RAILS Minute

Things are ramping up at RAILS this fall! Dan and Monica talk about the new Illinois Libraries: Agencies of Impact data study, the exciting premiere of our new podcast for school library workers, and more updates on the statewide e-resource package.

Relevant links:

Illinois Libraries: Agencies of Impact, a Data Study

Can't Shelve This podcast

Statewide E-Resource Package Trainings

9/4 RAILS Member Update

RAILS Continuing Education Event Grants

It's all about learning and collaboration in this month's episode of RAILS Minute. Dan and Monica discuss upcoming networking opportunities for school library workers, promote the new round of RAILS Continuing Education Grants, and preview the next RAILS Member Update.

Relevant Links:

9/5 Back to School Online Roundtable

2024 Illinois School Library Workers Symposium

RAILS Continuing Education Event Grants

9/4 RAILS Member Update

Dan and Monica talk about the eagerly-anticipated statewide e-resource package, exciting new opportunities for library catalogers, and resources available for school librarians to remain in compliance with Public Act 103-0100 as they head back to school.

Relevant Links:

Statewide e-Resource Package Survey

Illinois Cataloging Mentorship Program (iCAMP)

RAILS Cataloging Services

Public Act 103-0100 FAQ

Dan and Monica announce our newly-elected RAILS Board members, what libraries need to know in order to be in compliance with Title II, and how you might be interested in exploring our growing interlibrary loan platform, Find More Illinois.

Relevant Links:

2024 RAILS Board candidate videos

Digital Accessibility Pulse Page

6/6/24 RAILS Member Update recording

Find More Illinois

Dan and Monica talk all things digital accessibility in this month's episode, including an overview of our new Pulse Page, a continuing education opportunity on June 12, and the rescheduled RAILS Member Update.

Relevant Links:

Digital Accessibility Pulse Page

RAILS Member Update, June 6

The Modern eAccessibility Landscape Webinar, June 12

Dan and Monica discuss why you should vote in the upcoming RAILS Board election, where you can find us during the spring, and how we've expanded opportunities for the My Library Is... grants in 2024. 

Monica also gives a brief update on library-related legislations in Illinois that would affect library treasurer bonds, threats to libraries, bid thresholds, and electronic resources.

Relevant Links:

My Library Is... Grant recipients

ILA Bill Tracker

This month, Dan and Monica highlight the successful launch of the School Library Advocacy through Education (SLATE) data dashboard and emphasize the value of the Freedom Lifted EDI course that is still available to RAILS members. Plus, Monica breaks down all you need to know about library-related legislation that’s making its way through Illinois.

Relevant Links:

SLATE data dashboard

March 20 SLATE dashboard demo

Freedom Lifted

Freedom Lifted survey

ILA Bill Monitoring

In the first episode of 2024, Monica and Dan formally announce the new RAILS Director of Consulting and CE, the SLATE dashboard launch, and all the deadlines members should know about to ensure proper certification and delivery.

Relevant Links:

RAILS Member Update

2024 Certification Tutorial

Delivery Contact Review

It's the final episode of 2023! Dan and Monica talk about all of the upcoming deadlines that members need to keep in mind during the holiday season, including the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, submitting comments for the draft Illinois State Digital Equity Plan, and making sure you're in compliance with Public Act 103-0100 when submitting your FY2024 Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grant.

Thank you all for watching our episodes this year. If you have any feedback or questions you want to see discussed in 2024, let us know at [email protected].

Relevant Links:

Paid Leave for All Workers Act

Illinois Draft State Digital Equity Plan

Digital Equity Plan Public Comment Form

Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants

RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris introduces our new Director of Marketing and Communications, Dan Bostrom! Together, they discuss what's on the agenda for the upcoming RAILS Member Update, a new EDI resource for members called Freedom Lifted, and the My Library Is... grant opportunity that is now available for all types of libraries.

Links:

RAILS Member Update

My Library Is... Grants

RAILS Minute is a product of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System. Hosted by Dan Bostrom (Member Engagement Manager) and Monica Harris (Executive Director). Produced by Ola Gronski (Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist).