LTLS - Quick Connections

Weekly Poll

Be sure to check out our new survey below, or on our home page.

You can also view results from previous weekly polls.

Digital and Electronic Copyright program: Save the date!

Save the date!  On Wednesday, April 28, 2010, the CARLI I-Share Users' Group (IUG) and the CARLI Digital Collections Users' Group (DCUG) will host a day-long program on Digital and Electronic Copyright issues at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign.  The program will be given by Professor Dwayne K. Buttler of the University of Louisville.  Registration will be required, so watch for an announcement in March on how to register for this exciting event!
 

Snapshot Day

Join the Illinois Library Association in showing just how important your library is!

On Wedensday, February 10, libraries across Illinois will be participating in Snapshot Day: A Day in the Life of Illinois Libraries. On this day, libraries of all types — public libraries as well as those at schools, colleges, and universities — will be gathering statistics that show just how in-demand libraries are. In addition, you’ll be able to fill out a very brief survey about your library visit, and even provide testimonials about how much you love your library. Libraries will also be encouraged to take pictures to create a photo record of just how popular the library is!

United States Department of Agriculture designates $100 million for rural libraries

The Secretary of Agriculture has allocated $100 million in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Community Facilities funding for public libraries to provide educational opportunities and improve public services in rural communities. The funding will be provided primarily through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“In 78 percent of rural communities, the library is the sole provider of no-fee Internet access,” Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the ALA Washington Office, said.

“This funding specifically set aside for rural libraries is a lifeline for communities across the country who depend on their local libraries for basic needs such as Internet access as well as assistance with e-government services, literacy and homework programs, and much more. We thank the USDA for its recognition of the vital role libraries play in rural communities and their need for funding.”

ALA establishes Library Relief Fund to help rebuild libraries and archives in Haiti

The American Library Association (ALA), acting on a resolution adopted by its Council on Jan. 19 during the ALA’s Midwinter Meeting, has created the “Haiti Library Relief Fund”  to collect monetary donations to help rebuild libraries and archives that were destroyed or damaged during the devastating earthquake on Jan. 12.  Donations can be made by credit card or check through www.ala.org/haiti.

ALA Diversity Office Calls for Research Grant Proposals

The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity seeks proposals for its Diversity Research Grant program.  Applicants must be current ALA members, and 2010 proposals must address one of three identified topics:

• Upward mobility of Library Leaders from Underrepresented Populations

• Information Services and Collections for Diverse Children and Young Adults

• Libraries and the Meaning of Multiculturalism

Since 2002, the office has sponsored the program to address critical gaps in the knowledge of diversity issues within library and information science. The application deadline is April 30.  Only proposals demonstrating relevance to the 2010 research topics will be considered.

Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) Program accepts candidates

On Jan. 25, 2010, ALA-APA began accepting applications from potential candidates interested in achieving the Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC). The LSSC Program is the first national, voluntary certification program for library support staff. This new certification program will help library support staff achieve recognition for current and new skills and abilities, as well as increase access to continuing education opportunities.

Thank You For Your Support!

We Asked, and You Responded! Thank You!

Over 20,000 emails from 10,000 library supporters, were sent to Governor Quinn and Comptroller Hynes requesting that the long-overdue funding for Illinois' Systems be released. The Comptroller has released the funding for the System for payments from the General Revenue Fund. This is a strong start, but we will still have further to go! This represents 35% of our total funding that LTLS receives from the State of Illinois. The remainder of system funding comes from the Live and Learn Fund (L&L), which is a different pot of money. There is not enough money in this fund to make even one payment to library systems. We are owed 6 payments from the L&L Fund. We will continue to monitor this fund and keep you apprised of activity as it affects Systems and how you might help us get this money released.

LTLS continues to be fiscally conservative in spending our funds for services. We will keep you updated on our financial situation. Keep an eye on the Save Illinois Libraries website for the latest information.

Thank you for all of your work. Together we made a difference!

Weekly Poll

Be sure to check out our new survey below, or on our home page.

You can also view results from previous weekly polls.

Computers in Libraries 2010 Conference

A group discount is being offered to ILLINET member libraries for the Computers in Libraries 2010 Conference (CIL) in Arlington, Virginia April 12-14. The rate is $244 for the three-day event--more than 50% off the regular price. Additionally, the Internet@Schools East Conference 2010, April 12-13, is being offered at the discounted price of $109. Attend both conferences for the combined price of $244. No discount rates are available for pre or post-conference seminars and workshops. To receive the discount, a completed registration form must be returned to Jill Heffernan at the Illinois State Library by March 10.