April 22 • May 20 • June 17, 2021
IHLS has partnered with the human resource experts at HR Source to bring IHLS members a series of webinars on important HR topics. Join us for one or all.
Published 4/12/2021 5:00 PM CT
Illinois Heartland Library System and the IHLS Delivery Working Group are pleased to announce that, in light of a recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the transmission of fomites on physical surfaces, we are ending the IHLS quarantine of physical items and tubs beginning Tuesday, April 13. As always, libraries remain free to decide their in-library policies and procedures, including whether or not to use any length of quarantine time within their libraries.
"We've been thinking about ending the quarantine for some time," said IHLS Delivery Director Susan Palmer...
Published 4/2/2021 6:00 AM CT, Updated 4/13/2021 1:35 PM CT
New auto-attendant up and running, old extensions no longer in service
We are pleased to share that IHLS has a new phone system. We can now receive your call even if our desks are located outside of the office or we’re working away from our desks.
Published 4/8/2021 2:20 PM CT, Updated 4/14/2021 11:10 AM CT
Illinois Heartland Library System, Illinois Library Association, and WSIU Public Television: WSIU • WUSI • WSEC • WMEC • WQEC
Illinois public libraries are continuing to serve our communities with e-books, curbside service, online and take-home programs, Wi-Fi, homeschool resources, and more--a message brought to the public television viewers of central and southern Illinois during the April 5-7 airing of Hemingway. This new documentary film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick explores...
Published 4/2/2021 11:30 AM CT
We've crawled the web for the most useful library links, curated for the librarians of Illinois. In this Library Link Roundup, see how 3 libraries held virtual egg hunts and find books recs and intros to April holidays from 5 different world religions, resources for reducing anti-Asian harassment, and ways to celebrate National Library Week!
published 3/25/2021 3:31 PM CT
The fiscal year 2020-21 Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR) survey is now open. Each public library is required to submit the IPLAR 60 days after the library’s fiscal year end.
Published 3/25/2021
The ILLINET Interlibrary Loan Statistical Survey for FY2020 (July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020) is currently open. The survey is to be completed by May 15.
Published 3/25/2021 2:13 PM CT
Brodart is partnering with LibraryPass to bring digital graphic content to libraries through Comics Plus® for Public and Academic Libraries. Now you can cater to your graphic-loving patrons by offering a unique tool for accessing a vast range of digital titles, spanning comics, graphic novels, and manga.
Published 3/19/2021 6:13 PM CT
Swank Movie Licensing provides public libraries and certain other institutions with the licensing needed to legally show films from the major Hollywood studios in their buildings to engage and entertain patrons. For 2021, there is also an exception to the license to use some films outdoors on library property!
By signing up for Swank Movie Licensing through this partnership with IHLS, your library will receive a discounted rate, giving you the best value in movie licensing and the ability to expand film programming for patrons.
IHLS Delivery drivers have recently reported several instances of libraries leaving over-filled tubs of materials for IHLS pickup. Overfilling tubs can result in damage to materials as the materials are crushed or exposed to rain and snow. Additionally, it creates a hazard for delivery drivers when stacking and transporting the tubs.
We understand libraries are anxious to get their items out as soon as possible. However, for the benefit of all, we ask that you please fill tubs only as full as they can properly be closed.
If you need additional tubs, we have some. Please be sure to reach out to your delivery hub manager. Additionally, libraries can send materials in boxes. Thank you for your cooperation.
Published 3/15/2021 1:50 PM CT
Voting Period Now Open for IHLS Board of Directors
Welcome to the Board of Directors Election 2021 hub, where you'll find election information, an overview of what board members do, candidate statements/bios, and a sample ballot.
The official ballot, available electronically only, includes 12 candidates for the five open seats on the Board of Directors for a three-year term. All were candidates were confirmed as eligible by a Nominating Committee, chaired by Sarah Isaacs. IHLS Board of Directors members help set policies for the library system and have an impact on the quality of library services throughout central and southern Illinois.
Published 2/25/2021 2:15 PM CT
Illinois Heartland Library System is pleased to announce the recipients of the IHLS Vehicles Grant:
- Crab Orchard Public Library District
- East St. Louis Public Library
- Jerseyville Public Library
- Rochester Public Library District
- Danville Public Library
Published 2/11/2021 3:10 PM CT, updated 3/30/2021 4:02 PM CT
Join us Thursday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to noon for this bright and cheerful presentation about planning your Summer Reading Program, presented by IHLS and ILA. We will discuss a broad spectrum of topics, some of which include program development, marketing, partnerships, and activities. You will leave the training with confidence and excitement about your socially distanced program that meets the needs of your community. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.
Published 2/9/2021 4:08 PM CT
Libraries that are members of a regional library system are required by statute to annually certify that they are compliant with the membership criteria as set forth in the Illinois Administrative Code (23 ILAC 3030.200). In conjunction with this certification, all libraries are also required to complete the ILLINET Interlibrary Loan Statistical Survey.
The window for certification will open on Monday, Feb. 15, and will remain open through Saturday, May 15. This year, it will not be done through a dedicated website, but through your library’s account in Library Learning (L2).
IHLS has received another 100 copies of ILA's Serving Our Public 4.0: Standards for Illinois Public Libraries books. These books are now available for IHLS Members to purchase at a discounted price.
Updated 1/8/2021 12:00 PM CT
Copies of the 2020 ILA Illinois Library Laws & Rules are still available to purchase. This essential compilation includes all current laws and rules affecting library service in Illinois.
