TEEN TECH WEEK

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is introducing Teen Tech Week next month from March 4th through March 10th. What better way for your library to celebrate than holding your very own MySpace/blog beginner night or game night? Southeastern provides a brand new Ps2 and 3 games (your choice) for only $5 a night plus the cost of shipping. You can choose from favorites like Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, Nascar, and many more! All come with accessories like dance pad, guitar, steering wheel, etc. and best of all they not only promote fun, but exercise!

For more information or to reserve check out our website or call Amanda at (800) 397-0029. Be sure to ask about how you can save on shipping or rent an additional system for your night!

Did you know that Wednesday, February 28th is 'Lobby From Home Day'? Information on the Legislative Agenda can be found at:
http://www.iowalibraryassociation.org/associations/2221/files/2007%20legislative%20agenda.pdf ...and how to participate can be found at http://www.iowalibraryassociation.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=13.
Needing support is the ILA push to restore LSA and State Library to FY01 levels and increase Enrich Iowa funding.

Do you have a Borders or Waldenbooks store near you? If you do, be sure to save your shopping for between March 22nd - 27th for the Educator Savings Weekend. You’ll receive 25% off the list price of books, CDs, DVDs and more. Borders stores are even hosting a reception on Friday, March 23rd between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Librarians are included in the definition of “educator” and all you have to do is bring in “proof of educator status”. (Katie has used her paycheck stub or a nametag in the past for this.) Visit the Borders website or call your local store for more details and fine print.

For those looking for more information on technology issues, TechNotes, sponsored by the Public Library Association , is a great place to start. Issues covered range from public computer time and print management to software for children to web services. Topics are constantly being added to, updated or deleted so be sure to check back often!

Meet Our New Consultant...

Katie Dunneback has a long history with librarianship as family members have been librarians for over seventy years. She received her M.S. in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2003. Katie has spent the last three years full-time at the Westchester (IL) Public Library as a Reference Librarian, where she provided reference and readers’ advisory services, managed non-system interlibrary loan functions, parts of the collection, and taught the public computer classes in addition to numerous other duties. She also worked part-time at the Tinley Park Public Library as an Adult Services/Reference Librarian, providing reference desk coverage on weekends. Katie’s strengths include adult services and technology, with a particular interest in adult readers’ advisory services.

While job hunting, Katie got involved with the New Members Round Table of the American Library Association, and she is currently their Member Services Director. Katie was recently appointed to the newly formed Reading List Council which is a committee of the Reference and User Services Association’s Collection Development and Evaluation Section dedicated to acknowledging the best of genre fiction. She will be serving on the council until the 2009 ALA Midwinter Conference.

Katie has also contributed to professional literature with an article on developing professional portfolios available on LISCareer.com, an article on Adult Service Librarianship to be published in the upcoming book, A Day in the Life, edited by Priscilla K. Shontz and Richard A. Murray, and is working on part of a book chapter on serving the romance and other genre readers in the library. She also owns The Young Librarian website and blog.

Katie is more than happy to answer any questions you may have and is looking forward to working with everyone in the Southeaster Library Services service area.

'Wish for Lit' Grants

Amazon.com has a announced a program aimed at giving more than $20,000 in Amazon.com products to three deserving libraries in the United States. The "Wish for Lit" program is designed to give libraries an opportunity to create "Wish Lists" on Amazon.com to receive the books and supplies that they need the most. Amazon.com's Library Wish Lists is an online tool that easily connects donors to a library's catalog of most-needed products.

Beginning today, libraries interested in participating must submit an online entry form at http://www.blogger.com/www.amazon.com/wishforlit and create their Library Wish List. Applications will be accepted until February 16, 2007, and will be evaluated based on the following equally weighted criteria:

-Quality of the application
-Urgency of the need
-Value the award would give to the library/community

One library in each of three categories (K-12, Academic and Public), will be selected from Amazon's registry of Library Wish Lists by a panel of five judges selected by the ALA Chapter Relations Committee. Each winning library will receive a $5,000 gift certificate for Amazon.com products, as well as up to $2,000 of Amazon.com products that are on the library's Amazon.com Wish List. All of the items will be shipped directly to the libraries to be put to immediate use.

Amazon.com's Library Wish Lists tool connects libraries with donors who wish to purchase the most-needed items from a library's Wish List and have the products shipped directly to the library in an easy and seamless manner. Library Wish Lists allow each library to have more than one Wish List, and each list can be managed by multiple library personnel. Donors can make online contributions to the library of their choice by visiting http://www.blogger.com/www.amazon.com/wishlist and searching by library name.

The winners of the "Wish for Lit" program will be announced by Amazon and the ALA in the first week of April on the Amazon Librarians' Store Web site at www.amazon.com/libraries.

Good Luck!

Need A Job?

The Scott County Library System is currently accepting applications for the position of library director. The Scott County Library System is headquartered in Eldridge, Iowa and serves a population of 26,000 people through a new headquarters, five branches and a bookmobile. The system is governed by a nine person board and funded through a per-capita tax. Additionally, the system boasts a strong foundation and friends groups. The library system has a strong history of cooperation with area Illinois and Iowa libraries and shares a SIRSI system with other members of the Prairie Area Library System. Additionally it participates in Libraries Together, a cooperative project among the four libraries in Scott County founded to provide the citizens of Scott County with better, and more efficient, library services.

Requirements: An ALA -accredited MLS.5+ years of progressively responsible experience in public librariesSignificant budgeting, personnel, long-range planning and library automation experience required.Experience with public relations, grant-writing and facility management desired.

Hiring Range: $58,000 - $65,000 with excellent benefits packageApplications accepted until February 28.

To apply, send cover letter, resume and a minimum of four references to:

Doug Morrell
Board President
Scott County Library System
200 N 6th Ave
Eldridge, IA 52748

Or email to: cdavis@scottcountylibrary.org

Services!

Be sure to take note of and make use of Southeastern Library Services' new services! These include disc resurfacing and cleaning (.25 cents for a clean-.50 cents for a complete "like new" resurface), die cut rental or service, PS2 game night rental and our bookmark and bookbag sales. If you'd like more information about any of these check out our website at www.sls.lib.ia.us or give us a call!

***REMINDER***

If you are a tier one or two library, remember that Gerry Rowland at the State Library will need copies of your policies. If you need help developing policies, or working with the ones you have, give us a call.

If you’re a small library, check out our wiki at http://libtips.pbwiki.com/. You can comment, post, and create an interactive community for small library directors and staff. Be sure to check it out and post your own helpful tips and tricks!

Our new web site will hopefully be up and running some time during the first full week of February. The address remains the same, as do our email addresses, but the look will change!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Crew Public Library in Salem, Iowa for committing to the New Planning for Results process (facilitated by Kim) before they forge ahead on their plans for a new library!

Upcoming Workshops

Do you wish someone would show you the money? It’s out there, but getting a grant can be a complicated, stressful and tricky proposition. Join us and learn some of the basics of seeking and applying for grants. Sessions will be canceled if not enough participants though, so register soon! The dates and locations are:

February 14, 2007 10-noon
February 15, 2007 10-noon
February 23, 2007 10-noon

Also, don't miss the upcoming booktalks over the ICN on February 21st and the Summer Reading Program workshops that are held in our region-

Go to http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/ to more information and to register. Call our office with any questions.

Check out this web site for free sheet music-great for patrons whare looking for a new hobby! Listed by instrument, it also includes free online lessons. http://feeds.pirillo.com/~r/Picks/~3/77902136/

Thanks to UNI librarian Herbert Safford for bringing it to our attention!

New Children's & Young Adult Literature Book Talks

As some of you may know the New Children’s & Young Adult book talks over the ICN are fast approaching (2/21/2007). This year we are proud to announce that we have 16 convenient locations throughout Southeast for you to choose from. While the fliers have just been sent out we know you guys may have not yet received them. Our sites and the general information for the book talks is now on the State CE catalog and available for viewing (please use as a reference, not for registration).

Once you’ve decided on a location, please register as soon as possible with East Central Library Services. You can do so by calling Linda Lumsden at (319) 365-0521 or sending in the form on the flier to 222 3rd Street, Suite 402 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401.

Please remember if you have any questions about the actual event, please call our office.



Hope to see you there!

Thanks to their local Presbyterian Church, dedicated staff and volunteers Drake Public Library in Centerville is proud to announce their first sign in 104 years and very successful first quilt show. Keep up the good work Drake!

Upcoming Workshops...

The All Iowa Reads ICN session is almost here! Mark January 30, 2007 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on your calendar today. Log into the CE calendar to see ICN locations and to register!

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Also, Library 101 dates been set for 2007. If you’re looking for an introductory course to running a library, log into the CE catalog at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/ and register for an ICN session.

The dates are:

March 22 (Thursday)
June 8 (Friday)
September 11 (Tuesday)
December 6 (Thursday)

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The two closest Summer Reading Program workshops are in Fairfield on February 12 and in North Liberty on February 13. More locations and dates are listed in the CE catalog. These workshops are a great way to get a feel for this year’s theme, share and borrow ideas from each other, and get energized for the summer. Register soon!

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Finally, SLS is sponsoring national speaker on library advocacy Sally Reed, Executive Director of FOLUSA (Friends of Libraries USA) and will provide a workshop on public awareness and proactive local level advocacy for staff, Trustees and Friends. If you’re looking to get your library front and center, this workshop is for you. The workshop will be held in North Liberty at the Gardin Conference Center on Saturday, April 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch is included. Workshop fee is $25, with a $5 discount for ILA members with additional membership in the Iowa Library Trustees Association or Iowa Library Friends Association. Membership forms available at the event. Reduced fees for libraries sending 5 or more representatives, call Kim at SLS for more information. The workshop is on the CE catalog, so get your Trustees, staff and Friends registered today!

We hope to see you soon!

Job Announcement

With Judy Jones' retirement in December, the State Library is seeking applicants for the open Consultant position. For more information on the job description, qualifications and application information, visit the DAS-HRE
website: http://das.hre.iowa.gov/iowa.jobs.htm, click on Iowa.Jobs for all applicants, and then Search openings and enter 1210BR at keywords.

Big News!

Beginning February 12, 2007, SLS will be fully staffed again! Our new consultant is Katie Dunneback, hailing from the Chicago area. She has a great deal of technical expertise (whew!), and direct service experience with the public. Katie will be introducing herself on the blog and listservs once she on board, and we’ll be making an effort to get out in the region in the spring so as many of you can meet her in person as possible.

With winter holidays just around the corner, the ALA Public Programs Office would like to remind you to set aside time to apply for the newest We the People Bookshelf on the Pursuit of Happiness. Online applications are due by JANUARY 31, 2007. If you are one of nearly 900 librarians who have already submitted an application, thank you!

A project of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), in cooperation with the ALA Public Programs Office, the Bookshelf presents a simple opportunity to acquire new books and materials for your library, develop theme-related programs for young people and their families, and participate in a national library programming initiative.

In spring 2007, ALA and NEH will be awarding a Bookshelf - 15 classic books for young readers on the "Pursuit of Happiness" theme - to 2,000 school (K-12) and public libraries. Selected libraries will also receive four of the titles in Spanish translation, a bonus CD, bookplates, bookmarks and posters to promote local programming.

Guidelines and the application are available online through January 31, 2007. Libraries applying to receive the collection are required to develop a program plan that will introduce the collection and its theme - the "Pursuit of Happiness" - to students and/or patrons. Need programming ideas for your application? Visit

http://maildogmanager.com/link.htmlurl=472&client=ala1&campaign=229&email=kkietzman@sls.lib.ia.us for a list of suggestions and tips. To access to the guidelines and application, book titles, and further details, visit

http://maildogmanager.com/link.htmlurl=472&client=ala1&campaign=229&email=kkietzman@sls.lib.ia.us.

Have questions? Contact publicprograms@ala.org

P.S. Please share this information with other libraries in your area! Multiple libraries within a system/district may apply for and receive Bookshelves.

Happy Reading!


For those of you that may not already know, SLS subscribes to several publications (library related) that we in turn rotate to you. We receive the issue every month/quarter, mail it to the first on the list and so on. Each participant keeps them for a week, passes them on to the next, and then we store them here for a few years (note that in case you ever need an article or would like to borrow an issue-a full list will be on our website soon!)

The publications we subscribe to are:

OPL (One Person Library)
Library Journal
School Library Journal
Friends of Libraries Newsletter
Voya
Unabashed Librarian

Please feel free to check out the ‘One Person Library’ website http://www.ibi-opl.com/ to get a feel of if that publication would be useful to you and your library.

If you are interested in being in any of these rotations, please Amanda Wright know as soon as possible.


Thanks!

**Don't Forget!**

We've gotten our hands on some wonderful new bookmarks. They're a durable shiny sterling silver/stained glass-like combination and would make a lovely gift, door prize or summer reading program incentive for anyone. They definitely dress up any page!

We have a large variety available, as you can see pictured above. We have assorted "insect" selections (lady bugs, lightening bugs, butterflies and bumble bees), "flower" selections (tulips, sunflowers, panseys, roses, lilies, many more!-some even have the name of the flower engraved towards the the bottom). We also have special "sun" ones and "love doves" (as seen at the bottom middle)-all of these, as shown, come with a purple satin ribbon attached.

We're selling them for $1.25 a piece, 10 for $12.00 or 20 for $22.00, you choose which ones you'd like. More seasonal ones and different varieties are available and can be ordered in bulk, at our discount, upon request. Please contact Amanda Wright for more information or to order yours today in time for the holidays!

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Also, if you or your patrons have music CDs, audiobooks on CD or DVDs that aren't working right and need a repair or clean, don't throw them out, send them to us for inexpensive and quick repair! For .25 a clean or .50 a repair your discs will come out looking brand new! It could not only save your collection, but is a great service to offer patrons. Email or call Amanda Wright for details.

From the desk of Kim Kietzman...


Fresh from Nashville and my newly acquired southern drawl finally gone, I’m ready to help you create meaningful and useful long range plans. If in the past you have shied away from Planning for Results because of the time commitment or other issues, rest assured the program is scalable and can be made to fit usefully into any size library. It’s the best way to run your library effectively and with the wisest use of those precious tax dollars. Call me to talk about it anytime!


Thanks to Faye Clow (Bettendorf), Kelly Patterson (Salem) and Suzann Holland (Oskaloosa) for their willingness to help us rank our candidates for the consultant position. We have some really strong candidates and I look forward to seeing how our librarians in the field feel about them. Once their assessments are back, we will schedule interviews in mid December and have someone hopefully hired before the holidays and ready to start in January. We’ll keep you posted!

IREAD

We must recommend a great wiki service developed and managed by our own Michele Leininger at the State Library. It’s devoted to readers’ advisory and helping you find that next great book for your customers. You’re encouraged to contact Michele for the login/password and become an active member of the wiki community by posting your own ideas about books and authors, or just use the site to help you find the right book for the right reader. Go to http://iread.pbwiki.com/ and poke around. Help us help your customers by posting and using this wiki, which has been mentioned positively in two national blogs!


Speaking of blogs...

A wiki or blog for small library management and an annual Iowa librarian’s calendar can help you stay on track, promote your collection, and prepare for big library events. Watch for our new website later in December and the new additions in January to see examples!

Congratulations!

...Congratulations to Washington Public Library and its director Patrick Finney who recently received a very generous donation of $1,000,000 from their local casino to put towards their new building project! We can't wait to see it!

A message from Christie Vilsack...


Dear Public Librarians:

Thank you for all of the support you've given me in the past eight years. It has been a pleasure to meet many of you as I've traveled across the state. I just visited my 500th Iowa Public Library this week! It has been quite a ride!

As part of my legacy, I would like to leave at Terrace Hill a collection of library cards. They would be included in the First Lady's Exhibit which will be on permanent display at Terrace Hill. If you are interested in helping me out, could you send me a library card issued in my name?

Please send them to:

Betsy Shelton
2300 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312

Any cards received before the end of the year will be included in the display.
It would be helpful to me if you could send me your personal contact information as well, including home address and email. I want to be sure I can stay in touch even after you and I have moved on to other ventures. Again, thank you for everything. Keep up your work of promoting literacy of all kinds in your communities!


Sincerely,
Christie Vilsack
First Lady of Iowa

***BOOKS FOR SALE***

Sigourney Public Library has some brand new duplicate books which they would like to sell. They are in great condition, never used, and are being sold to any library that would like to have them for half price. Their e-mail address is: sigopl@lisco.com

Here is the list of hardback books they have for sale:

Vanished by Karen Robards $12.00
5th Horseman by James Patterson $14.00
The Wrong Hostage by Elizabeth Lowell $12.00
The Hot Flash Club Chills Out by Nancy Thayer $11.00
From a Buick 8 by Stephen King $14.00
Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm by Peggy Parish $4.00
Cross by James Patterson (Hardback) $ 8.00



Here is the list of paperbacks they have for sale:

Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts (Large Print Edition) $ 7.00
Castles in the Sand by Sally John $ 7.00
Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts (Large Print Edition) $ 7.00
The Littles by John Peterson $ 2.00
Marvin Redpost, Class President by Louis Sachar $ 2.00
Good Morning, Gorillas by Mary Pope Osborne $ 2.00
Class Clown by Johanna Hurwitz $ 2.00
Knitting by Anne Bartlett $ 6.00
Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts (Large Print Paperback) $ 5.00

They also have one CD that can be played on the computer. It is Zane Grey's The Man of the Forest. They will take $2.00 for it.

Happy Reading!

Come Work With Us!

Southeastern Library Services is currently seeking a staff library consultant to:

· Develop and implement continuing education
· Provide professional consulting and assistance to all types and sizes of libraries
· Participate in professional organizations and committees
· Actively seek out opportunities for collaboration and cooperation
· Develop new opportunities for service

Southeastern Library Services (www.sls.lib.ia.us) provides consulting, continuing education, interlibrary loan and other services to libraries in a 15 county area of southeastern Iowa.

Qualifications: ALA accredited MLS or equivalent. Two years of professional library experience preferred. Possess/obtain and maintain an Iowa driver’s license. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Computer/technology experience a plus. Willing to travel within the service area and state.

Salary: $36,000 - $40,000 depending on experience and qualifications, plus benefits.

Send resume and three references in Word format to Kim Kietzman, Administrator, at kkietzman@sls.lib.ia.us or via US Mail to 2435 Kimberly Road, Suite 210N, Bettendorf, Iowa, 52722

Deadline is November 30, 2006.

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(We encourage you to post or send this ad on as needed!)

*TIER 1 AND TIER 2 LIBRARY ALERTS*

If you are currently a Tier 1 or 2 library, the State Library will soon be announcing a modification of the requirement that libraries have policies and by-laws. Beginning in the next two months you will also be required to have those documents on file at the State Library. If you need help with any of this documentation, please let us know. We are offering a Policy class at the end of November (November 30) in Burlington if you’re interested in adding or revising your policies. An earlier session was cancelled, but can be rescheduled if there’s enough interest. For the minimum policies required, consult http://www.ilsa.lib.ia.us/Tier%201Ed4.htm and look at Standard 8. More information on the filing and formats will be coming from the State Library.

ANOTHER STEP INTO THE DIGITAL AGE AT THE SLS OFFICE...

If you visit our web site at http://www.sls.lib.ia.us/ and choose the “contact us” page, you will now see some Instant Messaging icons by our contact information. One is for AOL Instant Messaging and the other is for Yahoo Instant Messaging. Getting the Microsoft icon in place is a work in progress, but until that time, you can easily set up IM accounts at either AOL or Yahoo! and when we're online, you’ll be able to IM and get instant communication-no phone calls or waiting for email responses! The icons will easily indicate whether we're available to IM or not. Just *remember* to be sure and safeguard your privacy by opting out of setting up email accounts, partner offers, and other services when you set up your free IM account.

Try it out!

Check out our scholarship winners, Terry Moore, Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility Library (top) and Becky Huggins, Fairfield Public Library (bottom) at ILA! Watch for their upcoming reports in the coming weeks---

COMING SOON:

-PLANNING
-STAFFING
-TECHNOLOGY
...AND EVEN MORE SERVICES

Kim will be attending “Results Boot Camp” for a week to become prepared and trained to offer planning services through the spectrum of Results series from the PLA. For more information on the modules in the Results series and Boot Camp, visit:

http://www.ala.org/ala/pla/plaevents/travelingwksp/resultsbootcamp/ResultsBootCamp.htm.

This will allow the office to expand the type of consulting we offer – start thinking now about how these topics can help your library provide great customer service! Kim will be blogging about the experience through the PLA blog at http://www.plablog.org/.

ACK! HOW DO YOU KEEP UP WITH ALL THE GOOD STUFF ON THE WEB?

One of the best ways is to get an account at a blogging service. Kim uses http://www.bloglines.com/login?r=/myblogs. Create your free account and follow the instruction to select web feeds from blogs and web sites. Check your account and keep up on your favorite topics, issues, and library news, all in one place. For example, our blog, the PLA blog, and the State Library web site can all be added as automatic “feeds” on your account. Changes and new posts will automatically be compiled in one place when they are posted. If you’re interested in either making your library’s web site or blog available as a feed, or if you want to set up an account and need help, let us know!

GOOGLE PRIVACY ISSUES


Google, probably the most popular search engine on the Internet, is capable of tracking every search done through its interface. There are ways of deterring this “information gathering”. These fixes are easy and quick, and should be part of your routine for cleaning off computers and identifying user information. If you are keeping paper records of computer users, regularly destroy these. Do not give out computers or user information without a court order. This not only provides the privacy Iowa law requires, but it also provides law enforcement with a clean body of evidence that is less likely to be overturned in court. Most important, though, is to at least wipe the computer clean of “cookies” at least daily, and preferably between each user. The best way to stop this kind of tracking is to completely disable cookies on public machines.

For more information on the issue, visit this blog: http://www.boingboing.net/2005/08/22/google_stealthily_mo.html, which includes some fixes within Google itself.

For directions on setting Internet Explorer settings, visit: http://www.helpwithpcs.com/tipsandtricks/disabling_cookies_explorer.htm.

For information on privacy features in Firefox (my browser of choice), visit: http://www.mozilla.org/projects/security/pki/psm/help_21/using_priv_help.html.

BURLINGTON TRUSTEE RECEIVES HONOR, NEW LIBRARY TO OPEN

Congratulations to the Burlington Public Library! Their Board President, Wyn Boyd, received the Outstanding Trustee of the Year Award from the Iowa Library Association (Trustee subdivision).

To add to the excitement, the library is on the move and preparing to open in their beautiful new building. If you’re in the area, stop by the ceremonies on Friday, November 10. For more information on the opening ceremonies and Mr. Boyd’s award, visit http://www.burlington.lib.ia.us/.

We’ll have photos of the building for you soon!

***PLOW TRAINEES***


For all those involved in PLOW training, you know it's right around the corner. You should have already received your schedule via snail mail in August as well as email reminders to follow. However, if you did not, or need it again, you will find the entire schedule here:

http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/gatesgrants/stay/libs

Rememebr, you do not need to register for the PLOW project. The PLOW schedule is not in the CE catalog because dates and locations had to be assigned to the libraries so that there would be 12-14 students and enough laptops at each location.

Please call SLS with any additional questions.

FYI


You are invited to participate in a free workshop on using Patents & Trademarks databases scheduled for Monday, November 13, 2006 from 1:00 – 4:30 at The University of Iowa Libraries. A full description and registration are available at: http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/govpubs/classes/patents.html

Here’s the program agenda:

1:00 – 1:30 Mark Janis ~ Overview of Legal and Theoretical Issues
1:30 – 2:00 Kembrew McLeod ~ A Different Perspective
2:00 – 3:00 Karon King ~ hands-on training “dissection” of a patent (including standard parts used internationally) and comparisons of worldwide free patent database – and how to use them
3:00 – 3:20 Break
3:20 – 4:30 Karon King ~ continued training ~ bring questions!

Did you know…that the Iowa Center for the Book offers your customers a great way to find local literary events? At http://www.iowacenterforthebook.org/calendar/index.html you can enter your library’s events and allow users to search for events during the next 30 days within 30 miles of their location. This is a free and easy way to promote your events. Be sure to market this web site to your customers, too, and make your media outlets aware of its existence!

The 2007 All Iowa Reads book was announced on October 13 at the Iowa Library Association Annual Conference in Council Bluffs. The committee is working hard to select books to appeal to a variety of tastes, and this year’s pick is quite a departure from previous years.

Splendid Solution: Jonas Salk and the Conquest of Polio by Jeffrey Kluger is a non-fiction selection that reads like fiction. While not directly linked to Iowa, we are hoping that this book will spark a discussion of the memories and history of Iowa and Iowans during this time, personalizing the book. Watch for details on how Southeastern will be working to gather some of those stories as part of the All Iowa Reads activities. We will again have discussion kits available to our member libraries thanks to the Iowa Center for the Book and an ICN session will be offered in late winter to get you geared up for celebrating this year’s selection.

To reserve the set from Southeastern to hold your own book club next year, contact Amanda Wright.

Election frenzy!

Here in Iowa we don’t elect our judges, but we do elect to retain them. Promote informed citizenship for your community by linking to and/or downloading and printing a great brochure on Iowa’s judges and how to research your vote. The brochure is available from the Iowa Judicial Branch at http://www.judicial.state.ia.us/Public_Information/About_Judges/. The brochure is available in pdf format and easily printed. Consider creating a mini-election information station and include the brochure along with information from the Secretary of State available at http://www.sos.state.ia.us/

TAX FORMS


Looking for Iowa tax forms for Tax Year 2006? Now is the time to order!

To expedite your Iowa tax forms order, the Iowa Department of Revenue asks that you use the Web site listed below. This site allows you to access your current account or create an account if your library does not already have one. You may also update mailing information, such as name, address and e-mail address.

You may start placing orders on Monday, October 9, 2006, for Tax Year 2006. If you place an order for Tax Year 2006 forms prior to Monday, October 9, 2006, the order will be considered a tax year 2005 order and will not be filled for tax year 2006.

https://www.idr.iowa.gov/taxforms/index.asp

If you used this system to order 2001 - 2005 tax forms, please use the same UserID/Password to order 2006 tax forms. (If you were assigned a UserID/Password but did not order during tax years 2001-2005, you should still use the UserID/Password you have.) Please DO NOT create a new account if you already have one, as this will result in a duplicate account record. If you have forgotten your UserID/Password or can't access the application, call 515-281-5370 for assistance. Your order must be entered by December 1, 2006, to ensure you receive forms timely. The department will start shipping tax forms for tax year 2006 in December 2006.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Youth Services Librarians: If you were one of the 13 libraries interested in taking the training to implement the exciting "Parents As Literacy Partners" program, please take note of the date and location! Thursday, October 26 at the Kalona Public Library from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, with lunch on your own. SLS is traveling from Davenport and will be happy to make carpool arrangements if needed.

Please register as soon as possible at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/. Because of the function of the catalog, you will need to log in first, then search by sponsor, choose Southeastern and select PALP (which will have a date in August, but go ahead and click on it). Then select the session at Kalona to register.

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All Public Librarians: "Tips & Tricks For Managing the Small Library"- Limited staff, funding and resources plague all libraries, but when you're a one or two person show, it's even more difficult to get everything done and still serve the public. Join us for a workshop stressing practical and easy tips and ideas for managing your small library!

Two times/locations for your convenience: November 8, 2006 10-noon @ Wilson Memorial Library in Keota, Iowa or November29, 2006 10-noon @ West Point Public Library in West Point, Iowa. 2 CEs will be offered, handouts will be provided and there is a cost of $5.00.

Register soon by going to

http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/

Hope to see you there!

...Coming soon in February 2007..."Show Me the Money" (Grant Writing Basics) and the ever-popular "Book Talks"!

Bookmark It!

We've gotten our hands on some wonderful new bookmarks. They're a durable shiny sterling silver/stained glass-like combination and would make a lovely gift, door prize or summer reading program incentive for anyone. They definitely dress up any page!

We have a large variety available, as you can see pictured above. We have assorted "insect" selections (lady bugs, lightening bugs, butterflies and bumble bees), "flower" selections (tulips, sunflowers, panseys, roses, lilies, many more!-some even have the name of the flower engraved towards the the bottom). We also have special "sun" ones and "love doves" (as seen at the bottom middle)-all of these, as shown, come with a purple satin ribbon attached.

We're selling them for $1.25 a piece, 10 for $12.00 or 20 for $22.00, you choose which ones you'd like.

More seasonal ones and different varieties are available and can be ordered in bulk, at our discount, upon request. Please contact Amanda Wright for more information or to order yours today-amounts are limited!

Game Nights!

Playstation 2 Game Night Kits are finally here! West Liberty is the first to sign up to use our kits to provide game nights for their patrons- a great way to attract youth and families to your library!

Current games include Guitar Hero, Nascar 2005, Dance Dance Revolution, Super Monkey Ball Adventure, and Eye Toy Play 2 (interactive game with camera)...Soon to come…Jeopardy, SingStar Rock, Eye Toy AntiGrav. All of these are party style games, with the hardware to go with them (Eye Toy cameras, a driving wheel and pedals, guitar, dance pad, etc.)

Use our online registration form to easily reserve your kit! Kits come with up to three games (choose when you make your reservation), you'll get a confirmation email so you can start advertising to your community and all the only cost to you is a $5 fee (plus shipping both directions via US Mail-library rate.) Please note that kits will be shipped in sturdy USPS approved packaging, and if we’re coming your way and it works out, we’ll even deliver your kit to you!

Reserve today!

***REMINDER***

Scary but true, annual reports are due October 31!

Put the ghosts of last year to rest by getting your report in to Gerry Rowland. The online submission can be found at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/statistics/public-libraries/fy2007. As always, if you need help, give us a call. We know it’s a lot of work, but the statistics help the State, the LSAs and fellow libraries as we look at grants, funding, legislative agendas, and more.

Thanks!

***Job Opening In Southeast Iowa***

Busy Library in Morning Sun has opening for Library Director. Preferred candidate will possess strong people skills & excellent computer skills. Must have HS Diploma. Job includes managing all aspects of the library and library staff including: purchasing, budgeting, grant writing, record keeping and researching.

Please reply by mail with letter, resume and three professional references to: Mellinger Memorial Library Board, Box 8, Morning Sun, IA 52640-0008.

Resumes must be postmarked by October 25th.

Rotation Forums

Do you participate in one or more media rotations through Southeastern Library Services?

If the answer is yes, these forums are just for you!

Throughout the month of October, Southeastern Library Services' will be holding a series of 2 hour long forums in centralized locations throughout southeastern Iowa. This series of forums is a great way to get all of the participants from each rotation in the same room to exchange feedback on various issues and agree on changes, if needed. New policies will be reviewed and new contracts will be distributed as well. Amanda Wright and Kim Kietzman will be there to mediate and field questions all in the hopes of making the rotations the best yet!

Below are the dates and locations for these forums. We are encouraging each library to send one person to represent their library (preferably already familiar with rotations), also one who can be responsible for voting on issues. If you are not able to make the forums, please be sure to submit feedback on the issues (that came in the emails you were sent out) to
Amanda Wright at least one week prior to the date of the forum, or your voice won't be heard.

The dates are as follows:

October 3rd, 2006-Washington Public Library
OLD Audiobook-9am-11am
OLD DVD-12-2pm

October 4th, 2006-Fairfield Public Library
CD-10am-12pm
NEW Audiobook-1pm-3pm

October 9th, 2006-Mt. Pleasant Public Library
NEW DVD-10am-12pm
VHS (East Half) 1pm-3pm

October 10th, 2006-Sigourney Public Library
VHS (West Half) 10am-12pm

*Please note* Due to the large size of the VHS rotation, we found it better to split the meeting into two groups, a "West Half" and an "East Half"

The "East Half" towns are:

Birmingham
Columbus Junction
Farmington
Keokuk
Letts
Mediapolis
Montrose
Mt. Pleasant (Mental Health Center)
Mt. Pleasant Public Library
New London
Salem

The "West Half" towns are:

Agency
Eddyville
Eldon
Hedrick
Kalona
New Sharon
Richland
Sigourney
South English
Washington
Wellman-Scofield


To register and view more details on these forums, please go to the State catalog:

http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/index.cgi

As always, if you need help establishing an account, do not hesitate to contact SLS for assistance!



We hope to see you there!

Looking for an easy way to track what’s due when? So were we! We came across this handy dandy web site through the State Library that lists the programs, agreements and reports and when they’re due, with links to the reports and agreements right there.

http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/2006/07/reports/

Gilead

As you all know, this year's All Iowa Reads selection is the book, Gilead. Did you know you can easily have a set shipped to your library for a book club or discussion group? These groups are a great way to get people not only interested in reading, but socializing at the same time, and coming to your library to do it. The set includes 18 small print books, 2 large print books, 2 CD copies and an audio cassette copy. They are available anytime after September 15th. Please contact Amanda Wright at (800) 397-0029 or by email at awright@sls.lib.ia.us to reserve.

If you don't know much about book clubs, or even the book itself, take a look at the All Iowa Reads website at http://www.iowacenterforthebook.org/air/2006/index.html
Here you can find helpful information on how to get a group started, more about this year's selection and much, much more.

Already have a group going? Share your exciting program and event plans for All Iowa Reads 2006 with others around the state! A list of activities will be added to the All Iowa Reads web page as information is submitted. As an incentive to fill out your information, the All Iowa Reads Committee has decided that at the end of the year, one lucky program sponsor will receive 15 free copies of the 2007 All Iowa Reads selection. Take a moment and check it out!
http://www.iowacenterforthebook.org/air/2006/book-events/describe-your-program-or-

Workshops! Workshops! Workshops!

We have added some opportunities for continuing education to the online catalog at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/.

In the coming months we’re offering a Youth Services Roundtable in September and the always popular Directors’ Roundtable in October. Policy Manual training for public libraries is offered at two locations in November and two sessions of Michele Leininger’s fabulous Readers’ Advisory course are available in November as well.

Coming soon…How to Talk to Your Legislator, Grant Writing 101 and more!

As always, contact us if you have problems setting up or using your CE catalog account.

We hope to see you there!

Good Luck!


Roslin Thompson, director of Sigourney Public Library, has just had her last day at the library, on August 31st after leaving to move with her family to Newton, Iowa. While at Sigourney, Roslin has overseen many things, including (but certainly not limited to!) the building of a brand new, beautiful facility. Starting soon she will be working at the Knoxville Public Library. We wish her luck and will all miss her very much!

***JOB OPENINGS IN SOUTHEAST***

BETTENDORF PUBLIC LIBRARY

Adult Services Manager

Innovative, proactive and experienced librarian sought for Adult Services Manager at Bettendorf Public Library Information Center (www.bettendorflibrary.com). MLS in Library Science and 3 years supervisory experience in a public library required. Supervises Information and Adult Services including selection, programming, reference, web site, public computers, ICN, patron training, volunteers and outreach. Adult Services staff has 2.78 FTE and Information Services has 3.46 FTE. Send cover letter, resume, city application and references to: Human Resources Director, 1609 State Street, Bettendorf,Iowa, 52722. Application available at www.bettendorf.org Close September 29 at 4:00 p.m.

FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY

Youth Services Librarian

Fairfield Public Library has an opening for a Youth Services Librarian. This is a full time, salaried position starting at $25,500 with excellent benefits including health insurance, retirement, paid sick leave, and three weeks paid vacation.

Fairfield, Iowa is a vibrant community of 9,500 combining a unique blend of traditional Iowa values with a diverse national and international population base. Agriculture, manufacturing, and high-tech businesses find their home in Fairfield. Located in southeastern Iowa, we are within 75 miles of Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Burlington. We were featured in the August/September 2006 issue of Mother Earth News as one of “12 Great Places You’ve Never Heard Of” because of our wonderful art galleries, varied restaurants, organic food, alternative energy, and unusual architecture.

The first Carnegie Library west of the Mississippi was built in Fairfield, and strong community support for the library continues today. Our mission-style $3.1 million building was completed in 1996 in the center of town. This 21,000 sq. ft. facility houses 82,000 unique titles in a variety of formats.

Our Youth Services Department is a busy and beloved place. Special programs range from Valentine Tea to Summer Reading Program to Teen Mystery Night. Our staff is supportive of youth programs and young patrons are a high priority. We just installed new automation system, and our website is under construction: http://www.youseemore.com/fairfield/default.asp .

If you are the successful candidate, you will become the “face of the library.” This means you will provide outreach to local schools and day care centers, connecting with children and teens. Primary focus will be on programming, collection development, teaching library skills, and offering reader advisory service. In addition, you will provide backup when our Library Director is absent and you will help at the circulation desk.

Qualifications and skills required:

· MLS is preferred, but candidates who have combined an educational degree with relevant experience are also encouraged to apply
· Energetic advocate for children and teens
· Solid knowledge of youth literature
· Able to relate well to children of all ages and their parents
· Able to plan and produce quality programs for youth

Attitudes desired:

· Enthusiasm for working with youth
· Love of reading
· Good sense of humor
· Desire to serve the public
· Creativity, flexibility, and cooperation

Please send your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to:

Rebecca Huggins, Director
Fairfield Public Library
104 West Adams
Fairfield, IA 52556

New Digs!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our "virtual garage sale" and for your patience during our move. As most of you know, we had to clean house to move into our new office, which we are now in the process of unearthing, and are very happy with. We are proud to say we are back in full working order (though please note with our new phone system we are not hanging up on you because we don't like your conversation!) While our numbers will remain the same, our address has changed. Please update your records accordingly.

It is:

Southeastern Library Services
2435 Kimberly Rd. Suite 210N
Bettendorf, IA 52722

Thanks again,

SLS

SLS Garage Sale

We're cleaning house and we have great stuff available at reasonable prices! Things for your library or even your home! Everything is listed right on our website, prices are negotiable unless otherwise noted. Call Amanda @ (800) 397-0029 to claim (first come, first served!) or to inquire about other details or measurements.

Go to: http://www.sls.lib.ia.us/garage_sale.htm to check out what we have!

And the Winners Are...

The winners of the ILA scholarship were selected last night at the Southeastern Library Services' board meeting after much deliberation over the many (anonymously read) applications received. We are pleased to announce that Becky Huggins, director of Fairfield Public Library and Terry Moore, director at Mt. Pleasant Correctional Center Library will be attending the ILA conference in Council Bluffs this October on us! Oh behalf of Southeastern Library Services' and our board, we thank everyone for their thoughtful submissions.

Keep an eye out for upcoming 'Library Makeover' opportunities and other scholarships!

Congratulations ladies!

Now Available!

Millions of searchable newspaper pages are now available at no cost to schools and libraries
June 15, 2006 - NewspaperARCHIVE.com is giving public libraries and K-12 schools free access to tens of millions of newspaper pages in its historical newspaper database. This new program, called Access NewspaperARCHIVE, will allow students and library patrons to view, save and print full-page newspapers dating from 1759 to 1977. "We are excited to be providing libraries and schools with such a unique research tool," said Jeff Kiley, General Manager of NewspaperARCHIVE.com. "By opening up our archives to these institutions, we are giving everyone, regardless of education or socio-economic class, the opportunity to read first-hand accounts of historical events. We hope that every public library and K-12 school in the nation will take advantage of this free program." Access NewspaperARCHIVE will allow its users to access content from the US and around the world, including titles from the United Kingdom, Canada, Jamaica and other countries. The free subscription will exclude titles within the institution's local state and those after the year 1977. However, an upgraded subscription level that includes these titles will also be available. In the past, historical newspaper research was typically limited to microfilm reels only available in the library. NewspaperARCHIVE.com is simplifying the research process by providing convenient online access to millions of digitized newspaper pages. Access NewspaperARCHIVE will allow online access to more newspaper titles than any other service. Public libraries and K-12 schools can sign up for this free service by calling NewspaperARCHIVE.com's customer service at 1.888.870.0484 ext. 30 or by downloading a sign-up form online at http://access.newspaperarchive.com and faxing the completed form to 319.390.9442. For more information about NewspaperARCHIVE.com and this free program, go to http://access.newspaperarchive.com. NewspaperARCHIVE.com is the largest newspaper database available online with more than 38 million newspaper pages and one new page added every second. Heritage Microfilm of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, launched NewspaperARCHIVE.com in 1999.

Free Stuff!

Scott County Library System in Eldridge, Iowa has one book drop (similar to the one seen to your right, except blue in color with white lettering) they are giving away for free (this is valued at anywhere from $2000-$4000 when purchased from DEMCO.) Three more may be coming available soon. It is in good condition, though the letters on it are slightly worn and is available for pick up immediately. **Please note** This is a heavy item and will require a couple people to lift. They also have many bookends (used, but in good working order) both small and large in size, mostly black in color available for the cost of shipping.

If you have any questions about these items or would like to claim them call Pam Collins, director, at (563) 285-4794 ext. 222 Leave her a message if she's not in and she'll return your call as soon as she can.

Burlington Public Library has a set of 19th ed. (1996) Big Red. They are available for pick up immediately. Contact Rhonda Frevert, head of reference services, with questions or to claim at 319-753-1649

Remember, first come, first served!

For $ale In Southeast

Sigourney Public Library has a beautiful brand new set of (HON office) 16 (stacking) chairs, as seen to your left, perfect for any library! They are selling them for $125/each or best offer.

The chairs can be sold individually or in smaller sets. Arrangements can be made for immediate pick up in Sigourney or you can inquire about possible to delivery to your area for an additional charge.

Any further questions about the chairs should be referred to Roslin Thompson, director, at (641)622-2890 or by email at sigopl@lisco.com

First come, first served!

Library 101 Information

Library 101 is an orientation for new public library directors, offered over the ICN four times each year. This 3-hour program introduces new directors to library support systems and services in Iowa.

The next session is Wednesday, September 13, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Sessions are offered over the ICN, so let us know where you’d like to schedule the class! There is no cost to attend and CE credits are awarded.

ILA Scholarship Opportunity

We are looking for librarians who would love to attend ILA’s annual conference in Council Bluffs October 12-13! If you’re interested in attending, go to our website at http://www.sls.lib.ia.us/Grants.htm and complete the form by August 4, 2006. Our Board will receive a listing of the answers with no personally identifiable information and will select two lucky librarians to receive a scholarship to cover all the costs of attending, including the registration fee, meals, transportation and lodging. All we ask in return is that you enjoy it and report back to the group after the conference ends.

Coming soon: Library makeover grants! Watch for more information in September.

***Reminder***

If your library submitted a technology plan for this year, please remember to send a copy to our office. (This makes it a lot easier for us to help you should something come up!)

The All Iowa Reads selection for this year (Gilead) will be available after September 15th. We will have 18 small print copies, 2 large print, 2 copies on CD and 1 on audiocassette. To arrange borrowing these for your book club or library's use, please contact Amanda at awright@sls.lib.ia.us

Thanks for reading!

'Parents As Literacy Partners' Workshop


Are you interested in extending your library’s reach into homes throughout your community? Enlist parents to be your literacy partners! Join Mary Cameron and other regional youth services librarians to discover an exciting program to train parents to work with their children for school success by promoting literacy at home. The initial sessions will outline how the program works, what will be necessary to make it successful, and what your library will need to commit to the program, as well as give you a chance to ask questions and share ideas. Actual training sessions for implementing the program will be offered at a later date, in time to get the program in place for next school year.

The sessions are free and a light breakfast will be provided. Ottumwa will host a session on August 23 and Mt. Pleasant will host a session on September 7. Register using the online continuing education catalog at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/. If you need help using or setting up your account, please contact us!

Goodbye Ruth!

Goodbye to Ruth Peterson, who's been the director of the Wilton Public Library for 10 years now. Ruth has been at the library for a total of 16. While there, she has overseen automation of the Library, the creation of a teen room and development of a teen group, among other things.

Ruth has resigned to focus on her other job full-time -- mothering. She and her husband, Gerry are the parents of 6 children, 3 still at home.

Ruth will be missed and we wish her a lot of luck in the future.

Emily's Retirement

July 8th, we had a great turn out of Southeast librarians and old friends to the Scott County Library System's library in Eldridge, Iowa for Emily Navarre's final send off into retirement. Over pictures, cake and laughter Emily reminisced over her experiences and fond memories at Southeastern Library Services, where she has been the administrator for many years. We wish her luck and fun!

Book Bags For Sale!

As most of you know, one of out services at Southeastern is selling book bags. We purchase at a discounted price and pass the deal on to you!

We have just received in our shipment for the year and have over thousands ready to go!

These bags, as seen to your right, are made of a white, durable plastic with reinforced sides and sturdy oval handles. They measure 15.5" wide and 18" high. The front (as shown) has "Love My Library", the back has the national library symbol in the same color blue medium sized.

Right now we are selling each bag for .17 cents or a box for $85.00 (500 bags are in a box). This price does not include shipping, but we ship library rate to get it as low as we can or, if we're in the area, we'd be happy to hand delivery them to you at no extra cost!

These bags:

- Make great prizes for summer reading and other library events
- Protect patrons' books on inclimate days
- Help children who ride their bikes to the library carry their books home
- Keeps books together both at home and at the library

...the possibilities are endless!

To order, call or email Amanda Wright @ awright@sls.lib.ia.us (800) 397-0029