Catalogs & Cataloging

Library catalogs are essential tools for making a library's holdings available to its patrons, and to facilitate the sharing of items between libraries. Automated catalogs also support reciprocal borrowing by cardholders from other libraries.

We provide financial and operational support to shared catalog consortia, grants for libraries to join consortia, specialized cataloging of items in certain languages, and cataloging training. Find More Illinois is our interlibrary loan platform that allows patrons to find and request items across multiple catalogs.

We've also developed guidance documents on consortial cataloging best practices and cataloging staff competency levels.

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."

We currently provide all six LLSAPs in the RAILS service area with a mix of financial support and services. These consortia are funded by participating members, and by RAILS in the form of LLSAP Support Grants using funds from the annual System Area and Per Capita grant from the Illinois State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. We support LLSAP membership growth by offering libraries the opportunity to apply for a RAILS Catalog Membership Grant when available.

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.

Other Shared Catalogs

• I-Share
• LINKin Libraries
• WorldCat

Best Practices

Best Practices for Consortial Cataloging

This document can aid RAILS libraries and consortia in tuning up existing cataloging standards and practices, or developing new consistent practices in areas that are currently not standardized. These recommendations aim to set a baseline standard for bibliographic description in general, promote consistent practices within consortia, encourage the evolution of standard practices across consortia, and focus on key specific issues with the greatest potential impact on the patron experience.

Cataloging Staff Competency Levels

These competency levels are general recommendations from the RAILS Cataloging Working Group. These recommendations can help RAILS libraries as they design training for their cataloging staff or advocate and plan for new cataloging positions. They are open to adaptation based on local practices and staffing structures at individual libraries.