(Via RAILS) Through a structured presentation and a librarian-guided zine-making activity, this two-hour virtual event will engage participants in an exploration of Graphic Medicine as a contemporary field and its focus on the intersection of comics, illness, health, and medicine. The event will examine the diverse ways in which Graphic Medicine can foster empathy and…
Category: Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)
Call for Participation: RAILS Strategic-Planning Survey (Limited to RAILS Member Libraries)–Deadline Wed., April 22
RAILS is starting the process of creating a new strategic plan, and we would like your input. We’re asking staff at RAILS member libraries to participate in an online survey to share your knowledge and understanding of RAILS, the work we do, and how it affects you and your libraries. Any level staff member at any RAILS member library…
RAILS-Sponsored Find More Illinois Launches Academic Library Lender-Only Pilot Program
(via Gwen Gregory, Northern Illinois University) The Reaching Across Illinois Library System invites academic libraries to join the new Find More Illinois Academic Library Lender-Only Pilot Program. This initiative expands resource sharing across Illinois by connecting academic libraries with institutions that may not have OCLC access, increasing ILL and circulation activity, and strengthening ties between…
Call for Applications: RAILS Catalyst Leadership-Development Program for Member Library Staff–Deadline Fri., Aug. 15
(via Gwen Gregory, Northern Illinois University) RAILS Catalyst is now accepting applications for this exciting new leadership-development program for library staff! We’re looking for professionals currently working in RAILS member libraries who are eager to expand their leadership responsibilities or enhance their impact in their current roles. Successful applicants will receive real-time coaching from Certified Professional…
Registration Open for IHLS and RAILS Academic and School Librarian Virtual Mixer–Thurs., Aug. 14, 1:00-2:00 PM CDT
(via Gwen Gregory, Northern Illinois University) On Thursday, August 14, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM CDT, we welcome library folks from academic and school libraries to join us for this virtual mixer! This will be a great opportunity to meet folks from various schools and institutions, discuss timely and relevant topics, and share resources and…
Call for Participants: RAILS Catalyst Leadership-Development Program for Member Library Staff–Applications Open Tues., July 15
(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…
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…