RAILS Website Articles

  • Upcoming Changes to RAILS Jobs Board

    When the new RAILS website rolls out next month, all listings on the RAILS Jobs Board will need to include the position's pay rate or range in U.S. dollars. There are several reasons to put wage information in posted jobs: It promotes equity in recruiting and hiring. It creates more realistic pay...

  • $40 ALA Exhibit Hall Passes Are Now Available!

    We are pleased to announce that the $40 exhibit guest passes are now available through RAILS' exhibitor portal for ALA Annual! RAILS member libraries can purchase exhibit-only passes for library staff members to visit the exhibit hall at the ALA Annual Conference, June 22–27, in Chicago. There is no...

  • Explore More Illinois Spotlights Chicago Maritime Museum

    Explore More Illinois, RAILS' online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, spotlights attraction, Chicago Maritime Museum in Chicago! Chicago's history and development stem from its axis at the foot of the Great Lakes. This strategic location gave the city access to the St...

  • Member Update: Meet Monica Harris and Hear RAILS’ Plans for the Future

    Staff at all levels from all types of RAILS libraries (academic, public, school, and specialized) are welcome at the RAILS Member Update on Tuesday, February 28 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., via Zoom. Monica Harris, RAILS' new Executive Director, will talk about her plans for RAILS moving forward...

  • RAILS Minute - February 15, 2023

    In this episode of RAILS Minute, Dan Bostrom welcomes Monica Harris as the new Executive Director of RAILS. Dan and Monica discuss what's next for RAILS in this new chapter, including opportunities for member library workers to meet Monica and share ideas. Have a question or topic suggestion...

  • Explore More Illinois Spotlights Pritzker Military Museum & Library

    Explore More Illinois, RAILS' online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, spotlights attraction, Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago! The mission of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library is to increase the public's understanding of military history, military...

  • RAILS Welcomes Monica Harris as New Executive Director

    After a nationwide search, the RAILS Board appointed Monica Harris as RAILS Executive Director effective immediately. Monica has been serving as Interim Executive Director since November 2022. Monica first joined RAILS as Associate Executive Director in January 2020. In this role, she provided...

  • RAILS Welcomes General George S. Patton School District 133

    Please join RAILS in welcoming our newest member, General George S. Patton School District 133! This school district is located in Riverdale, Illinois. There is one school in the district, serving K-8 students. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the district has an enrollment of 210...

  • 2023 Illinois State Library Annual Certification

    In compliance with Illinois statutes and administrative rules [23 Ill. Adm. Code 3030.200], annual certification is required of ALL library system members in order to retain system membership and eligibility for grants administered by the Illinois State Library. Examples of Illinois State Library...