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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 103-100 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 f ..read more

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 ..read more

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 developments about statewide broadband access in Illinois. Links: Public Act 103-0100 FBI Boston Bomb Threat Webinars BEAD Initial Proposal and Comment Information RAILS Minute is a product of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System. Hosted by Dan Bost ..read more

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, including a school library data panel at the AISLE Conference and the 10th Anniversary eRead Illinois Party at the ILA Conference. Links: Book Challenges on the Rise (Monday, October 2) eRead Illinois 10th Anniversary Party (Tuesday, October 24) eRea ..read more