Dan and Monica provide updates about the dismantling of IMLS, sharing new resources, events, and talking points that members should know about. They also discuss the new 2024 RAILS Annual Report and highlight the continuing education opportunities available to library workers in Illinois. Relevant Links: Letter from Secretary Giannoulias Partnershi…

Every student deserves to be seen in their school library. Janette and Leah are joined by "A" (local school librarian) and Jessica Silva (RAILS Member Engagement Specialist) to discuss how to create welcoming and inclusive school libraries. Together, they share strategies for supporting EDIA in the changing educational landscape. Relevant Links: Co…

Dan and Monica address the news about President Trump's executive order affecting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). At the state level, Monica covers four pieces of library-related legislation to keep an eye on. In RAILS news, they talk about the six open seats on the RAILS Board of Directors and our e-content service, eRead Illi…

We talk about certified school librarianship all the time in Library Land, but what does that even mean? Janette and Leah break it down for you in this episode with Lauren Ochs (School Library Licensure Coordinator at University of Illinois) and Hannah Fiedler (recently-certified school librarian). Relevant Links: Illinois School Library Workers Sy…

In news of a federal grant freeze, Dan and Monica explain how RAILS is funded. They also address the influx of legal questions from our members about immigration enforcement and First Amendment rights. Lastly, Monica emphasizes the importance of serving your community and highlights a resource that helps libraries catalog world language titles. Rel…

Janette and Leah sit down with the internet's favorite librarian, Mychal Threets! Together, they talk about how even the smallest moments of library joy help us persist—both in librarianship and in life. Plus, we read and react to your library joy stories! Books We Discussed: Book Lovers by Emily Henry The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schw…

School librarian and administrator relationships can be tricky to navigate. Janette and Leah are joined by school librarian Beth Kovacic and principal Akemi Sessler (Dryden Elementary School) and discuss how you can foster that positive relationship to improve student, teacher, and community success. Relevant Links: Shannon Miller John Hattie…

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 …

Janette and Leah chat with district librarian Nichole Folkman (Hartsburg-Emden CUSD #21) about the best ways to get your tots, tweens, and teens excited about visiting the school library. Plus, we read and discuss your submitted programming stories! Relevant Links: Follow Nichole on Instagram AISLE Readers' Choice Book Awards…

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, …

Help us help you…share the important work that you’re doing in school libraries. Janette and Leah chat with school librarians Gail Meyer (Thornton Fractional High School) and Deb Will (Zion-Benton Township High School) about the simplest and most impactful ways that anyone can advocate for school libraries. Relevant Links: AISLE Letter Writing Camp…

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 State…

Welcome to Can't Shelve This: your new school library podcast. Co-hosts Janette Derucki (RAILS Data Analyst) and Leah Gregory (IHLS School Library Membership Coordinator) introduce themselves and discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly happening at Illinois school libraries. Relevant Links: Vocational Awe and Librarianship by Fobazi Ettarh Intro/ou…

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 Librar…

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 (iCA…

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 …

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 thre…

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. …

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 FY…

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: R…

Monica recaps the successful banned books week program that she participated in with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and encourages members to submit their public comments on Public Act 103-0100 before the October 25 deadline. Dan and Monica also discuss the recent increase in library bomb threats and, in lighter news, some exciting new develo…

With Banned Books Week quickly approaching, Monica talks about the Book Challenges on the Rise program she'll be participating in with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Dan and Monica also share highlights from the recent joint meeting between RAILS and IHLS at the Illinois State Library. Both systems are collaborating on some exciting events, …

RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris talks with Dan Matthews, Cataloging and Digital Services Librarian at Moraine Valley Community College Library about the benefits of open educational resources and how to get started using OERs.By Reaching Across Illinois Library System

RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris talks with Kate Hall, Jennifer Czajka, and Mara Barbel from Illinois Libraries Present, a cooperative programming intitative that provides high-quality online events at equitable prices for member libraries. They talk about how ILP was created, the long-term goals for the program, and how your library can take…

RAILS (then interim) Executive Director Monica Harris talks with Chicago Public Library (CPL) Commissioner Chris Brown about The Book Sanctuary (committed to protecting banned and challenged books) and the 150th anniversary of CPL. Links: https://www.booksanctuary.org/ https://www.chipublib.org/news/book-sanctuaries-committed-to-protecting-banned-a…

RAILS Interim Executive Director Monica Harris talks with AISLE Executive Secretary Carolyn Kinsella and RAILS Data Research Specialist Janette Derucki about efforts to support school libraries in Illinois, including a statewide partnership and RAILS’ School Library Data Project. Related Links: School Library Data Project Data in Libraries Pulse Pa…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Lynn Stainbrook and Leon Smith of Rockford Public library, and Leila Heath of RAILS about Career Online High School, a nationally accredited online high school degree program. Lynn and Leon discuss the program’s tremendous success at their library and how it makes a huge impact on lives. RAILS off…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with RAILS Data Analysis Manager Grant Halter about how he defines data, demonstrating the library’s value through data, the difference between useful and interesting data, using your strategic plan to develop a survey and gather data, and much more! Relevant Link: https://www.railslibraries.info/issue…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with RAILS Associate Executive Director Monica Harris about our recent strategic planning process: choosing a consultant, virtual tools, member feedback, and much more. They also give advice on how libraries can create their own strategic plans. Intro/Outro music by Julie Jurgens, https://juliejurgens.…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Stephanie Chase, Founding Principal of Constructive Disruption (https://www.constructivedisruption.info/), about the importance of strategic planning. Stephanie gives some good tips for what to do if you have little money or little time. Intro/Outro music by Julie Jurgens (https://juliejurgens.ban…

In our latest Sparks podcast, RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with CARLI (Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois) staff members Anne Craig (Senior Director) and Michele Leigh (Senior Coordinator, Open Illinois) about CARLI’s $1.08 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Open Textbooks Pilot Program. T…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Heather Perhach (CUSD #5 in Streator), Andrea Perrin (CCSD #50 in Gurnee), and Emily Porter (CCSD #299 in Chicago), who have all received My Library Is… grants for their school libraries. Each is working on projects that focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. https://www.railslibraries.info/se…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Carmen Patlan, Executive Director of Highwood Public Library, about winning the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This podcast provides an excellent example of what a small library with very limited resources can do to make a real difference in the community through grants, partn…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Durand CUSD #322 school librarian Audra Hill and Kelly Giovanine, Executive Director of Durand Charm, a local non-profit, about their My Library Is… grant project to promote the combined school and public library. Many in the community are not even aware that they have a library. Durand Charm: htt…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with representatives from Gerber/Hart Library & Archives about their journey to create an eight-episode podcast on the personal stories of LGBTQ life and history in Chicago. Intro/Outro music by Julie Jurgens, https://himissjulie.com

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Fox River Grove Public Library District Director Nicole Steeves about the videos her library made after being awarded a My Library Is... Grant. Nicole talks about how their videos came together and she provides great, specific tips for libraries that want to do something similar. Their videos can …

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Executive Director Kathleen Helsabeck and Assistant Director & Marketing Coordinator Burgundy Hill from Quincy Public Library, about how they worked with library users to tackle budget cuts to the library. Using simple, low-cost methods to make their case with the city council, Quincy Public Libra…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks, via Zoom, with Library Director Lauren Rosenthal, from Fox River Valley Public Library District, about the importance of data in library advocacy and telling a compelling library story. Lauren gives great specific examples about how she used data to achieve library goals. They discuss the library's cr…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Assistant Library Director Teri Campbell from Evanston Public Library, Preschool Outreach Librarian Emily Conradt from St. Charles Public Library District, and Community Engagement Manager Nancy Kim Phillips from Skokie Public Library about their libraries EDI initiatives and activities. Relevant …

In the latest episode of Sparks, RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Amy de la Fuente, RAILS Census 2020 Program Manager, about the significant role libraries will play in ensuring a complete census count throughout the state, and how RAILS and it’s subgrantees will use the grant received from the Illinois Department of Human Servic…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with RAILS' own Leila Heath and Anna Behm about e-resources, including RAILS' e-content and self-publishing resource, inkie.org, the robust amount of material (or rabbit-hole if you prefer) on the BiblioBoard Library, current publisher restrictions on library e-content, and more. Relevant links: inkie.…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Library Director Brian Shepard from Indian Trails Public Library District about being named Librarian of the Year, promoting the value of libraries, library remodels, getting into the library field, and more. Intro/Outro music by Julie Jurgens, https://himissjulie.com…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Magan Szwarek, Director of Reference Services at Schaumburg Township District Library. They discuss the Panorama Project's data-driven insights on libraries and their impact on book discovery. https://www.panoramaproject.org/ Intro/Outro music by Julie Jurgens, https://himissjulie.com…

RAILS Executive Director talks with Annie Bostrom, Associate Editor for Adult Books at Booklist, and chair of the 2019 Andrew Carnegie Medals. They talk about the Carnegie awards dinner, the process of choosing the winners, the wonders of meeting authors, and reading the best books. Intro/Outro music by Julie Jurgens, https://himissjulie.com…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Kim Caviness, Chief Content Officer of Chicago marketing firm Imagination about content marketing, how it is relevant to libraries, that print still has a place in our digital world, and our collaboration on the Dreams Take Flight video. Intro/Outro music by Julie Jurgens, https://himissjulie.com…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Amanda Civitello and Katie McLain from Waukegan Public Library about sexual and other kinds of harassment in libraries, how library staff can handle harassment, and how administration can create a safe environment for employees. Slides and handouts for their American Library Association conference…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Justin Williams, Adult Services Librarian at Westmont Public Library, about the library’s Makery (Library of Things) and how other libraries can start a similar collection. Relevant links: https://westmontlibrary.org/makery Intro/Outro music by Julie Jurgens, https://himissjulie.com…

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Veronda Pitchford, former director of Membership Development and Resource Sharing at RAILS. They discuss projects Veronda had been part of during her five years at RAILS, including her challenges, successes, and wishes, with special attention to the growth of e-resources. Intro/Outro music by Juli…