Dear colleagues,

By now, I’m sure you have heard about layoffs announced by two Illinois library systems. These developments reflect the emergency situation facing PALS and our counterparts across Illinois. They are also indicative of the problems facing library cooperatives nationwide, as discussed in previous PrairieVisions postings. Following today's PALS Board meeting, here is an update on the situation we're facing.

1) Survival mode. Our state's fiscal crisis -- the worst in history according to some analysts -- is a game-changer. Though it appears that system vouchers will be paid someday, the state's 6-month payment delays will likely grow longer. And they will probably persist over the next several years. That means systems are in survival mode, since we have received only 57 percent of our 2010 funding, and we are unlikely to receive any further payments until late 2010.

2) Our focus. Amidst the budget crisis, systems have agreed to pare down to the bare essentials so we can get through this emergency and live to serve another day. In light of our fiscal reality, systems have agreed to focus on three priorities (a) delivery (b) PrairieCat and (c) restructuring. Other services will be suspended until our state revenue stream is restored.

3) Next steps. Today, your PALS Board of Directors approved our 2011 Area Per-Capita Grant submittal. Even if that grant is funded, 2011 grant payments will likely be delayed. Therefore, we'll begin work promptly on an FY 2011 service and staffing plan that supports our priorities: delivery, PrairieCat and restructuring. We will submit that plan at the 15 June 2010 PALS Board meeting. It will include staffing and service reductions. We are still working out the details of what those cuts will look like.

4) Moving ahead amidst adversity. I want to express my sorrow about the situation facing Illinois systems. With these latest announcements, Illinois systems have already released more than 50 staff, with more cuts in store. These are dedicated public servants in the best sense of that term, people who have devoted their careers to serving our state, and who are losing their jobs through no fault of their own. My heart goes out to each and every one of them.

These developments signal a sad chapter -- for Illinois and for libraries nationwide. But unlike other states, where drastic restructuring has been imposed with little or no warning, Illinois systems have been invited to work with our funding partner to design the next chapter. PALS is committed to working collaboratively to fully capitalize on the opportunities we’ve been given. As we transition to the next phase, we’ll explore every strategy to minimize the impact of these changes on PALS staff and members. Rest assured, with continued support from the Illinois library community, systems will endure, intent on re-building what has been lost, when better fiscal times return.