LTLS - Quick Connections

Politics and Networking Course

The Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is offering Politics and Networking, an ALA-APA approved course for Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) candidates.

Dates: March 15 – April 26, 2007 (No class on April 19)
Times: Online synchronous sessions Thursdays 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Central time
Cost: $300
Instructor: John A. Moorman, Ph.D. Director, Williamsburg Regional Library
Intended audience: Librarians and information professionals needing training in politics and networking; CPLA candidates

Purpose of the course: To provide the student with an understanding of the political process as it relates to public libraries. Topics included are governance and legal structures of Boards and Commissions, how to assess your community, how to assess local political issues, understanding and influencing the local political process, the development and nurturing of library support groups, and how to work effectively with individuals and groups to increase library visibility and support. Upon completion of the course, the individual is expected to know how to identify the social, political, and economic issues that affect the library they serve; develop effective relationships with governing boards, library support groups, and influence makers; develop coalitions with groups in the community; and understand the legislative process.

For additional information and to register, visit http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/CPLA/fund.html or contact Marianne Steadley, steadley@uiuc.edu or 217-244-2751.

Parkland College, Int'l Cultures Fair

International Cultures Fair to feature global cuisine, activities, music!

Enjoy global foods and cultures during the 13th annual International Cultures Fair on Wednesday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the South and Flag Lounges (college center). The event is hosted by Parkland's International Student Association and is open to the public. Lincoln Trail donated grant monies for the event.

In the South Lounge, information about our students' home countries will be presented in interactive and entertaining formats. Performances in the Flag Lounge will include traditional music, dance, and brief travelogues. A special feature of the Cultures Fair will be a gospel performance by the Hinds Community College Choir from Utica, Mississippi.

An international food buffet will be served beginning at 12 noon. Proceeds from the Cultures Fair and buffet will support philanthropic organizations with a global reach. Come show support for the international student community at Parkland College and enjoy fantastic cultural activities!

Contact: Office of Student Life, 217/351-2492

GSLIS Presents Phineas L. Windsor Lecture

On Friday, February 23, the Spring 2007 Phineas L. Windsor Lecture will be hosted by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Lorcan Dempsey, Vice President and Chief Strategist for OCLC Online Computer Library Center, will present "The Network Rewrites the Library" from 3-6 p.m. in GSLIS Room 126. A reception will follow the lecture.

Before moving to OCLC, Lorcan worked for JISC in the United Kingdom, overseeing national information programs and services. He is a librarian who has worked for library and educational organizations in Ireland, England and the United States. Lorcan has policy, research and service development experience, mostly in the area of networked information and digital libraries. He writes and speaks extensively, and can be followed through his blog at http://orweblog.oclc.org.

Contact Kim Schmidt at 217-265-6391 for more information.

Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Program

The purpose of this US Department of Education program is to improve student reading skills and academic achievement by providing students with increased access to up-to-date school library materials; well-equipped, technologically advanced school library media centers; and well-trained, professionally certified school library media specialists. Eligible Applicants: Local educational agencies (LEAs) in which at least 20 percent of the students served by the LEA are from families with incomes below the poverty line based on the most recent satisfactory data available from the U.S. Census Bureau at the time this notice is published. Deadline is Apr 02, 2007. Link to the full announcement for more information.