PLA Electronic Newsletter
April 11, 2003
Volume 6, Number 5

Spotlight on PLA Gold Partner - The Library Corporation - TLC
Staffing For Results Workshop - Deadline Approaches
Job Shadow Day at the Bloomington (Illinois) Public Library
Talk Table Applications Forms Available
Register for a PLA Preconference
PLA Thanks Partners

SPOTLIGHT ON PLA GOLD PARTNER
The Library Corporation--TLC
www.tlcdelivers.com

The Library Corporation is a leading developer of automation, cataloging and collection development solutions. Our integrated system, Library Solution(tm), provides robust functionality to libraries of all types and sizes. It has been chosen by thousands of libraries worldwide. CARL Solution(tm) is our premier automation system for large libraries and consortia. Some of the busiest libraries utilize CARL Solution, including: Denver Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library and Phoenix Public Library. TLC is committed to providing an outstanding and unexpected level of service to libraries throughout the world. We've listened to librarians for over 27 years.

TLC's new product, Online Selection Assistant(tm), is the only vendor neutral online collection development and information management solution that automates material selection, purchasing and accounting. It is a "one-stop-shop" that will revolutionize the way libraries acquires materials. www.OnlineSelectionAssistant.com

Contact TLC The Library Corporation - TLC

***********************

STAFFING FOR RESULTS WORKSHOP - REGISTRATION DEADLINE APRIL 18, 2003

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn about the latest in the PLA "Results" series, "Staffing For Results: A Guide to Working Smarter." This one-day workshop will be held on May 13, 2003, at the Swissotel Boston. Coauthors of this new publication, Diane Mayo and Jean Goodrich, will provide library managers and human resource managers information on how best to use the book's figures and work forms. The workshop will beheld at the Swissotel Boston, One Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, Massachusetts. PLA has reserved a block of rooms at the Swissotel Boston at a rate of $179 single/double, plus tax. To make your hotel reservation call 1-800-733-SWISS. To receive a registration form or for more information, call the PLA office at 1-800-545-2433,ext. 5PLA. The registration form also is available on the PLA website, www.pla.org,along with more information about the event.

********************

READ ABOUT JOB SHADOW DAY AT THE BLOOMINGTON (IL) PUBLIC LIBRARY!

As part of its recruitment to the profession effort, PLA encourages members to give "job shadowing" a try. The national job shadow program (www.jobshadow.org), now in its sixth year, gives students across America the chance to "shadow" a workplace mentor as he or she goes through a day on the job. Young people nationwide get an up-close look at how skills learned in school are put to use in the workplace. Tips and a handbook on organizing job shadow day at your library can be found on the PLA web page. While there, read about one public library's job shadowing experience and consider trying it at your library! And, if you've hosted job shadow programs at your library, tell us about it! Email bmacikas@ala.org with your library's experience. Click here to read more about it.

*************

TALK TABLE APPLICATIONS FORMS AVAILABLE

The application form for submitting proposals for Talk Tables to be held during the PLA 2004 National Conference, February 24-28, in Seattle is now available. Talk Tables are small group discussions on library topics of current interest, led by a facilitator.

Talk Tables will be scheduled on the Thursday and Friday (February 26 and 27) of the conference only, in correspondence with the regular programs schedule.

Please read the form carefully and supply all information requested. The form is in Word format and can be saved as a Word document, completed and emailed back to PLA as an attachment. Or, it can be printed, completed, and either faxed or mailed to the PLA office. Contact information is noted on the form.

The deadline for submitting Talk Table applications is July 15, 2003. PLA will notify all successful applicants by September 1, 2003 and provide date and time assignments soon after. All Talk Table facilitators are expected to attend and register for the PLA National Conference at their own expense.

Questions? Contact Linda Bostrom, lbostrom@ala.org ; 312/280-5027. Take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the best-and only-national conference for public librarians!

***********

REGISTER FOR A PLA PRECONFERENCE!!

Time is running out! Early registration ends May 9 so don't delay in signing up for one of PLA's preconferences.

Both preconferences are one day long and take place on Friday, June 20, 9:00am-5:30 p.m.

Librarians and Trustees: Teamwork for the Community's Benefit.

What will community libraries be like in the future? How can library trustees and directors form productive partnerships to make a difference in their communities? Participants will hear short presentations, participate in hands-on exercises and break into small group discussions that will focus on solving problems and practicing conversations. Recommended for paired trustee and director from the same library.

How Libraries Add Real Value in a Warp-Speed World.

What distinguishes libraries from their information competitors? The Practical Applications of Technology Committee will conduct a one-day preconference about how libraries add real value to their communities using new technologies, beyond what other organizations and the public or commercial sector are providing. In addition to an overview of technology innovations by noted consultant Joan Frye-Williams, presentations will be delivered on innovations at Cerritos (CA) Public Library, Ottawa Public's participation in Ottawa's Smart Capital project and the state of the art in virtual reference. Known innovator, Susan Kent, Director of the Los Angeles Public Library, will close.

You can register online at http://cs.ala.org/annual2003.

Find out about all the other PLA-sponsored programs and committee meetings in Toronto at www.pla.org.

**********************

PLA THANKS PARTNERS

PLA thanks our PLA Partners for fiscal year 2003-2004 for their continuing, generous support. Partners help underwrite many PLA activities. Please be sure to thank these partners at the ALA Annual Conference or wherever you may meet them!

PLA Partners FY 2002-03 Gold Partners ($5,000 +)

Baker & Taylor 
Barnes & Noble.com 
Brodart
Dynix
EBSCO
Ingram Library Systems
Gaylord
TLC
3M

Silver ($1,000 to $4,999)

Bronze (up to $999)

Partners as of April 7, 2003

End ** End ** End ** End ** End ** End

PLA is a division of the American Library Association. Copyright Statement.