RAILS is excited to announce an opportunity for suburban Cook County public libraries to collaborate with the Cook County Office of the President in establishing a Digital Navigator Network. We are currently seeking participation in a Cook County Library Digital Navigator Network Guiding Team to contribute to the co-design of this pilot program.
Public libraries’ digital inclusion programs and services like digital skills classes, one-on-one assistance, telehealth support, and device checkouts are essential to digital equity in communities across Illinois. Cook County’s Digital Equity Plan recognizes this and champions public libraries as a major confidence-building support for residents developing the skills they need to use technology successfully in their daily lives.
Libraries are a natural fit for Cook County’s vision of a collaborative Digital Navigator Network. RAILS is partnering with them to implement a pilot program, supported by the Cook County Equity Fund, that will help suburban Cook County libraries build capacity to sustain and enhance their critical digital navigation services.
We are seeking 12-15 library representatives to bring unique and diverse perspectives to the human-centered design of this new collaboration. The Guiding Team will reflect the diversity of Cook County’s public libraries and library workers across factors like position titles, geographic location, community size, cultural representation, and funding levels.
Staff and trustees at RAILS public libraries in suburban Cook County are invited to apply. Non-director staff should have support from their managers to participate. Libraries with staff participating in the Guiding Team will receive a small stipend.
Nominations of engaged community-based champions are also welcome. Member libraries can consider sharing this opportunity with partners such as elected officials, municipal leaders, administrators, educators, etc.
Work will be conducted both synchronously and asynchronously, beginning in Fall 2025 and culminating in early 2026 with the delivery of program design recommendations. Below is a group charge with more information about the mission and requirements.
The deadline to apply is Friday, October 17. Participation will be confirmed by Friday, October 24.
The first meeting will take place virtually and is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 5.
Apply: Guiding Team Application
Preview the application questions below.
For more information, please contact RAILS Director of Technology Services Anne Slaughter, 630.734.5127.
Through this collaboration spearheaded by Cook County Digital Equity and supported by the Cook County Equity Fund, the County envisions a mutually beneficial relationship with libraries that positions them as central change agents for digital equity, with the resources, partnerships, and capacity-building support they need so every patron can access essential digital skills and devices.