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RAILS Member Advisory Group

About the Advisory Group

On August 31, 2011, the RAILS Board of Directors approved the formation of a RAILS Member Advisory Group.

The 15-member group will report directly to the RAILS Executive Director, and will engage in activities aimed at the improvement, continued development and support of RAILS and RAILS member libraries.

Examples of Advisory Group activities include:

  • Provide advice and input on two-way communications – from RAILS to members and from members to RAILS.
  • Help gather feedback from RAILS members on RAILS’ three service priorities: Delivery, LLSAPs and Talking Book Centers.
  • Help establish networking relationships between RAILS members. Provide input and advice on networking tools (online forums, Communities of Practice, email lists) and possible ways for pre-merger system networking groups to work together.

For additional activities and more information about the Member Advisory Group, view the recommendation to the RAILS Board. (PDF file)

Group Members/Terms

The regular term of office for Advisory Group members is two years and members may serve a total of four consecutive years. In the beginning, terms will be staggered so that less than half of the group will be up for election at one time.

Eight members of the group will be elected by the RAILS membership in October 2011:

  • 5 RAILS public library staff members, one from each of the five pre-merger systems (Alliance, DuPage, Metropolitan, North Suburban, Prairie Area)  – each to serve three-year term
  • 1 RAILS academic library staff member – to serve two-year term
  • 1 RAILS school library member – to serve two-year term
  • 1 RAILS special library member – to serve two-year term

The remaining seven seats will be appointed by the RAILS Executive Director after the election results are known:

  • 3 RAILS public library staff members - to serve one year term
  • 4 RAILS at large members from any type of library (academic, public, school or special) – each to serve two year term

If you have any questions about the RAILS Member Advisory Group, please contact Mary Witt at mary [dot] wittatrailslibraries [dot] info or 630.734.5124.