Shared Catalogs

RAILS-Supported Shared Catalogs

Local Library System Automation Program (LLSAP) is a term used statewide to refer to shared catalog consortia and is rooted in historical relationships between the regional library systems and consortia. It is defined in 23 Ill. Adm. Code 3030 as "an integrated library system open to membership by full library system members of all types developed by or receiving financial or in kind support from a library system."

For access to general information, technical and training documents, forms, and other support for the CCS, Pinnacle, PrairieCat, RRLC, RSA, and SWAN consortia, click a consortium's name below to view website and contact information. The Resource Sharing Map shows the locations and service areas of LLSAP member libraries.

RAILS and each of the six LLSAPs in our service area are separate organizations providing distinct services, but we are also close partners with a long history of collaboration. We support membership growth by offering libraries the opportunity to apply for a RAILS Catalog Membership Grant when available. LLSAP operations are primarily funded by participating members, with additional financial support provided by RAILS in the form of annual LLSAP Support Grants. The grant funds originate from the annual System Area and Per Capita grant RAILS receives from the Illinois State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.

CCS Help Desk

PrairieCat Help Desk

RSA Help Desk

SWAN Help Desk

RAILS Consortia Annual Report (RAILCAR)

RAILCAR provides a tool for analysis of quantitative and qualitative data related to LLSAPs' operations and member libraries. The report provides useful information for LLSAP self-assessments and comparisons, and to help member libraries make informed decisions about the affordability and sustainability of LLSAP membership. Data for RAILCAR is provided by LLSAPs and also includes data from other standard sources such as the Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR).

RAILCAR is an expansion of the zILLANE Report, which was originally commissioned by the Illinois State Library to help identify strategies for enhancing resource sharing in Illinois.

LLSAP Support Grant

Each fiscal year, RAILS budgets a set amount for support grants to LLSAPs and allocates that funding according to a formula using data collected from each LLSAP. LLSAPs are invited to apply for this financial support by submitting their data via a webform and spreadsheet template (.XLSX). More information about the LLSAP Support Grant program and requirements can be found in the program guide (PDF).

Other Shared Catalogs