August 20, 2025

Dan and Monica break down the latest in this month's RAILS Minute: 💡 What we learned during conference season 📱 The new platform that will host eRead Illinois ⚖️ Library legislation we're keeping an eye on 🛒 The latest merch available in the RAILS Online store   Relevant Links: Can't Shelve This (Live from AISLE Episode coming soon!) RAILS Catalyst eRead Illinois Transition RAILS Member Update 11/12 ILA Legislative Meetups ILA's 2026 Legislative Agenda iLead Trustee Training RAILS Online Store    Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Email RAILS Communications at [email protected]

Dan and Monica break down the latest in this month's RAILS Minute: 💰 Your chance to win a $100 Visa gift card 📚 How two million items were added to Find More Illinois 📍 What you can find with our new resource sharing map 📣 How you can support your library system   Relevant Links: L2 Signup Month Contest NIU Joins Find More Illinois New Resource Sharing Map RAILS Showcase 9/24  Subscribe to RAILS E-News Follow RAILS on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Illinois Library Association American Library Association   Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Email RAILS Communications.

Dan and Monica break down the latest in this month's RAILS Minute: 🎧 A new season of the Can't Shelve This podcast ✏️ A free, full-day of virtual learning for school library workers (PDH included!) 💙 Topics for the upcoming RAILS Member Update 📚 The millions of items available through Find More Illinois   Relevant Links: Can't Shelve This Season 2 Premiere Illinois School Library Workers Symposium 9/17 RAILS Member Update 9/10 Illinois House Bill 1910 Find More Illinois   Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Email RAILS Communications.

Dan and Monica break down the latest in this month's RAILS Minute: 💡 A new leadership program for all levels of library staff 📈 Our first-ever upcoming data conference 💰 The millions of dollars saved through RAILS Deals & Discounts   Relevant Links: RAILS Catalyst Libraries Count: RAILS Data Conference RAILS Deals & Discounts

Dan and Monica break down the latest in this month's RAILS Minute: 🗳️ Results from the 2025 RAILS Board election 💰 Key updates on IMLS funding 🌐 A new digital equity opportunity for suburban Cook County libraries 📊 A spotlight on the impactful work from the RAILS data team Relevant Links: RAILS Board Election Results IMLS Advocacy Pulse Page ALA FAQ: Cancellation of the Digital Equity Act Grant Programs Little v. Llano County IMLS Stories RAILS & Cook County Partner on Digital Navigator Network Program SLATE Dashboard Illinois Libraries: Agencies of Impact

Dan and Monica recap all the latest updates on the IMLS funding situation, including important news from the Illinois State Library about the upcoming fiscal year. They also chat about the exciting new rebrand of Explore More Illinois, the current RAILS Board Election, and RAILS grant programs. Relevant Links: IMLS Advocacy Pulse Page Chicago Tribune Article 6/3 EMI Information Session RAILS Board Election RAILS Grants RAILS CE Archives

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 Partnership Joint Statement IMLS Advocacy Pulse Page 4/23 Advocating for Libraries event RAILS 2024 Annual Report RAILS Continuing Education 4/17 Disaster Preparedness CE 4/23 Self Censorship in School Libraries CE 4/24 Cataloging Graphic Novels CE

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 Illinois. Relevant Links: ALA's Show Up For Our Libraries Campaign EveryLibrary American Alliance of Museums ILA Bill List RAILS Board Nominations eRead Illinois

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.  Relevant Links:  World Language Cataloging Servjces Program

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 Trustee Seat Vacancy RAILS Online Store Udemy Discount for RAILS Members