Work Plan for FY 2008-2009

On March 28, the NSLS Board of Directors approved our work plan for FY 2008-2009. This work plan is designed to address many challenges and is focused on how these items can directly benefit our members. For example, exploring online methods of professional development delivery may allow members more flexibility in attending training. Redesigning the NSLS website based on the March 2008 member survey will allow members to access a more interactive site and customize information to suit their needs. For full details, view our work plan on the NSLS site. [Permalink]

Live Homework Help® Offer

Offer the Live Homework Help® program from Tutor.com and connect hundreds of students in grades 4-12 to live tutors through your library's website! Illinois public libraries have a unique opportunity to take advantage of a special discount for a full three-year subscription to Live Homework Help® through a consortia offer from the Library Partnership Trust (LPT). To learn more about this offer, receive a no-obligation quote, and order your subscription, visit the LPT site. Attend an informational Webinar about Live Homework Help® on Tuesday, May 20 to see a live presentation by one of your colleagues. Attendees will be entered to win an Amazon gift card for their library! [Permalink]

Congratulations President-Elect Medal

Congratulations to Carole Medal, Executive Director of the Gail Borden Public Library District, who was just elected as President-Elect of the Illinois Library Association. Carole follows in a long tradition of NSLS/ILA leadership. Past ILA Presidents from the NSLS membership include Tamiye Meehan, Executive Director of Indian Trails Public Library District and Carolyn Anthony, Executive Director of the Skokie Public Library. Carole Medal will begin her three-year term on July 1, 2008, running through June 30, 2011. [Permalink]

All Library Types: Review and Correct Your ELI Records

Every year NSLS must certify to the State Library the accuracy of our members' Every Library in Illinet (ELI) records. All library types should log into their ELI record to review and correct the data before Friday, May 23 if they haven't already done so this year. You should have your ELI login and password information from the State Library, but if you need your information or have trouble logging in to ELI, please contact Sharon Ball or Rebecca Obert. [Permalink]

Tell Your Library's Story and Listen to Your Community

Learn how to get in sync with your community this May. Come to Stakeholders as Storytellers: How to Tell Compelling Stories About Your Library on May 20 to learn how everyone at your library can win library supporters. Then come back May 21 for Surveying Your Surroundings: The Ins and Outs of Community Surveys and find out how to get your community's input and adapt your library's service to fit their needs. For more great learning opportunities, be sure to check out our Professional Development events calendar. [Permalink]

Ergonomics, Online Safety Net Make Your Workplace Safer

Get a bit more protection in your workday with two programs from NSLS. In Ergonomics for Library Staff on May 27, you'll learn how to defend your body against pains and damages by optimizing your work environment. Then, on June 11, come to Safety Net: Protecting Yourself in the Online World to explore the online risks that face your computer, and learn how you can avoid them. [Permalink]

Going Green at Your School

The Healthy Schools Campaign, in partnership with Trane and Read Green, Live Green, presents Schools and Climate Change on Wednesday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago. This panel discussion features national and local experts discussing issues surrounding climate change and the school environment, including green construction, government action, and more. For complete information and registration, visit the Healthy Schools Campaign site. Registration is required and space is limited. [Permalink]

Our Libraries: Good Reads Suggested from Across the Pond

NSLS Director Sarah Long’s column, "Our Libraries," is published in the Neighbor Section of the Lake County Daily Herald every Sunday and on Tuesdays in the Cook County edition (days may vary in the Cook County edition). This week she's writing about book suggestions she received from a friend visiting from England. "Since we're readers, we often share what we've been reading. In this way, I have learned about books I would have otherwise missed. While England and the United States share a language and sometimes marketing of books, there are differences." Read full article. After reading the article, listen to Sarah's podcast interview with poet and Franciscan friar Larry Janowski. The Chicago native has just published a new poetry collection, Brotherkeeper. [Permalink]

Registration Open for Reaching Forward South

The Reaching Forward South Conference for library support staff will be held October 2-3 at the Northfield Inn in Springfield. This year’s theme is “Library Support Staff: A True Treasure.” On Thursday afternoon there will be two sessions to choose from. On Friday the keynote speaker will be Karen Schmitt, President of Karen Schmitt & Associates Consulting and Training. The day will be filled with great sessions. This year’s conference fee is $65 all inclusive. Deadline is September 26. Questions? Contact Kim Drake, 217-223-1309 ext. 201. For more info, including registration, view flyer. [Permalink]

Cirque Du Soleil Offers Discount for Library Staff

KOOZA from Cirque du Soleil Opens June 26 at the United Center for a limited engagement. Tickets for select performances are being offered at a 20-30% discount for library staff and their families and friends. See letter for full details. In addition, libraries are invited to join in a promotion opportunity. Offer is available for a limited number of libraries. See promotion invite for full details. [Permalink]

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Christina Johnson, Editor
Alan Minarik, Assistant Editor

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