Stay ConnectedShort episodes where you can find out what’s happening with our library system.
Hosted by Dan Bostrom (RAILS Member Engagement Manager) and Monica Harris (RAILS Executive Director). Produced and edited by Ola Gronski (RAILS Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist).
Copyright: © 2023
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.
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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
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
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
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 communications@railslibraries.org.
Relevant Links:
Paid Leave for All Workers Act
Illinois Draft State Digital Equity Plan
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
