Illinois
Libraries

George H. Ryan Secretary of State and State Librarian Jean E. Wilkins Director, Illinois State Library Kathleen L. Bloomberg Editor Kristie Metrow Assistant Editor Editorial Policy ILLINOIS LIBRARIES is the official journal of the Illinois State Library. The purpose of ILLINOIS LIBRARIES is to disseminate articles of general interest to library staff and library governing officials in Illinois who represent all types of libraries and library consortia. Every effort is made to provide a balanced treatment of library-related issues. Articles are solicited that will address the interests of the publication's audience. Individuals are also encouraged to submit unsolicited articles for consideration. Articles are not limited to Illinois contributors, and guidelines for manuscript submission are available upon request. ILLINOIS LIBRARIES will not compensate authors for submitted or requested articles. The editor and/or the director of the Illinois State Library has the right to reject and/or edit articles before printing. Edited manuscripts and/or galley-proofs cannot be sent to individuals for approval. Published articles do not necessarily repreent the views of the Illinois State Libraryandthe Office of the Secretary of State. Articles from ILLINOIS LIBRARIES may not be reprinted without prior written permission of the Illinois State Library. Reprint of an article should include a credit to ILLINOIS LIBRARIES. For permission, contact Editor, ILLINOIS LIBRARIES, Illinois State Library, 300 South Second Street, Room 502, Springfield, IL 62701-1796. Telephone: (217) 785-0052. Internet; kbloomb@library.sos.state.il.us No advertisements are allowed in ILLINOIS LIBRARIES. Forms and other tear out sheets cannot be placed in ILLINOIS LIBRARIES due to postal regulations. ILLINOIS LIBRARIES is free of charge. Back issues, if available, are also free of charge. ILLINOIS LIBRARIES (ISSN 0019-2104; OCLC 1752654); publishes four issues yearly. (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) Published by the Illinois State Library, Room 502, Springfield, IL 62701-1796, Periodical postage paid at Springfield, IL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ILLINOIS LIBRARIES, Illinois State Library, 300 S. Second Street, Springfield, IL 62701 1746.

Spring 1996    Springfield, Illinois    Vol. 78 No. 2 Table of Contents Preface Kathleen L. Bloomberg..............................................60 The Jacksonville Public Library's Addition and Renovation Project Kathleen Roegge.........................61 Liability Issues and the Internet, Part 1: Electronic Mail Scott F. Uhler, Philippe R. Weiss and Michele M. McGee ......................................................................66 "They Put a Library in the Mall!" James R. Johnston .....................................70 Speak Softly and Carry a Big Mug Kristin Kloberdanz................................................75 Final Report General Assembly Task Force on Library Finance................................................77 Another Look at Public Library Referenda in Illinois Stanley E. Adams................................................100 Chicago Community Information Conference Daniel K. Blewett................................................109

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Illinois State Library Advisory Committee 1996
Name	Area Specialization	Term Expires
Patrick Losinski Warren-Newport Public Library District	Public Libraries	1998
Jill Rodriguez Bensenville Community Public Library District	Public Libraries	1998
Brenda Foote Sparta Public Library	Public Libraries	1997
Alice Calabrese Director, Chicago Library System	Library Systems	1996
Travis Tyer Alliance Library System	Library Systems	1996
Pam Feather Director, DuPage Library System	Library Systems	1998
Faye Tharp East St. Louis School District 189	School Libraries	1996
Marti Guarin Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy	School Libraries	1997
Fred Peterson Milner Library/Illinois State University	Academic Libraries	1996
Doris Brown DePaul University	Academic Libraries	1996
Trudy Landwirth U of I Medical School, Peoria	Institutional Libraries	1997
Kay Cloyes Caterpillar, Inc.	Special Libraries	1997
Catherine H. Randall Jacksonville, Illinois	Blind & Physically Handicapped	1997
Barbara Burroughs Rock Falls, Illinois	Citizen Representative	1998
Mary Barb Johnson Lake Forest, Illinois	Citizen Representative	1996
Sandra Churchill Lake Villa, Illinois	Citizen Representative	1996
Michael McKnight Peoria, Illinois	Citizen Representative	1997
David Dyer Elmhurst, Illinois	Citizen Representative	1999
Mary Kay Kickels Palos Hills, Illinois	Citizen Representative	1997

Ex Officio Members

Mary Dempsey, Commissioner, Chicago Public Library
Sue Stroyan, President, Illinois Library Association

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62756

GEORGE H. RYAN
SECRETARY OF STATE

Dear Friends,

This is a busy time in Springfield. While this issue of Illinois Libraries goes to press, an exciting new legislative proposal has been approved by the General Assembly and is being forwarded to Governor Edgar. This initiative, called "Educate & Automate," would provide increased funding for library technology and family literacy programs. I am pleased to have the opportunity to initiate another program to enhance library technology. Many important benefits from library automation and literacy have been incurred and expanding on these efforts would benefit many library users.

Library technology needs are addressed in the final report from the General Assembly Task Force on Library Finance, which is reprinted in this issue. Issued in late April, the task force concludes that new funding for technology in libraries is needed because of increasing demands for electronic information. It was a privilege to serve as chairman of the task force during its deliberations during the past two years. In addition to identifying the most pressing financial needs of libraries, the task force explored a variety of funding possibilities to support the program, namely new or increased taxes and fees. Ultimately the task force recommended increases in fees assessed by my office. Following the task force's recommendations, increases in three business-related filing fees have been identified to fund the "Educate & Automate" proposal.

The strength of the Illinois library network has been whole-hearted cooperation among all types of libraries. Technology has aided libraries in making information available more widely and quickly. I look forward to putting the task force recommendations to expand library technology and enhance literacy efforts in place within the coming year.

Sincerely,

GEORGE H. RYAN

Secretary of State and State Librarian

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