Julie Blackwell (Updated with Information on Services)

From Ann Kennedy, Library Director at Carol Stream Public Library:

It is with extreme sorrow that I report the passing of Julie Blackwell, Assistant Director. Julie passed away Monday evening of a brain aneurysm. Her husband and girls returned home from Walt Disney World this morning.

Words can not express our sorrow at this time, especially for Julie’s family and dear children.

DLS joins Julie's family, friends, and colleagues in mourning her death. She was active in the DLS marketing group and in MAGIC groups, and she will be missed.

Update: Visitation and services will be held on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Rd in Schaumburg. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. to noon in the church narthex. The funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. As of Dec. 23, no information is available about suggestions or plans for memorials.

DLS Service Survey Results

Hundreds of DLS members have answered the question - What DLS services are most important to you? 

Online surveys were issued by DLS in December requesting members to rank DLS services. The ranking of DLS services by members will be used in determining how to implement the 16.5% cut in the DLS area & per capita grant.

Survey responses from more than 300 persons working in DLS member libraries are available here.

Survey responses from more than 100 library directors/official DLS contacts are available here.

"With more than 400 DLS members taking the survey, we now have a clear understanding of which DLS services are most important to the success of libraries," said Tom Sloan, Executive Director. "The DLS Board of Directors and I will be using the survey findings to develop a plan for services and staffing that is based on a balanced budget."

ER-XPO Highlights: Languages

At the recent ER-XPO, Gale Cengage Learning previewed their upcoming entry into the field of online language learning, Powerspeak Languages. Based on the work of linguist Dr. Robert Blair, Powerspeak Languages was introduced as having an innovative mix of instructional methods.

Although not exhibiting at ER-XPO, Mango Languages is currently available at several DLS member libraries. Mango recently announced the the release of Mango Basic, which adds 22 language modules and 14 ESL modules in a newly designed interface for learning simple and practical language skills. The original program is now called Mango Complete, which provides more in-depth learning.

Discussion of products and/or services is for informational purposes only and does not imply suitability for your library.

Caroling at Batavia Public Library

The Festive Singers shared holiday carols throughout the library. During the concert that followed, audience members had mulled cider and other treats.

Brochure Available for Inside Writing and Publishing Series

Chicago-area writers will share their writing and publishing expertise at a series of programs sponsored by libraries in the western suburbs. The free programs will be held from January 23 through February 23, 2010, at six area libraries. The Inside Writing and Publishing – DuPage Branch series is designed to encourage aspiring authors to learn more about publishing and gain know-how and inspiration from experienced authors.

If you would like to promote the series, please download and print this brochure.

The programs may also be promoted on your website via this program listing.

In the News

Aurora Public Library is planning to build a new downtown library. This article from the Beacon News provides the latest details.

Earlier this month, the Naperville Sun featured this article about Naperville Public Library's Executive Director Donna Dziedzic earning recognition as one of the most Influential Women in Business for 2009.

As the year comes to a close, take a look at how Wood Dale Public Library District is promoting library use with its "New Year's Resolution to Use Your Library."

Program on Employee Handbooks

Illinois law has changed during the last few years. Is your employee handbook up to date? The Management Association of Illinois is hosting Your Employee Handbook: Are You Up To Date? on Thursday, January 14, 2010. You will learn about recent changes so you can make sure that your policies and procedures are current. Registration information is available from the Management Association.

Discussion of products and/or programs is for informational purposes only and does not imply suitability for your library.

Final Call for DLS Survey

Last chance to speak up for the services that are important to you and your library!

The survey on DLS services, which only takes a few minutes to complete, will close on Friday, December 18 at 5 p.m. We are asking DLS members to rank in order of importance the DLS services that are funded by the Area and Per Capita Grant for Illinois Library Systems. The ranking will be used to determine how to implement a 16.5% cut in grant funds.

The survey for persons working at or affiliated with a DLS member library is available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V26FL6P.

Please feel free to forward this to other persons working in or affiliated with your library so that DLS receives the largest possible number of survey responses.

ER-XPO Highlights: iPhone Apps

Two exhibitors at the recent ER-XPO have released iPhone apps:

The OCLC WorldCat Mobile iPhone App makes the 1.3 billion items available in WorldCat libraries searchable for iPhone users. You can also locate, map the route, and place a call to a library directly from the app. Users of other devices can access WorldCat Mobile through their device's web browser.

Gale Cengage Learning's AccessMyLibrary for iPhone uses your global position to locate libraries within a 10-mile radius, then will give you access to Gale online resources.

Discussion of products and/or services is for informational purposes only and does not imply suitability for your library.

Adult Services Associate

(Part time) Naperville Public Library, named the number one public library ten times by HAPLR (Hennen American Public Library Ratings), a 5 star rated library, and a 2009 winner of "Chicago's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For," is seeking an Adult Services Associate for the 95th Street facility. Position is for 20 hours per week and the pay rate is $16.94 per hour.

A bachelor’s degree is required along with strong organizational skills, excellent communication/interpersonal skills, great customer service attitude, and strong computer skills. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a completed employment application, cover letter, resume, copy of highest level of education (diploma and/or transcripts), and three professional referral contacts to the Human Resources office via email, fax, postal service, or walk-ins, by January 5, 2010.
Naperville Public Library
2035 South Naper Boulevard
Naperville, IL 60565
Phone: 630/637-2227
Fax: 630/637-2237