RAILS Minute

Dan and Monica recap what they learned at last week's AISLE Conference in Tinley Park. They also discuss RAILS news, including a public library trustee vacancy on the RAILS Board and the launch of our online store. Lastly, they promote an exciting deep discount for Udemy, available exclusively to RAILS members.

Relevant Links:

RAILS Public Library Trustee Seat Vacancy

RAILS Online Store

Udemy Discount for RAILS Members

Dan and Monica recap the successful ILA conference and announce the winner of our Canon Ivy Mini Photo Printer giveaway. They also discuss more opportunities to connect at the upcoming AISLE Conference and ILA Legislative Meetups.

You'll learn about the topics that are planned for the next RAILS Member Update, how to buy some furniture from RAILS, and some exciting new developments with our interlibrary loan platform.

Relevant links:

ILA Legislative Meetups

RAILS Online Auction Preview

Find More Illinois Website

Find More Illinois Promo Video

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