Illinois
Libraries

Jesse White 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.

Winter 1997    Springfield, Illinois    Vol. 79 No. 1 Table of Contents Applying the Fundamentals of Librarianship to Technology: Designing and Maintaining Your Library's Web Site Eric A. Cooper..............................................5 Info '96: A Short-Term Reference Success Sara R. Tompson ..........................11 Technology and Illinois' Sunshine Laws: The Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act Scott F. Uhler and Janet N. Petsche .......................................................................................................17 Security in the Public Libraries of Illinois Michael Lorenzen ................................................21 Mentoring New Colleagues: A Practical Model from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Melba Jesudason................................................23 Document Delivery Assessment at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Kathlyn Behm and Julia Hansen................................................31 The Development of Literary Activities and Library Services in Yorkville, Illinois from 1864-1915 Mary Faith Thomas................................................36

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Illinois State Library Advisory Committee 1997
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
Robert Plotzke Director, Rolling Prairie Library System	Library Systems	1999
Jan Ison Director, Lincoln Trail Libraries System	Library Systems	1999
Pam Feather Director, DuPage Library System	Library Systems	1998
Faye Tharp East St. Louis School District 189	School Libraries	1999
Marti Guarin Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy	School Libraries	1997
Robert Wedgeworth University of Illinois	Academic Libraries	1999
Doris Brown DePaul University	Academic Libraries	1999
Trudy Landwirth U of I Medical School, Peoria	Institutional Libraries	1997
Kay Cloyes Caterpillar, Inc.	Special Libraries	1997
Ann P. Bishop Graduate Library School, University of Illinois	Library Education	1999
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	1999
Catherine M. Adduci Chicago, Illinois	Citizen Representative	1999
Michael McKnight Peoria, Illinois	Citizen Representative	1997
David Dyer Elmhurst, Illinois	Citizen Representative	1999
Mary Kay Kickels Palos Hills, Illinois	Citizen Representative	1997

Mary Dempsey, Commissioner, Chicago Public Library
Ruth Faklis, President, Illinois Library Association

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George H. Ryan Secretary of State

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Dear Friends,

At the beginning of the new year, I am eagerly anticipating the implementation of new library programs as well as continuation and enhancement of current programs. It will be a year of new experiences, new service demands, new information products and new technology.

The following quotation from Ralph Waldo Emerson is appropriate to reflect upon in the new year:

Be a little careful about your library. Do you foresee what you will do with it? Very little to be sure. But the real question is, What it will do with you? You will come here and get books that will open your eyes, and your ears, and your curiosity, and turn you inside out or outside in.

Holding true since Ralph Waldo Emerson's day, libraries have an enormous impact on the lives of everyone. Libraries are important purveyors of vital, timely information.

Libraries face many challenges during this new year, but rapidly changing needs and the impact of new technologies will be addressed through our collective efforts. The greatest strength of library service in Illinois is the cooperative spirit among libraries in meeting our patrons' information needs.

In 1997, I am looking forward to several new programs that will help the library community meet these information needs. These initiatives include implementation of my "Educate & Automate" program and new electronic community networks. It will be an exciting year to address the library and information needs of Illinois citizens together.

Sincerely,

George H. Ryan
Secretary of State and State Librarian

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Preface

Kathleen L. Bloomberg

Surveys provide useful data based on how people perceive services and products. This issue of Illinois Libraries includes two articles about several recent library surveys. The first, "Security in the Public Libraries of Illinois," gives the results of a survey conducted last summer. The survey responses, representing 43 libraries, show that the majority of the public libraries have had some sort of security problem. Issues addressed included theft of materials, patron or staff behavior and mutilation of periodicals.

Another survey covers the effectiveness of document delivery suppliers at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. The survey of faculty members was undertaken by two librarians to assess use of the service and identify problems when faculty members order articles directly. With the growing use of document delivery suppliers, this assessment provides useful data to librarians.

Other articles in this issue address various topics, including the development of the public library in Yorkville, how in-depth information services were provided at last year's Democratic National Convention and how to set up a mentoring program. Technology articles address maintaining a library web site and the impact of new technologies on the Open Meeting Act and the Freedom of Information Act.

Your input is welcomed for future issues. Please contact me about contributing an article to Illinois Libraries.