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Sparks - the RAILS Podcast

Sparks is a monthly podcast that features interviews with RAILS members and other leaders in the library/related fields. We intend to spark conversation, comment, and debate about current trends and issues affecting all types of libraries. The Reaching Across Illinois Library System provides support services to about 1300 library institutions -- academic, public, school, and special -- in northern and western Illinois.
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Now displaying: 2023

Sparks is a monthly podcast that features interviews with RAILS members and other leaders in the library/related fields. We intend to spark conversation, comment, and debate about current trends and issues affecting all types of libraries. The Reaching Across Illinois Library System provides support services to about 1300 library institutions -- academic, public, school, and special -- in northern and western Illinois.

Sparks Podcast - Episode 44 - Open Educational Resources
Jun 5, 2023

RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris talks with Dan Matthews, Cataloging and Digital Services Librarian at Moraine Valley Community College Library about the benefits of open educational resources and how to get started using OERs.

Sparks Podcast - Episode 43 - Illinois Libraries Present
Apr 17, 2023

RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris talks with Kate Hall, Jennifer Czajka, and Mara Barbel from Illinois Libraries Present, a cooperative programming intitative that provides high-quality online events at equitable prices for member libraries. They talk about how ILP was created, the long-term goals for the program, and how your library can take advantage of its benefits. 

Related links:
https://www.illinoislibrariespresent.com/
https://www.illinoislibrariespresent.com/events
https://www.illinoislibrariespresent.com/membership

Intro/Outro music by Julie Jurgens, https://juliejurgens.bandcamp.com/

Sparks Podcast - Episode 42 - CPL Commissioner Chris Brown
Feb 21, 2023

RAILS (then interim) Executive Director Monica Harris talks with Chicago Public Library (CPL) Commissioner Chris Brown about The Book Sanctuary (committed to protecting banned and challenged books) and the 150th anniversary of CPL.

Links:

Intro/Outro music by Julie Jurgens, https://juliejurgens.bandcamp.com/

Sparks Podcast - Episode 41 - Support for School Libraries
Jan 19, 2023

RAILS Interim Executive Director Monica Harris talks with AISLE Executive Secretary Carolyn Kinsella and RAILS Data Research Specialist Janette Derucki about efforts to support school libraries in Illinois, including a statewide partnership and RAILS’ School Library Data Project.

Related Links:

Intro/Outro music by Julie Jurgens, https://juliejurgens.bandcamp.com/

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