DLS Announces Scholarship Winners

Two scholarships will be awarded by the DLS Scholarship Fund Committee this fall. Scholarships include a $3,000 award to a Masters in Library Science (MLS) degree candidate and a $750 award to a Library Technical Assistant (LTA) candidate.

Scholarship recipients will be honored on September 18, 2009 at the annual Scholarship Dinner to be held at The Carlisle, 435 E. Butterfield Rd. in Lombard.

The winners are:

• Amanda Williams, Packer Engineering Knowledge Service Center, Naperville ($3,000 scholarship).

Amanda Williams is working toward a Masters in Library Science at Dominican University. She finds working at the Knowledge Service Center to be rewarding and enjoys assisting engineers with research and locating obscure materials. Williams is highly motivated to help library patrons and work collaboratively. She has a quest for learning and embraces technology and the changes that that are happening in the library world as she advances her career in librarianship.

In a letter of recommendation, Bill Crowley, Ph. D., professor at Dominican University, stressed that, "Amanda's clear intelligence, demonstrated work ethic, fine people and communication skills, and remarkable commitment to the profession mark her as an up-and-coming library leader."

• Meri Pandevska, Circulation Clerk, Aurora Public Library, Eola Road Branch ($750 scholarship.)

An enthusiastic worker and student, Meri Pandevska demonstrates her interest in expanding her knowledge of Library Science. Currently enrolled in the Library Technical Assistant program at the College of DuPage, she is interested in expanding her customer service skills and helping library users overcome difficulties. Pandevska has worked in DLS libraries since 2001 and values teamwork and new ideas while striving to "ensure that the libraries are the best informational facilities that the general public can turn to."

The Scholarship Committee will present Williams and Pandevska with scholarships at September's Scholarship Dinner. The featured speaker will be Chicago author Laura Caldwell, author of the Izzy MacNeil mystery series, Red Hot Lies, Red Blooded Murder and Red White & Dead, as well as The Good Liar.

The Committee reminds us that the program will also feature a silent auction and musical entertainment. Sponsorship opportunities are available and donations of gift baskets are encouraged.

For more information, contact Jan Bavaro at 630/232-8457 x200 or jbavaro@dupagels.lib.il.us.

ALA Grant Available for 2010 NLW Promotion

Libraries across the United States are invited to apply for the $3,000 Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant, which will be awarded to a single library for the best public awareness campaign incorporating the 2010 National Library Week theme, “Communities thrive @ your library®.”

The grant is sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing, a division of Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, and is administered by the Public Awareness Committee of the American Library Association (ALA). This year’s application deadline is October 16, 2009. National Library Week is April 11-17, 2010.

All proposals must use the “Communities thrive @ your library” theme, which incorporates The Campaign for America's Libraries’ “@ your library” brand, on any and all promotional and publicity material supporting National Library Week activities. Guidelines for using the brand are available on the campaign website. 

A grant application form and guidelines are available on the Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant website. Information is also available from the ALA Public Information Office at 800/545-2433 x2148 or via email to Megan McFarlane.

The winner will be notified and announced following the 2010 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Boston. Last year’s winning application from Moline (IL) Public Library is on the grant website.

Illinois Poison Center, Invitation to Apply for Funding

The Illinois Poison Center (IPC) seeks organizations that work with community clients providing human services and education that are willing to integrate poison prevention and safety information into their current programs, services, and outreach activities. Selected organizations will receive poison prevention education training from IPC staff to enable organization staff/representatives to easily, effectively share poison prevention information with their community. All poison prevention materials will be provided free of charge by the IPC. A grant ranging from $500 to $1,000 will be awarded to each selected organization to integrate poison prevention education into their existing community education activities. Any organization selected must agree to the identified scope of work and apply the awarded stipend per the terms of the grant. It is anticipated that 10 to 20 organizations will be selected to participate in this year’s project.

Applications are due July 30th. Awards are anticipated to be announced before the end of August. A second round of awards may be made by the end of October. Guidelines and additional information about the IPC are available on the IPC website. Application forms are also available online. For assistance, organizations can contact vdance@ilpoison.org. Please no telephone inquiries.

2009 Carol Anne Robbins Scholarships Available

The Helen M. Plum Memorial Library is pleased to be able to award the 2009 Carol Anne Robbins Scholarships consisting of two $1,500 scholarships for those enrolled in graduate library science programs, and one $500 scholarship for those attending undergraduate library science programs.

More information is available in the scholarship regulations and application. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 3, 2009.

For additional information, contact Bob Harris, Director, Helen M. Plum Memorial Library at 630/627-0316.

OCLC Seeking Libraries For Community-Based Public Awareness Campaign

Supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, OCLC is developing a new community-based public awareness campaign designed to highlight the vital role of public libraries in today’s challenging environment and to increase local library support.

OCLC is partnering with libraries and library systems in parts of Georgia and Iowa, and will work in conjunction with library directors and staff to launch the awareness campaign in summer 2009. The campaign will run through December 2009, followed by a transition period of three months after which communities will have the opportunity to use the campaign strategies and materials for subsequent public awareness initiatives.

OCLC is also accepting Interest Forms from individual libraries and library systems in other parts of the U.S. interested in participating in the program. OCLC will select six to twelve participants based on a variety of criteria, including local need for increased library support, library funding structure, available resources, and readiness and commitment to implement an awareness campaign. Selected participants will receive modest financial assistance from OCLC, support from an OCLC field manager, and select materials and survey tools to manage the campaign over a minimum period of six months.

Only libraries and library systems with no expected library ballot initiative, such as a local government funding levy or referendum, between June 2009 and June 2010 can be considered.

OCLC will review candidates using the following basic criteria. Candidates should be willing to:

• Provide modest funds and project staff to manage the awareness campaign
• Implement the program in their community for a minimum of six months
• Measure the impact with assistance and tools from the field manager and OCLC
• Share findings and experiences with OCLC and the library community following completion of the awareness campaign.

Interested participants should complete the Interest Form no later than June 5, 2009. Expect to hear from OCLC by the end of June. OCLC will review submissions and may contact the library for further review to inform final selection. OCLC will announce the final selection in July.

More information about this opportunity is available on the OCLC website.

DLS Award Winners Announced

The DuPage Library System Board announces the winners for three DLS Awards to be presented at DLS Day on May 18, 2009. Congratulations to the winners:

Friend of the Library

• Meredith Meder, President, and Lynn Hippensteel, Vice President of the Friends of the Villa Park Public Library

Meredith Meder and Lynn Hippensteel demonstrate a strong, enthusiastic commitment to the mission of the Villa Park Public Library. Last fall, the library’s annual Murder Mystery Event was co-directed by Meder and Hippensteel, demonstrating their dedication to the library as well as their talents and energetic volunteer spirit.

Meder and Hippensteel were instrumental in the Villa Park Public Library’s Renew It Now! referendum committee. Meder coordinated the different subcommittees and Hippensteel organized the canvassing of neighborhoods as co-chair of the Neighborhood Committee. In addition, their fundraising activities contribute to the overall success of the friends group, the library, and continue to generate awareness of the library’s services and activities.

Villa Park Public Library Board President Robert Wagner wrote about the winners’ strong commitment to the library and its goals. Library Director Sandra Hill echoed the sentiment. “We feel very fortunate to have these two women willing to give so much of their time and talent on behalf of the library,” she wrote.

Support Staff Award

• Deborah Buschman, Document Delivery Specialist, BP Central Research Library, Naperville

The “face of library services at BP,” Debbie Buschman staffs the front desk at BP and provides excellent, consummate, and timely customer service. She is responsible for proprietary documents and satisfies the most esoteric customer requests for information. Known as a leader and innovator, Buschman models the best in library service.

When there was an early demand for digital material, she took the initiative to obtain the library’s first book scanner. Recently, she put a digital document scanner in place to better serve the immediate needs of the corporation’s global clientele. She is the “go to” person at the library and receives accolades for handling hundreds of Interlibrary Loan requests, working with the Records Management Department to develop and transition to new systems, and to identify and transfer materials which were a part of the sale of the chemicals division to Ineos.

A thirty-five year employee of the library, Buschman began her career at the library when the company was Amoco. Customers, staff, and contractors throughout BP count on her to help them find what they need. She has a thorough knowledge of information center procedures, the library collection, and document and delivery expertise. Nominated by Joyce Fedeczko, nine employees (some of them overseas) added to the nomination and stressed how Debbie Buschman solves the most complex problems and delivers on-time results, all with a smile. 

Librarian of the Year

• Karen Dunford, Adult Services Supervisor, Nichols Library, Naperville Public Library

Karen Dunford exhibits “boundless enthusiasm” as a risk-taker, innovator, and change agent at Naperville Public Library. She continually demonstrates her expertise in working collaboratively and in forming partnerships with community agencies to better the library and the community. She does all of this with the support of the Adult Services team she has assembled.  

Dunford collaborated with Naper Settlement, Naperville Community Television (NCTV), and the Illinois State Library to create a digitized collection of Naperville's historic materials for the Illinois Digital Archives, an LSTA grant funded project. The project received the highest award from the Illinois State Historical Library.

A frequent speaker and panelist, Dunford has presented and served as a panelist for the American Library Association, Illinois Library Association, Young Adult Library Services Association, and the DuPage Library System.

Under Dunford’s guidance, Naperville Public Library won the Excellence in Library Service to Young Adults Award for its revamped teen summer reading program.

Dunford was nominated in a letter co-authored by Executive Director Donna Dziedzic and seven of her peers.

Congratulations to all the DLS Award winners from the board and staff at DLS. Their contribution and service are fine examples of how DLS members continue to make a difference in the lives of the patrons they serve and their communities.

“DLS libraries are filled with wonderfully capable people. These awards are given to recognize 2009's best," said Acting Executive Director Pamela Kramer.

Start thinking now about who you will nominate for DLS Awards next year. There are so many talented DLS members, deserving of recognition.

Register for DLS Day here.

DLS Scholarship Applications Now Available

The DLS Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that two scholarships will be offered in 2009: one $700 scholarship for an LTA student and one $3,000 scholarship for an MLS student.  Applicants must:

    * Work in a DLS member library or organization.
    * Already be admitted to a library program or show evidence of intention to enroll.
    * Complete an application, including an essay.
    * Provide one letter of professional recommendation.

This is not a need-based scholarship. Applicants are judged on the basis of their application letter, recommendation, and contributions to the profession, both current and potential.
Detailed information and the application form are now available.

Applications are due June 1, 2009. Recipients will be notified by July 1, 2009.

Questions about the scholarships or the application process should be directed to Pamela Kramer, Director of Educational Services, at pkramer@dupagels.lib.il.us or 630/232-8457 x203.

Library Stars to be Recognized at DLS Day

National Library Workers Day (NLWD)
April 14, 2009

You don't need to look very far to find talented people in your library! National Library Workers Day, is April 14 and you are encouraged to nominate and celebrate the stars in your workplace. NLWD is a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

Outstanding staff nominated for NLWD by DLS members will be recognized as stars on DLS Day on May 18, 2009.

All nominees for National Library Workers Day will appear online in the "Galaxy of Stars." The American Library Association has more information about National Library Workers Day available online, including celebration ideas, PR suggestions, and a downloadable poster.

Nominate a star librarian here.

Let DLS Know Who You Nominated!

After you nominate a star at your library, let DLS know who you nominated, along with a few sentences about your nomination. The nominees will be recognized at DLS Day in May. Send nomination information to randers@dupagels.lib.il.us.

It's not too late to register for DLS Day!

Ten Libraries, Literacy and Gaming Grants Announced

The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Literacy and Outreach Services is seeking applications from public, school, and academic libraries interested in developing and implementing innovative literacy gaming services for youth ages 10 to 18.

This program is part of ALA's Libraries, Literacy, and Gaming initiative funded by Verizon.

Ten $5,000 grants will be awarded to libraries clearly demonstrating creativity, capacity, sustainability, and a strong commitment to literacy-related gaming services. In addition, the winning libraries will receive ongoing support and technical assistance from a team of nationally recognized library gaming experts. Winners will be announced during National Library Week, April 12-18. The grant application is available online at http://librarygamingtoolkit.org/rfp. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2009.

"There is no doubt that gaming and literacy go hand-in-hand. Board and video games come with text of all kinds including instructions, menus, and much more. Learning the language and mechanics of any game, from chess to Little Big Planet, involves acquiring a new vocabulary and a new set of 21st century literacy skills," said Dale Lipschultz, Literacy Officer, Office for Literacy and Outreach Services.

Gaming is one example of how libraries continue to change to meet the needs of their communities and users, offering innovative programs and services that educate, entertain, and expand interaction with their patrons.

On November 15, hundreds of libraries across the country celebrated the ALA’s first annual National Gaming Day at your library. Libraries of all types joined in the celebration by registering for two national gaming activities: a national video game tournament and board game challenge.

For additional information about the grant contact: Dale Lipschultz, Literacy Officer, Office for Literacy and Outreach Services, by phone, 312/280-3275, or email, dlipschultz@ala.org.

Fundraising and Grantwriting for Your Library

Continuing education course offered by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Dates: March 2 - April 10, 2009
Format: Online asynchronous using the Moodle course management system
Cost: $300
Instructor: Jason Kovac, University of Texas, Austin

Intended audience: Open to all librarians and information professionals interested in fundraising and grantwriting; ALA-APA CPLA program candidates

Course description: This course will take students through an intensive introduction in the following:

• How to perform community needs analysis.
• How to develop and align strategies with identified needs.
• How to identify and build relationships with potential community partners and local/national granting agencies that can offer support to your vision.
• How to use fundraising as a way to engage your community with your organizational mission while building resources for continued success.

For additional information and to register, go to the University of Illinois website, or contact:
Marianne Steadley, Continuing Professional Development Program Director
501 East Daniel Street, Champaign IL 61820
phone: 217/244-2751
fax: 217/244-3302