Retirement and Goodbye

My retirement date of May 30 is quickly appproaching! It has been my privilege to be the Library Technical Assistant Department Chair for these past three years. With the help of an awesome group of LTA Advisory Committee members, fellow faculty and administrators, it has been a learning experience and a roller coaster of progress and set-backs. I want to thank you all for the responsiveness and appreciation you have shown me during this time. I think we have accomplished a lot for the future of the LTA Program, and I am confident that it will thrive under Anne's leadership. I have really enjoyed working for and with all of you! I wish the best for the College of Lake County Library Technical Assistant Program and for all of you as LTAs. Best, Jo

Fall Classes Offered!

The following classes will be offered this fall. LTA 121, Introduction to Library Science, Wednesday 6-8:45 p.m.; LTA 210, Library Materials, Monday 6-8:45 p.m.; LTA 214, Cataloging and Classification, Thursday 6-8:45 p.m.; and LTA 230 Library Public Services, Tuesday 6-8:45. We will also offer LTA 276 and LTA 278, Supervised Field Practicum. If you are thinking of doing a practicum, please contact me as soon as possible so you can begin working on a placement. Registration is already open, and it's not too early to sign up!

The Next Step for CLC LTA

As many of you know, I will retire as of May 30. I'm thrilled to let you know that the new Department Chair of LTA program will be Anne Chernaik. Many of you know Anne as the instructor of LTA 230, Library Public Services. Those of you in class this spring have met her already, as we have visited every class to introduce Anne and field your questions about the program. Anne has lots of great ideas for the future of the program, and I have no doubt that great things are in store for our students! What's more, she will be able to dedicate herself more fully to the LTA program than any department chair in the past, as the position has been restructured to allow for that. This will become Anne's blog if she chooses to continue it. Keep checking here for further LTA news. You may reach Anne at (847) 543-2460 or achernaik@clcillinoi.edu If you have not done so already, please offer her your support and confidence as she takes on the LTA program.

Seeking a Student Member for the LTA Advisory Committee

The LTA program has an Advisory Committee of Lake County librarians and LTAs to offer advice and recommendations on the direction of the program. We will need a new student member beginning fall 2008. If you have been in the program for at least a two courses and plan to complete either a Certificate or and A.A.S., please consider serving in this way. The ideal student member is a person with ideas to share and an energetic voice to make them known. Willingness to read materials for each meeting and collaborate with other members on an occasional project will also be necessary. We will meet from 2-4 times per academic year, usually on a weekday morning. If you are interested, please send me an email letting me know a bit about yourself, your plans as an LTA, and some of your ideas for the Advisory Committee. Thanks, everyone!

Digitization/Data Entry Assistant American Theological Library Association, Chicago, Illinois

The American Theological Library Association, a professional association of theological libraries and librarians, has an immediate opening for a full-time Digitization/Data Entry Assistant. This position offers a chance to learn about scanners, scanning software, and creation of preservation-quality digital images as well as data entry in the MARC 21 format. The full job posting is at: http://www.atla.com/member/job_openings.html#ATLA3

Custom Cataloging Paraprofessional, BWI

Book Wholesalers, Inc., the leading supplier of shelf-ready materials to public libraries across the U.S. has an opening in their Custom Cataloging department for Cataloging Paraprofessionals. This position provides customized cataloging services that accompany the sale of books and audiovisual materials to public libraries. Position requires a 2 year college degree (LTA preferred), and/or 1-3 years equivalent broad training/work experience. Please send resume and cover letter to hr@flr.follett.com

Cataloging Paraprofessional, Follett Library Resources

Follett Library Resources has an immediate opening for a Cataloging Paraprofessional. The duties for this position are to perform copy/original cataloging of books, ebooks and/or audiovisual materials in accordance with standard library cataloging practices. This position requires a two year degree (LTA preferred) and/or 1-3 years equivalent broad training/work experience. Please send resume with cover letter to: hr@flr.follett.com.

LTA Faculty Member Wins Award!

LTA faculty member Susan Gibberman will receive the Librarian of the Year Award from the Romance Writers of America (RWA). The award is given to a librarian who demonstrates outstanding support of romance authors and the romance genre. She will receive the award in July at the annual RWA Conference in San Francisco. Susan teaches LTA 232, Reference and Information Services and LTA 210, Library Materials. She is Head of Readers' Advisory at the Schaumburg Township District Library. Congratulations, Susan!

Assistant Circulation Coordinator, College of Lake County Libraries and Instructional Services

The Assistant Circulation Coordinator supervises the evening and weekend circulation support staff, and assists the Circulation Supervisor in coordinating the circulation department. Required qualifications: Associate’s Degree; work experience in a library, preferably in circulation; experience using the circulation module of an integrated library system. Desired qualifications: Library Technical Assistant Degree; excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills; bilingual speaker, preferably Spanish; supervisory experience. The starting salary for this position is $28,589. Normal work hours are 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. These hours may vary in accordance with the needs of the College. Applicants must submit a completed application form, cover letter, resume, and official transcripts to the Human Resources Office by April 25, 2008 to ensure full consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

Summer Classes Offered

Course offerings for Summer 2008 are: LTA 121, Introduction to Library Science and LTA 252, Administration of the School Library Media Center. Both are scheduled in an alternative delivery format. LTA 121 will be offered Mondays and Wednesdays from June 9 through July 2. LTA 252 is a hybrid class that combines classroom and online instruction. It will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 10 through June 26. These will be long days, but you can still have a big part of the summer off when you're finished! If you know someone who wants to start the program, this is a great time to get going. Illinois certified teachers can earn the Library Information Specialist endorsement by taking CLC LTA classes. Registration begins April 21st. Spread the word!