings from the Illinois State Library has been posted to our website.
LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE
Each year the State Library and the Illinois Center for the Book sponsor “Letters About Literature” in partnership with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and Target Stores. Letters About Literature is a reading and writing promotion for students in grades 4 – 12 where students read a book and write a personal letter to the author explaining how the book changed his/her perception of the world. Students can participate through their schools, youth programs, libraries or individually.
State and National winners are selected from three different judging levels based on the grade of the participating student. National winners receive a $10,000 grant for their school or community library and National honorable mentions receive a $1000 grant for the same.
Letters About Literature informational packets are sent to public and private schools across Illinois in early September, and Illinois libraries are more than welcome to be added to this mailer. If you would like to have your library added to the mailing list or have questions about Letters About Literature, please contact Bonnie Matheis, Coordinator of the Illinois Center for the Book at 217-558-2065.
The deadline to enter the 2009 Letters About Literature competition is December 14, 2008. State winners will be announced in April 2009 and national winners will be announced in May 2009. For additional information about previous Letters About Literature competitions and winners, feel free to go to the Illinois Center for the Book website. Specific information about the 2009 competition will be posted to the website in early September.
GRANT TALKIN’…STAYIN’ CONNECTED
LSTA grant recipients continue to share wonderful reports about how they are using their grant funds. You’ll find the reports at the WebJunction Illinois blog.
PER CAPITA GRANT WORKSHOPS
The State Library is offering workshops at the regional library systems during the next few months to explain requirements for obtaining an Illinois State Library Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid grant. ISL staff will review the grant application and explain requirements that will be in place for the next three years to obtain a grant. Persons wanting to participate should sign up at the system whose training they will be attending, and participants may attend a workshop at any of the systems offering training. While the workshops are not mandatory, participation is encouraged. Contact Mary Downing at 217-782-5506 or Jeanne Urbanek at 217-524-0050 for more information.
Grant workshops are as follows, with more to be scheduled:
E-RATE NEWS
The deadline for filing invoices (applicant BEARs or service provider SPIs) for recurring FY 2007 services is October 28, 2008. Some applicants are reporting receiving error messages when submitting online BEARs. It appears that these are false error messages and that the BEARs actually have been successfully submitted. This can be confirmed by checking for pending online BEARs. We understand that the SLD is aware of this problem and is working on a solution. Applicants should not try to solve the problem themselves by resubmitting duplicate BEARs.
(E-Rate Central News for the Week, July 21, 2008)
LITERACY SPOTLIGHT
Every week we honor a provider who receives a literacy grant from Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois State Library Literacy Office. This week we shine the spotlight on Common Place in Peoria. Common Place, an adult volunteer literacy tutoring program, includes various activities to help adults improve their reading and writing. In the program “I Am Special,” Jim Gill, a singer/songwriter/author, provided a concert and bookmaking workshop for adult learners and their children. Each family member wrote and illustrated their own short book. They all received a free book and a music CD by Gill.
Many adult learners have undiagnosed learning disabilities. They attend class to help them compensate for this difficulty. For instance, one adult learner attends the “New Challenges” class. Despite the fact that she is battling cancer, she continues to attend class. Another learner who has an undiagnosed learning disability was awarded on of Secretary of State Jesse White’s Spotlight on Achievement Awards. Not only does he attend class, he volunteers in the food pantry, takes cooking and nutrition classes at Common Place and brings in samples of his baking. This type of dedication translates into improved literacy and life skills.
Learn more about the ISL Literacy Office and the hundreds of literacy providers who receive grants from us.
GOVDOCINFO
First it was tomatoes, now it’s jalapeno peppers. One of the best places to keep up to date about concerns regarding possible salmonella contamination of food is the Food and Drug Administration’s website.
CULTURAL AWARENESS: DIVERSITY IN ACTION
This month the ISL Diversity Program is celebrating “Americana.” Americana refers to artifacts and culture of the United States pertaining to history as a result of the expansion toward the West in the United States. American Exchange includes books for sale, an International Book sellers’ Directory and an International Book Fair list. For a broad look at American music with a worldwide perspective, try the site Americana HomePlace.
ILLINOIS DIGITAL ARCHIVES
Beer maker Anheuser-Busch made big news recently when it agreed to be purchased by Belgian brewer InBev SA for $52 billion. This image from the Quincy Public Library collection shows the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses during a visit to Quincy.
ILLINOIS INVENTOR OF THE WEEK
James V. Ridgway of Hinsdale is this week’s Illinois Inventor of the Week. On August 30, 1898, Ridgway was granted Patent Number D29, 285 for “Design for a Picture frame featuring a wreath with an eagle with outstretch wings”. The Illinois State Library Patent & Trademark Depository Library is available to assist you with your patent and trademark questions. Contact us at (217) 782-5659.
The ISL Patent and Trademark Library has prepared a new index of Sangamon County inventors from 1838 to 1900.
SPREAD THE NEWS ABOUT E-NEWS!
Our weekly newsletter is the best source available to find out what’s going on at the State Library-everything from grant offerings and important meetings to news about electronic resources. We’re glad to have you as a subscriber, but if you know of anyone else you think should be getting E-news from the ISL, let us know and we’ll sign him or her up, or have him or her contact Pat McGuckin. Join the more than 6,000 subscribers who depend on E-news every Friday to find out what’s happening at the State Library!
Questions about “E-News from the ISL” should be referred to Pat McGuckin, Illinois State Library or 217-558-4029. Please let me know if you ever have trouble accessing any of the website or e-mail links listed in the weekly newsletter.