Member Advisory Group Candidates

   "I am interested in serving on the RAILS Advisory group because I understand the value of library systems. I have attended many workshops, teleconference meetings and benefited from the delivery services. I am keenly aware of how systems help keep libraries and library workers connected throughout the state as well as professional development opportunities. I have had over 30 years experience working in both public and academic libraries, served on State Library committees and on the Executive Board of ILA. Serving on the RAILS Advisory Group would allow me to more actively participate in the transition and preservation of systems. I believe I can represent and communicate the needs of libraries and the constituents in the RAILS service area. "

   "I am very interested in working with the newly merged library system. Located on the southern fringes of the new system I feel I could bring different information to the group regarding our smaller public libraries. Express what would make us run more efficiently and what changes could affect us adversely. "

   "Library Systems in Illinois are a vital resource to all library types; libraries both small and large have all benefited from collaborating with their system. As the Library Systems have consolidated that has not changed. In addition to the three core services ( delivery, llsap’s,talking book) that RAILS now supports, I believe that an important secondary (and cost free) mission that RAILS can offer is that of a centralized organization that promotes and facilitates local/regional networking. Having worked closely with the DuPage Library System over the past 7 years; I have come to realize that the best path to an effective Library System is through communication with the members. With RAILS now covering a huge geographic area that was once served by 5 systems; the risk is that RAILS will become removed from its members. I would serve on the RAILS Member Advisory Committee to ensure that the voices of all libraries were heard."

   "The Illinois library community has recently experienced drastic changes in the services that have traditionally been provided by library systems due to the economic realities of the state. We are also at a point where constant evaluation and evolution of services and reallocation of resources and money are necessary. I look forward to working with RAILS to provide support to both our member libraries and the communities they serve in three particular areas: 1) a recognition of the importance of continuing education and networking opportunities provided by the library system and a recommitment to provision of these opportunities; 2) at a time of increasing demand for resources and decreasing funding, re-establish the group purchasing power of the RAILS libraries; and 3) ensure the continued viability and sustainability of those system services that directly impact service to the public such as interlibrary loan, delivery and LLSAP support. "

   "I would like to serve on the Member Advisory Group because I would like to support RAILS by collaborating with all types of member libraries and providing valuable feedback that will help define membership needs and inform strategic initiatives. As a newly formed and much larger library system, it is imperative that we have clear communication among the entire membership to ensure that RAILS moves in the right direction to meet the needs of the library community. The RAILS Member Advisory Group provides the avenue to make those recommendations and I would like to be a part of that group."

   "Libraries are one of Illinois greatest resource and I want to help keep them at the standards we all have worked hard to achieve. I believe I can offer realistic and constructive opinions and guidance to help RAILS develop into a valuable system for all the Libraries under its "umbrella". "

   "Serving on the Member Advisory Committee would be an honor, as I know how important it is to keep the library community connected. As a member of several networking groups, I have seen how talented and supportive this group of people is to the success of Illinois libraries. Participating in keeping that community informed and sharing their concerns with the System Board will ensure that Illinois libraries and librarians remain some of the best."

   "I have been fortunate to work in public libraries in Northern and Central Illinois where I have developed knowledge in a variety of areas from reference and interlibrary loan services to technology. I would use this knowledge on MAG to represent the RAILS membership with dedication, integrity, forward thinking, a good attitude, and a love of libraries. For the past 8 years, I have been employed as the Head of Information Services of the Huntley Area Public Library, which is a member of the CCS consortium. I currently serve as chair of the CCS patron access services technical group. "

   "As the Director of the LaSalle Public Library for 13 years, networking and communication amongst libraries is very important to me. To that end I helped organize and continue to lead the West of 47 Group. I served on the PALS Librarians’ Advisory Group since 2004. In 2010 and 2011, I chaired LAC and lobbied heavily to the Merger Transition Board for the creation of a RAILS Librarians Advisory Committee. It is important that member libraries, regardless of size or type, have a voice within RAILS. I look forward to the opportunity to represent and advocate for member libraries."

   "I have worked in the high school library for 18 years and at Schaumburg Public library for 9 years. It isn't always easy to attend workshops or even view webinars since I'm usually in the library, so I would like to explore other ways to share information. I understand how important RAILS is and want to make sure all libraries have access to it. When we share information, we all benefit."

   "I am extremely fortunate to work in a school district that has developed a close relationship with the local public library and with the former DuPage Library System. In the course of an average year, we borrow and lend over 2000 items through the interlibrary loan system. I would like to play an active role in the new system by being a member of this advisory board, encouraging other school districts to take advantage of all of the opportunities that are afforded us as members of RAILS. This is my 17th year working as an elementary school librarian and my 5th year serving as the Bensenville Elementary School District’s library media center coordinator."

   "I would consider it an honor to serve on the Member Advisory Group. I have been a teacher for 16 years and a librarian for 9 of them, each experience has been a new adventure and learning experience. I have also had the opportunity to share some of my own expertise from time to time. If given the opportunity to join the Advisory, I would hope to again learn from my peers and share what I have learned throughout the years through collaboration. As NSLS closed its doors it was such a comfort when RAILS opened its doors to support the needs of all of us."

   "As a Special Librarian, I've been a part of NSLS since 1993. Through my involvement with NSLS and the SLA Illinois chapter, I consider myself to be pretty connected with other special librarians and know what their needs are! I would be a good advocate for Special Librarians. I would be honored to be a member of the RAILS Member Advisory Group."