Libraries in Illinois are working to better serve their patrons that speak languages other than English. Polytalk, a network of bilingual volunteers, is ready to conduct real-time interpretor service: http://www.polytalk.info/ . Here is a story about the service in the Herald-Review: http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2007/07/27/news/local_news/1025243.txt .

What is your state doing to fight illegal immigration? How will it affect your library?

Virginia counties target illegal immigrants; libraries may be put in a bind
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6464164.html

This advice given to Nurse Practitioners might apply to many other professions seeking ways to create an independent business model:

"If all of this is daunting, keep in mind these three things. First, some of the most successful restaurants started out as small catering businesses. Second, whether you are going for a change of law or a contract with a practice or managed care company, it pays to be a good negotiator. Third, if a service is good and needed, usually there is a way to make a business out of it."

This is from the article, "In search of independent NP practice", written by Carolyn Buppert, CRNP, JD, in the journal: Journal for Nurse Practitioners. 2007;3(6):374-376.

A CNET article of interest to librarians and patrons alike: "Free information for the taking" http://news.com.com/Free+information+for+the+taking/2100-1038_3-6197920.html . The good news - they refer readers to contact their library for more help.

An article in the recent CIO magazine, titled: "Seven Ways Technology Vendors Blow the Sales Pitch" http://www.cio.com/article/124957?source=nlt_cioinsider , just may be of use to librarians. After all, we are out there too, selling our services, even if they are 'free' to the end user...

The Omaha Public Library was recently mentioned by the Library Journal for its unusually formatted annual report: http://www.libraryjournal.com/blog/1010000101/post/810011681.html

If you or your community are leading the discussion on how relevant libraries are in this day and age, you may find this article useful reading -
A Vanishing Breed? In the Information Age, the Role of Libraries Is Debated
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/07/09/news/coastal/7807111616.txt

Check out all of the comments at the end of the article - they are a great illustration of how our patrons and non-patrons view library services.

If you are a U.S. blogger, you should be aware of these laws, posted on : 12 Important U.S. Laws Every Blogger Needs to Know http://www.avivadirectory.com/blogger-law/. I learned of this blog post from Mary Helms, a colleague at McGoogan Library of Medicine. Be sure and read the comments for additional good information.

Thomson recently announced the recipients of their Awards for Information Professionals:
http://scientific.thomson.com/news/newsletter/2007-06/8392244/

More information about their awards and how to apply can be found here:
http://scientific.thomson.com/knowledgelink/awards-scholarships/

While looking for more information on the Quantum2 InfoStars award, I found this list of competency tutorials: http://quantum.dialog.com/about/framework/rate_yourself/ . The list includes:

• Environmental Analysis
• Knowledge Culture Vision
• Perception Analysis
• Relationship Management
• Management Buy-In
• Needs Assessment
• Service Definition
• Marketing
• Performance Measurement