About LTLS Members

Library A Week

Mahomet Public Library District

2011 no. 22

Library Profile

Library Name: Mahomet Public Library District Location: 1702 E Oak St, Mahomet, IL 61853 Type: Public Mission: The Mahomet Public Library is a center of community life offering opportunities for people of all ages to learn, gather and grow. Website: http://www.mahometpubliclibrary.org LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/man Member Since: 1966 An interview with Lynn Schmit.

What is unique about your library?

In April we celebrated the library’s 45th anniversary. Our new building, which opened last July, is the first new building for Mahomet Library. We increased our space from 4,000 square feet to over 13,000 square feet. All of the special features such as the fireplace, original artwork, technology center, AV and projection system, landscape design plan, and the after-hours pick-up station, were donated by community members or organizations.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

Our primary goal is to provide resources, programs, services, and assistance to support our residents’ lifelong learning needs, enrich their lives, and enable them to achieve success.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

We are very active in our local community as members of the Mahomet Chamber of Commerce and the Mahomet Rotary Club. In the schools the primary grade reading teachers develop specialized reading kits for their at risk students. During the summer when school libraries are closed, our library is the drop off and pick up point for the reading kits and the reading incentives. The children keep reading throughout the summer, and the library sees parents and children who might never have come in otherwise.

Tell us a story about your library.

Our old library building was on 2 floors with no elevator, no parking, narrow aisles, and cramped shelves. When we opened the new building we began to see many more senior citizens, strollers, and persons with disabilities in the building. One day a mother came in with her severely handicapped child in a wheel chair. She thanked us and said she was so very grateful for the new building because her child could finally use the public library jus like every other child. That comment alone made all of our work worthwhile. During April in celebration of the Royal Wedding, we set up a display appropriate to the occasion, including books and media on a lace tablecloth next to an antique tea service. Behind the circulation desk we hung a staff member’s wedding dress, train, and veil. A young girl about 9 years old stopped at the desk and said, “I like what you’ve done to the place.” We’re still chuckling.

If money were no object, what services would you add?

We consider ourselves very fortunate to have a beautiful new building. If money were no object we would remain open on Sundays during the summer and we would add more programming for all ages.

What is popular in your library?

Almost everything is popular. Public computers, WiFi, DVDs and CDs, mysteries, large print books, children’s programs, MyMediaMall, the study room, the meeting room, and the self checkout stations. Young adult circulation has increased 91%, so we are very happy that young adults are using the library.

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

We re-designed our website just before moving to the new building and added BookLetters to better market our collection. We are also on Facebook and Twitter and use them to promote our programs and for library news. We accept credit cards for payment of fines, fees and to make donations. Payments can be made online on in the library.

Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047  -   [email protected] Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes

Library A Week

Provena Central Illinois Region Medical Library

2011 no. 21

Library Profile

Library Name: Provena Central Illinois Region Medical Library Location: Urbana and Danville Type: Special Mission: Provena Health, a Catholic health system, builds communities of healing and hope by compassionately responding to human need in the spirit of Jesus Christ. LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/xmn.html Member Since: 1976 An interview with Elissa Cochran.

What is unique about your library?

I am the librarian for both of Provena’s medical libraries in Urbana and Danville. There are some days that I work at both facilities. We are able to share resources between the libraries. We, of course, serve the hospital and staff of Provena, but we also serve the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Internal Medicine Residency Program.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

Our goal is to support patient care, educational, informational and research needs of the staff and affiliated physicians/students.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

Most of my cooperative efforts are through the Provena Health system, working with the other libraries and librarians. There are 6 hospitals, 5 of which have medical libraries including: Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Danville and Urbana. We have a system-wide OPAC making it easier for us to share resources. We are always working on system-wide electronic purchases. I am also a member of HSLI and take advantage of purchasing through the consortium.

Tell us a story about your library.

So much of the research I do for the physicians is for patient care. Many times I get requests that have an urgency to be filled. I have even gotten calls from the ER with questions. It makes me feel that I have really helped our mission and made a difference in the lives of our patients.

If money were no object, what services would you add?

I would definitely purchase more electronic databases and resources. It would also be nice to have an extra person to aid in the day-to-day responsibilities.

What is popular in your library?

I have started a Table of Contents (TaCo) service that is very popular. When the current issue of print journals comes in, I copy the Table of Contents and send it out so staff can see what new research is being published. I get many requests for subject searches related to medical conditions, treatment, best practices, etc. We also use I-SHARE and LTLS to access resources that we do not own.

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

Email has become my main vehicle in shared service. No matter which facility I am at, email allows me to respond “virtually” to staff requests.   I developed a website (which is on our intranet) that allows patrons to request literature searches, book/journal purchases, training, tours, and more. I use the system-wide OPAC to connect to the other Provena medical libraries.

Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047  -   [email protected] Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes

Library A Week

Charleston Carngie Public Library

2011 no. 20

Library Profile

Library Name: Charleston Carnegie Public Library Location: 712 Sixth St. Charleston, IL 61920 Type: Public Mission: The Charleston Public Library will provide to members of the community access to a wide variety of well-organized print and electronic resources for learning and enjoyment. Website: http://www.charlestonlibrary.org LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/crn.html Member Since: 1972 An interview with Jeanne Hamilton.

What is unique about your library?

Our library first opened with Carnegie’s help in 1901. Since then we have had several additions which has resulted in 5 staggered floors- it takes a ride on two separate elevators to access all the floors.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

Our primary goal is to provide services and materials that appeal to a wide variety of community members.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

We offer a variety of free meeting spaces to community nonprofits, provide community service opportunities, and are offering a job training experience to a first-time worker through a CEFS program.

Tell us a story about your library.

The KidSpace has been holding a Trim-A-Tree silent auction for the last 10 years.  The library purchases two-foot artificial Christmas trees, and patrons "check-out" the trees and decorate them any way they wish.  They then donate the trees back to the KidSpace, and we put them on display for a silent auction.  We give the trees out before Thanksgiving, and the auction runs during the first half of December.  We raise several hundred dollars each year, the room is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and the auction winners have a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree.

If money were no object, what services would you add?

We would add more hours of service. We would fill those hours with a variety of programs to expand our appeal in the community.

What is popular in your library?

Our computers are very popular- we had almost 19,000 computer sessions last year!

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

We have a website that offers access to the online catalog and MyMediaMall. We also plan to offer trivia questions (and prizes) through our Facebook page as part of our summer reading program.

Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047  -   [email protected] Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes

Library A Week

Barkstall Elementary School Library

2011 no. 19

Library Profile

Library Name: Barkstall Elementary Location: 2201 Hallbeck Drive, Champaign, IL 61822 Type: School Mission: It is our goal to prepare each student to become a responsible participant to our diverse, changing society. LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/yln.html Member Since: 1986 An interview with Lynn Eckstein.

What is unique about your library?

We really try to incorporate technology with reading. We have a smart board and use it to present the Blue Stem and Monarch books. We are also on a balanced calendar, which gives our students year round check out. For a long time, many of our students lived in unincorporated areas and the school library was their only source for books. We believe that the balanced calendar also helps promote continuous reading.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

Our main goal is to meet the needs of the students and faculty. We also try really hard to match students with the right book to get their love of reading started. We want our students to have materials that meet the curriculum needs, as well as materials they can read for entertainment.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

I am always working with teachers and making sure the reference books they need for class are together and ready. I work with 2 teachers and we do a comprehensive book study with 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. We read the text to the students and they listen. Then they have a sheet where they synthesize and answer questions. We read some of the Monarch titles to K-2nd graders, and we hold a contest for the Blue Stem award books.

Tell us a story about your library.

We have lost 2 teachers to cancer and their families have donated memorials to the library. Our courtyard got revamped; we build a pergola and added a reading bench for the students. It is a beautiful area for students to enjoy. The other memorial left a set of books for teachers to use with small groups. We made a cozy corner where they are shelved.

If money were no object, what services would you add?

We would love to get new furniture that fit the kids better, and add a more comfortable feel to the library. We would replace some of the heavily used books and get new formats like PlayAways and ebooks. I would love to have a full time clerk that would allow me more one on one time with the students and offer more services like a book club.

What is popular in your library?

Our graphic novels fly off the shelves!

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

We have our own online catalog and teachers email me requests

Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047  -   [email protected] Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes

Library A Week

Clifton Public Library

2011 no. 18

Library Profile

Library Name: Clifton Public Library Location: 150 E Fourth St. Clifton, IL 60927 Type: Public Mission: The Clifton Public Library connects people with information and entertainment through its collection, its technology, and the knowledge of its professional staff. Website: http://www.cliftonlibrary.info LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/cln.html An interview with Andrew Winkel.

What is unique about your library?

We have a large DVD collection that is not only used by our patrons, but also throughout LTLS. We have a little over 1000 DVDs and at any given time, there seems to be at least 100 checked out. We have collected DVDs in a wide range of genres. Although I do get some popular movies, I try to collect things that might be harder for our patrons to get elsewhere. It seems like items that are easy to get, people will get, and I feel good collecting those harder to find items, so that my patrons, as well as LTLS patrons, can have access to them. It is also rumored that the building that houses the library is the oldest business building in Clifton. It has been a harness shop, a newspaper shop, and many things in between.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

Our main goal is to provide the best service we can to our patrons. Recently, I have been working on digitizing our records: minutes, agenda, reports, etc. and getting them posted on our website. I am also researching ways to update and revamp our website.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

I believe that the reason our library is relevant is because of LTLS. Since no library can have everything, it is essential that we share our resources. It is very important that I can use LTLS to find resources that I cannot purchase, but that my patrons want and use. I am not sure our library would be in existence without LTLS.

Tell us a story about your library.

I think the most important thing for a library is to be here when people need us. We had a new family move to town this winter and it was going to be a few days before the cable would be hooked up. They came in, got library cards, and checked out movies. We have people come in when their computer or internet is out of service to get things they needed done. We have travelers stop in to use the internet. Don’t misunderstand me, I love having regular patrons who use the library all the time, but I also love being there for people when they need us.

If money were no object, what services would you add?

We are most limited by space. With more space we would be able to add more services for our patrons. If we had more than 4 computers and the space for them, I would love to be able to teach a technology class to help people learn to use computers. If we had a meeting room, we would be able to hold larger children programs, as well as offer the space to the community. I’d love to have small group spaces that people could use to tutor or study. If you get 10 people in our current library it starts to feel cramped.

What is popular in your library?

Our DVDs are popular and the most growing area of circulation. Our computers are still used quite often as well.

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

We have our website, which is a work in progress. I like the way it is set up and its content, but I would like to add a theme or color to make it more appealing.

Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047  -   [email protected] Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes

Library A Week

Bement Public Library District

2011 no. 16

Library Profile

Library Name: Bement Public Library District Location: 349 S Macon Street, Bement, IL 61813 Type: Public Website: http://www.bementpubliclibrary.org LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/ben Member Since: 1968 An interview with Melinda Glover.

What is unique about your library?

Our library is unique because it serves patrons from both Piatt and Champaign counties.  The district includes the small towns of Bement and Ivesdale, as well as many surrounding farms.  Our population is approximately 2,400 people and we have about 1,600 patrons. We have a comprehensive genealogy collection for a library our size, with microfilm of newspapers dating back to the 1870s.  We also have a very large selection of westerns, including large-print westerns.  These are very popular with our patrons.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

Of course we want to fulfill as many of the needs of our community as possible. We would like to attract more people from the population, since we are one of the few local gathering places, especially for teens.  Our primary goal is to become a greater resource for everyone in our area, including people who have not yet come to the library.  We are offering computer classes for seniors. We want to help people get used to technology and be able to use it effectively.  We have also created a new teen area and are working with the school district to increase youth involvement.  We plan to establish a teen board and offer students community service credit by assisting with our programs.  Our next goal is to organize and catalog the genealogical material this summer, if possible.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

We are part of the large-print co-op. Our patrons use LTLS interlibrary loan to get materials that we don’t own. Community members and organizations use our meeting room. I am also a member of the Chamber of Commerce so that the library can play an active part in local short and long-term planning.

Tell us a story about your library.

I have only been the director of the library for six months, so my history is limited. When I came I decided that it would be good to change displays and freshen up the look of the library. We changed the new book display and put fiction and non-fiction together. We moved the DVDs and magazines to their respective areas and created new areas for our westerns and large-print items. We have added color and furniture to the newly-created teen area and the existing children’s section, as well as two new computers in the teen area. Additionally, all of the young adult materials are now part of the teen area.  Each month we have been doing a display to create interest in our different offerings.  Our March Dr. Seuss display and reading program has been the most effective display.  We also converted our front doors to ADA-accessible doors just last week.  Thus far, we have received much positive feedback about our changes.

If money were no object, what services would you add?

We would expand the library on the north side to create a larger meeting area, a small genealogy room, and some storage.  This change would allow us better use of existing space and perhaps we could establish a separate computer space in the existing boardroom.

What is popular in your library?

Best sellers are very popular and James Patterson is probably one of the most popular authors. Mysteries, westerns, romance and inspirational fiction are our most popular genres. Our DVDs and BluRays have high circulation, as well.

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

We have a library website and are available by email. Our patrons can access LINC in the library on our new catalog computer or at home. The catalog computer also has links to some other local, state, and Federal resources.  We are also adding educational software to our children’s and youth computers and hope to add further informational resources to the adult computers soon.

Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047  -   [email protected] Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes

Library A Week

Fisher Grade School Library

2011 no. 15

Library Profile

Library Name: Fisher Grade School Library Location: 801 S Fifth St, Fisher, IL Type: School Mission: Materials are selected by the school district to implement, enrich, and support the educational program for students and staff. Materials must serve both the breadth of the curriculum and the needs and interests of individual students. The district is obligated to provide for a wide range of abilities and to respect the diversity of many differing points of view. Website: http://www.fisher.k12.il.us/ LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/jin Member Since: 1989 An interview with Kelly Friedlein.

What is unique about your library?

We opened this school in 2003, so this space still feels very new to us, and we really enjoy it! We have 312 students in grades K-6. We share library staff between this building and the Jr/Sr High School. My aide works here in the morning and then we switch buildings and I am here in the afternoon. We have scheduled classes, two for each classroom a week. One period is always for book exchange and on is for library instruction, story time, and/pr more books exchange. Students also drop in during times when no class is scheduled to get books, for Accelerated Reader or just because they finished their last book and need something new. Every fall we hold a book fair and use the proceeds to fund out RIF program. We also participate in the Monarch and Rebecca Caudill programs, and we have a lot of fun reading the books and promoting student voting.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

We want to support the curriculum, and meet the needs of our students and staff, both for class work and for their own pleasure reading.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

We work with our teachers to obtain materials they need in the classroom, and pull room collections for AR and for special units of study. We also share materials back and forth with the junior/senior high school collection and we borrow materials through LTLS when our students and teachers request titles that we don’t own. We don’t have a public library in our town and we really miss having that resource for our students, so our cooperation in LTLS is really appreciated.

Tell us a story about your library.

Just recently, the 4th grade brought in the projects for their pioneer units. Every year the students put a lot of work and thought into what they do, and check out books from the library and use the Internet to research their ideas. This year, most students chose to make log cabins, with a few Native American longhouses and wigwams mixed in. It looked like an entire village had sprung up in the library (there are a lot of 4th graders this year). All the other classes we amazed. We had to make sure we left time for project looking during each class visit, and they oohed and aahed over everything. They were pretty amazing projects.

If money were no object, what services would you add?

If money were no object, I’d increase the shelving area for the fiction books and easy fiction books - we have already run short of room in those areas. Also, I would subscribe to several databases for grade school students. It would be nice to be able to buy more non-fiction books too. For example, we would love to replace all of our books on countries at once, instead of spreading it out over several years.

What is popular in your library?

Junie B. Jones is wildly popular right now. Our copied of The Wimpy Kid books are always out. Scaredy Squirrel is also in high demand, as is Fancy Nancy, Fly Guy and books by Karma Wilson. Bailey School Kids series has had a big revival in interest, and Magic Tree House books are always popular. Novels in verse have been in demand since the students read Diamond Willow for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award.

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

The library does not have a lot online at this building. We do not have the catalog online or have subscription databases.

Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047  -   [email protected] Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes

Library A Week

Fisher Jr/Sr High School Library

2011 no. 14

Library Profile

Library Name: Fisher Jr./Sr. High School Library Location: 211 W Division St, Fisher, IL Type: School Mission: Materials are selected by the school district to implement, enrich, and support the educational program for students and staff. Materials must serve both the breadth of the curriculum and the needs and interests of individual students. The district is obligated to provide for a wide range of abilities and to respect the diversity of many differing points of view. Website: http://www.fisher.k12.il.us/| LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/jin Member Since: 1989 An interview with Kelly Friedlein.

What is unique about your library?

We serve grades 7-12, with about 270 students. This gives us a wide range of patrons with varying interests and reading levels, so having the right materials for every reader is tricky sometimes. We don’t have a public library in our town so we are the only library in most of our students’ lives, which makes us so thankful to have Lincoln Trail to help us meet our students’ needs. Because the staff is shared with the grade school, we get to watch our students grow and change through the years. It’s really fun to work with all the different ages, sometimes all in the same day! I also supervise the students with online classes, who come to the library to work.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

We want to support the curriculum, and meet the needs of our students and staff, both for information and pleasure reading. I hope students graduate knowing the difference reading can make in their lives and continue using libraries in the future.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

I cooperate with the staff as they plan projects and I find materials to help them with their goals for their classes. In the fall I work with the junior high to teach them databases usage. Throughout the year I work with the teacher who has a study skills class, she teaches her class about Internet usage. Of course, I rely heavily on the cooperation of Lincoln Trail and interlibrary loan. It would be so nice to have a public librarian to work with - that is the cooperation that I miss having the most.

Tell us a story about your library.

When I came to Fisher, the librarian’s position had been unfilled for a while. When I talked to the students, the thing I heard the most was that there was nothing good to read! So for the past 11 years I have put a lot of effort into having a great fiction section, and I feel that it has really paid off. I don’t hear that complaint hardly at all these days. I think the complaint I am more likely to get is that I need to get an extra copy of some hot title because the student is tired of waiting on the hold list.

If money were no object, what services would you add?

It would be great to push out the walls and have a full sized computer lab (right now there are 12 computers in the lab), and have room for comfortable seating instead of just tables and chairs. I would love to have an extensive graphic novel collection, with extra room to shelve it. More databases and online resources would be wonderful, and more money to spend on the non-fiction collection, which always seems to need more updating.

What is popular in your library?

Fantasy and romance are always popular, as are contemporary fiction books, and I have a group of James Patterson fans. Right now I am looking at my Abraham Lincoln Book Award shelf with only three lonely books sitting there, so that list has been really popular since I put out the books two weeks ago.

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

The main way I communicate online is through the school’s website; I have a blog on it which I mainly use to inform students of new book purchases. I don’t have a link for the single subscription database we have, but I do give out the website along with the password in the fall, so students can access it at home.

Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047  -   [email protected] Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes

Library A Week

Unity Jr. High School Library

2011 no. 13

Library Profile

Library Name: Unity Junior High School Library   Location: 408 N. Central Street, Tolono, IL 61880 Type: School Mission: Encouraging reading and developing life-long learners. Library Website: http://www.ujhs.com/mediacenter/index.html LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/jyn.html Member Since: 2000   An interview with Kathy Wickline.

What is unique about your library?

Our most distinguishing feature is our murals. One of the murals was completed in one day by the art club. Each hour a different sets of students came in and worked on it. The art teacher painted the second mural before she left. She finished it in only three days. I think the murals help the atmosphere in the library, and make a welcoming place, especially for the students coming up from the grade school.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

I would love for every student who leaves to leave as a lifelong reader and to also be computer literate and comfortable with technology, basic programs, and Web 2.0. I also wish for them to learn which research is best to use for a project. I am also very active with the Rebecca Caudill program. I would like for 1/3 of our students to be able to vote and I am currently trying to increase participation in the program.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

A couple teachers and I have formed a Web 2.0 group and we meet to discuss what new technology can be used in the library and classrooms to help students and teachers. I do a planet project with the 6th grade science teacher and I work with the 8th grade Language Arts class on American values. We research about past American values and then the students must write their version of current American values. I work the 8th grade social studies class on a "who is coming to dinner?" project.

Tell us a story about your library.

Each fall in conjunction with the book fair, we do a leader forum. Each student researches a famous person using a bio-form with detailed information. The students then come dressed as their person. They make business cards prior to and then introduce themselves as their person. Our book fair raised more money this year than my budget.

If money were no object, what services would you add?

I would love to be able to attend more conferences, especially the Illinois Computer Educators Conference and the Illinois Reading Council every year. These would allow me to be even more up to date with technology. I would also like to upgrade the technology in the library, as well as add more subscription-based technology like Animoto. Adding online resources would also be something I would like to do.

What is popular in your library?

Since I have been promoting the Rebecca Caudill titles I can barely keep them on the shelves. I have been helping the students interlibrary loan them as well.

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

We have a webpage that I keep up to date. We use AR and the parents can connect to it at home to be more involved. I am in charge of the emailing list. We use web 2.0 like Animoto, Voice Thread and Blogster. Next year I am going to try using My Fake Wall as well.

Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047  -   [email protected] Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes

Library A Week

Unity High School Library

2011 no. 12

Library Profile

Library Name: Unity High School Library Location: 1127 County Road 800N, Tolono, IL 61880 Type: School Mission: Guaranteeing that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information. Website: http://www.unityrockets.com/unity/faculty/mediacenter/mcindex.html LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/jyn.html Member Since: 2000 An interview with Kris Graves, Unity High School Librarian.

What is unique about your library?

Although the Unity High School library is small, students and teachers use an abundance of resources. There are 24 computers along with 24 laptops computers (in a mobile lab) that students can access. There are also 2 Accelerated Reader computers. Our students use the LINC catalog constantly for research type materials as well as materials for recreation. The library is also constantly booked by classes ranging from English to Mathematics.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

One primary goal is to keep teachers and students interested in coming into the library to use its resources. Such resources include research materials both from our library and LTLS. Another goal is to be involved with projects within classes.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

I teach part of the Work Ethics/Job Shadowing Unit with the sophomore English classes. During this unit I use my skills to teach students research, resume and cover letter creation and portfolio building. I also make sure that teachers know that I am available to support them with materials for them as well as their students.

Tell us a story about your library.

Our school board just approved a new construction plan to expand the school. The library is part of that expansion. I will hopefully get a computer lab for my computers. The plans have just started, but I am very excited. I feel supported by my board, my administration and everyone.

If money were no object, what services would you add?

I would put more money into the book budget. I would love to have more titles in the library for our students. I’d also add more online resources for our students to use. I would like to have electronic e-readers that the students could check out. It would also be great to have some small token from the library that we could give to the students like a jump drive or a book.

What is popular in your library?

Right now, poetry books are very popular. I have a practicum student that has created a bulletin board and a section at the front of the library for books that students can check out! The Crank series by Ellen Hopkins is VERY popular right now.

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

Our website is heavily used by teachers and students. If a teacher finds a link I can add it to the site for the class. We also subscribe to OCLC FirstSearch.

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