RMI Releases Green Footstep: An Assessment Tool to Reduce Carbon Emissions

These days many of us are concerned about going green. We've started recycling--everything from paper to glass, from batteries to computers. But, what about our buildings? Wouldn't you like to know how much your building is contributing to global warming?

The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has unveiled Green Footstep, a free online carbon calculator for reducing carbon emissions in building construction and retrofit projects. Green Footstep, one of many carbon calculators online, is the first to address multiple building emissions over the building's lifetime. It works with new construction and retrofit projects to reduce global climate change.

Green Footstep also shows building owners and designers how to comply with specific design goals such as LEEDs energy credits and the 2030 Challenge, the organization that has challenged designers to make all new buildings carbon neutral by 2030. It is also extremely valuable as an evaluation tool to report greenhouse gas emissions from site, construction, and operations.

In addition, the website provides case studies so users can explore how Green Footstep has allowed past projects to reach their carbon reduction goals. Users can also create a login that allows them to save and reload their own projects as they work on them.

More information, including a press release, is available in the RMI Press Room.

Special Presentation on Government Documents

A Brief Introduction to Federal, State, and Local Government Documents will be presented by Scott Casper, Government Documents Librarian at Poplar Creek Public Library, on December 1, 2009. This presentation is sponsored by the DLS Reference Roundtable, but all are welcome to attend. Following the presentation there will be a tour of the newly expanded library.

To register for this event, please visit the L2 [Library Learning] Calendar:

Reference Roundtable         
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM)    
Poplar Creek Public Library - Main Library - Streamwood

Article on Library Systems in TribLocal

Reading Room: Library Systems

Many of you who use public libraries may know that they are members in “library systems” but are, quite likely, unsure of what this means. I’ll try to explain.

Prior to 1965, when the Illinois Public Library System Act became law, Illinois public libraries had no ready legal mechanism for cooperation. Each was on its own, which meant that libraries users were, mostly, limited to the books that were on hand.

This can be contrasted to today, when local library cards are honored throughout the state and when daily van delivery means that an item you request is likely to be available within a day or two. The latter is done very efficiently, with the cost being less than a dime per item.

These state-funded systems were, and are, much more than simple van delivery. They are also sources of expertise, professional development, and liaison with the Illinois State Library. This is important because, unfortunately, those of us who manage public libraries are generally 1) out of touch with current developments (especially in technology) and 2) pretty darn busy with the day-to-day tasks involved in running a small to medium sized business.

It’s thus a very good thing that there are people we can call on when we run into various problems, whether the future of library technologies, problems with personnel management, or the ins and outs of grant proposal writing.

There were originally 18 library systems in Illinois. State budget pressures over the years … and (don’t let anyone kid you) there have always been state budget pressures … have led to there now being only 9. The Lake Villa District Library is a member of the North Suburban Library System, based in Wheeling.

The library systems have not seen any increases in their funding for many years … and they’re now being asked to take a huge budget cut. This will hurt the services which public libraries provide their users. As one result of this probability, the Lake Villa District Library Board of Trustees approved putting a link to the Save Illinois Libraries Facebook page on the library’s website … the point of which is to ask legislators to take a pledge that they will not cut library system funding. You can find that pledge directly at http://capwiz.com/ala/il/issues/alert/?alertid=14102116.

Please consider contacting your state legislator and letting him or her know that library systems (and the behind-the-scenes work they do) are important to you.

Bob Watson, Director, Lake Villa District Library

Link to the original article: http://budurl.com/rxec.

In the News

Google's Digitization of Books, from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation provides an update on Google's settlement with U.S. writers and publishers and background on the project.  

Mary Dempsey Loves Chicago's Library, from the Chicago Tribune, is a feature on the Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library. The article quotes Dempsey: "As tough as it's going to be for the next few years, we'll come out of this stronger."

DLS e-News is Online

The November/December edition of DLS e-News is now online.

This issue features a message from Executive Director Tom Sloan, information on WebJunction Illinois, a column on demonstrating social networking success stories, an article on the Davis Cup winner, and so much more.

In addition to DLS e-News, watch the DLS Here & Now Blog for the latest library news! Did you know you can subscribe to an RSS feed or email alerts when new items are posted?

Library Support Staff Certification Program

Welcome to an exciting opportunity for you to:

• Learn new knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrate your competence in library services.
• Receive recognition for your skills and knowledge.
• Have certification that is recognized across the country.
• Increase your confidence in your own ability.

In January, ALA is launching a new certification program entitled, Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC). This program is in a testing phase, which ends on December 31, 2009. Lincoln Trail Libraries System is one of five testing sites for the program and will offer one of the core classes, "Foundations for Library Services". This course will be offered online only and covers competencies that are fundamental to understanding the mission and role of libraries. The course also covers the ethics, values, and governance of libraries, and the basic knowledge needed for all positions in a library. For more information, go to the Lincoln Trail Libraries System website. The registration fee to LSSC is normally $350 ($325 for ALA members). A $100 break in pricing will be given to those signing up as a candidate during the testing period. In return for the discount, you will be asked to participate in an evaluation of the program so far.

For more information about the program, visit the ALA website. The site offers basic information about the LSSC, including eligibility requirements, definition of the competency sets, and approved courses. In January, candidates can enroll in the program by following the simple instructions on the site.

If you have questions or comments about enrolling in the "Foundations of Library Services" course, email Donna Schaal, or call her at 217/352-0047 x204.

Author Visit via Skype

Pam Gutmann, Library Media Center Director at Kendall Elementary School coordinated an author visit via Skype (a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet). She partnered with Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville to connect children with London author Victoria Holmes, who spoke about her best selling children's book series. More from the Daily Herald.

Libraries Changing Media Rental Options

Libraries are changing their media rental policies to adapt to trends and the needs of their patrons. This article from The Oakland Tribune, Hayward Libraries to Borrow Netflix Model, shows how libraries are looking at "no late fees" and other new rental policies.  

No Delivery Wednesday, November 11, 2009

DuPage Library System will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 for Veterans Day. There will be no delivery.

Computer Lab Associate

(Part time) Naperville Public Library, Nichols Library Branch.

This position is 20 hours per week and the salary is $14.58 per hour. Interested applicants should send in the following items to the Human Resources Office by 5 p.m. on November 20, 2009: cover letter, completed employment application, resume, copy of four-year degree and/or transcripts, and three professional referral contacts. Mail to:

Naperville Public Library
Human Resources Department
2035 South Naper Boulevard
Naperville, IL 60565

The computer lab associate position requires a thorough knowledge of a specialized or technical field equivalent to a complete college/university education. Critical Skills include:

• Excellent communication /interpersonal skills.
• Good computer troubleshooting skills.
• Prior teaching/training experience.