(via Gwen Gregory, Northern Illinois University) The Reaching Across Illinois Library System is excited to announce RAILS Catalyst, a brand-new leadership-development program for library staff. If you’re passionate about advancing your library career and building your leadership skills, we encourage you to apply! RAILS Catalyst will feature real-time coaching from a leadership expert and certified…
Category: Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)
Registration Open for RAILS Webinar “Making DEI Fair: Lily Zheng in Conversation with Monica Harris”–Thurs., June 5, at 11:00 AM CDT
(via Dan Bostrom, RAILS) Join us for a dynamic one-hour virtual conversation between Lily Zheng (Fairness, Access, Inclusion, and Representation Strategist and bestselling author) and Monica Harris (RAILS Executive Director) on Thursday, June 5, at 11:00 AM CDT. Lily will discuss how to make diversity, equity, and inclusion resonate with skeptics, applying the FAIR framework…
Registration Open for RAILS Webinar “Advocating for Libraries”–Wed., April 23, 1:00-2:00 PM CDT
(via Gwen Gregory, Northern Illinois University) Are you wondering what effect recent defunding of IMLS will have on libraries in Illinois? On Wednesday, April 23, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM CDT, please join a RAILS online event to learn more. Registration is available here. This event will feature discussions on advocating for libraries, in regards…
Reminder: Applications for RAILS CE Event Grants Due Fri., Feb. 10
(via Gwen Gregory, Northern Illinois University) RAILS again invites networking groups, consortia, and libraries to apply for a RAILS Continuing Education Event Grant. This grant supports CE events for RAILS member libraries towards the development of library staff and trustees. To qualify, CE events must be made available to all RAILS member libraries. RAILS will prioritize events focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility…
Call for Submissions: Library Stories for RAILS to Share with Elected Officials
(via Gwen Gregory, Northern Illinois University) RAILS is looking for stories that demonstrate the value of all types and sizes of libraries that we can share with elected officials and other stakeholders to help demonstrate the need for continued/additional library funding. Contribute your stories by logging into the blog page of the My Library Is… website…
Registration Open for RAILS Library Chats on Book Selection and Materials Accessibility (Tues., Dec. 6, 10:00-11:00 AM CDT; and Wed., Dec. 14, 4:00-5:00 PM CDT)
(via Dan Bostrom, RAILS) RAILS is hosting two online discussion sessions to address the current environment regarding book selection and making materials broadly accessible for academic, public, school, and specialized libraries. Tasha Squires, School Librarian at O’Neill Middle School in Downers Grove, will lead the sessions. Tuesday, December 6, 10:00-11:00 AM CDT (register here; requires…
Registration Open for L2 Webinar “Academic Library Marketing: Reaching Your Audience in a Post-COVID Era” (Thurs., Sept. 29, at 1:00 PM CDT)
(via Gwen Gregory, Northern Illinois University) Registration is open for the L2 webinar “Academic Library Marketing: Reaching Your Audience in a Post-COVID Era”. It will take place on Thursday, September 29, at 1:00 PM CDT. Please see below for more information, including the link to registration. Beginning with how COVID-19 has (and hasn’t) changed the…
Call for Participation: Survey on Redesigning RAILS Website (Need Responses from Staff at Academic Libraries, in Particular)
(via Gwen Gregory, Northern Illinois University) We are currently conducting an online study to help define the menu structure for the RAILS website, which is being redesigned. We are especially interested in getting more feedback from people working at academic libraries. The activity should take 15-20 minutes to complete, and it involves placing items from…
Registration Open for L2 Webinar “Emergency Preparedness: The Basics” (Thurs., Aug. 25, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM CDT)
(via RAILS) Registration is open for the L2 webinar “Emergency Preparedness: The Basics”. It will take place on Thursday, August 25, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM CDT. Learn how to protect staff, users, collections, and facilities in the event of emergencies ranging from minor crises to community-wide disasters. Prepare for and limit various types…
Registration Open for RAILS Chicago Area Solo Librarians Networking Group Virtual Meeting (Fri., June 24, 12:00-1:00 PM)
(via Ramune Kubilius, Galter Health Sciences Library & Learning Center at Northwestern University) Calling all solo librarians! RAILS is re-launching the Chicago Area Solo Librarians (CASL) Networking Group. The first meeting will take place virtually on Friday, June 24, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM CDT. The purpose of this group is to connect solo librarians…