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!
Continue reading "Snapshot Day" »
Libraries have been on the front lines during the recession. U.S. public libraries have expanded available job resources, and more people are turning to libraries for technology access and help in applying for jobs and government assistance online, according to a new library survey. The survey also found, however, that half of states have reduced funding to public libraries and to state library agencies, and close to one-quarter of urban libraries have reduced open hours. Adequate staffing is the leading challenge to aiding job seekers.
More than three-quarters of all public libraries reported increased use of their public Internet computers over the past year, and 71 percent reported increased wireless use, according to the survey conducted by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Center for Library and Information Innovation at the University of Maryland in fall 2009.
Continue reading "Cuts reduce hours, staffing at thousands of libraries as patron demand escalates " »
At every turn, news reports and research indicate fairly dramatic changes in U.S. library funding, services and staffing – most occurring in the last 18 months. According to a new report prepared by the American Library Association (ALA), libraries of all types are feeling the pinch of the economic downturn while managing sky-high use.
Compiled from a broad range of available sources, The Condition of Libraries: 1999-2009 presents U.S. economic trends (2009), and summarizes trends in public, school and academic libraries across several library measures, including expenditures, staffing and services. The report also highlights trends in services provided to libraries by library cooperatives and consortia.
Continue reading "New ALA report details economic trends in libraries and 2010 outlook" »

A steering committee has been formed to carry out the charge coming out of the summit meeting held on November 9, 2009, on library cooperation in Illinois. Co-chairs Dee Brennan, Oak Park Public Library, and Donna Dziedzic, Naperville Public Library, have developed a planning document that has been distributed to all summit participants. Next steps include formation of task forces early next year to address specific areas of need.
Continue reading "Summit Steering Committee Formed " »