The full text of the report prepared by The Galecia Group, focusing on next steps for materials delivery (and to a lesser extent, other areas for potential statewide collaboration) is being posted on the ILA website for review and comment.  The executive summary and statistical information has been reviewed by RAILS, IHLS, ISL, ILDS and other stakeholders who have been involved in this process over the past several months.

Lori Ayre of The Galecia Group and the report's primary author will be available to meet and work with systems and the Illinois State Library on implementation through the end of March 2012.  Her report was funded by an LSTA grant administered by the Illinois Library Association.

Click here to read the report and appendices in PDF.

Please note that a comments section will soon be available at that web page for discussion on the document drafts.

In these difficult economic times, libraries of all types are needed more than ever.  And our library customers, students, and communities need us to speak up for the incredible role of libraries in supporting education, workforce development, and competitive colleges and universities.

ILA's Illinois Library Day is a day of advocacy held in Springfield.  It is a time for library supporters to "talk up" libraries with visits to elected officials at the Capitol.  Illinois Library Day is held during the state legislative session and includes training and special briefings the evening before the full day of visits.

Accommodations

ILA has reserved a block of rooms at the State House Inn, 101 East Adams, Springfield, IL  62701; phone:  (217) 528-5100 reservations; fax:  (217) 528-4358; room rate:  $98.99 single or double (12 percent hotel tax not included).  Room rates include in-room high-speed Internet access, parking, and a full American breakfast buffet daily.  When making reservations, please mention the group block for the Illinois Library Association.

The cut-off date for reservations is Monday, 19 March 2012.  At that time any unsold rooms will be released to the hotel for general sale.  Reservations received after the cutoff date will be on a space-and-rate available basis only.  Remember to contact the hotel directly for room reservations!

Registration Information

ILA Member Registration:  $10

Non-Member Registration:  $20

$35 for dinner on Tuesday, 17 April 2012, 7:00 P.M., at the State House Inn.

Midwest Buffet:  roasted loin of pork, baked vegetarian lasagna, roasted redskin potatoes w/ parsley butter, Malibu blend of vegetables, fresh Caesar salad, rolls with butter, coffee, tea, and dessert.  Price includes 20 percent gratuity.  Dinner speaker:  ILA Legislative Consultant Kip Kolkmeier.

Please click here for additional information and to register.