• Member Advisory Group Bylaws (February 6, 2012)
• FY2013 Schedule of Meetings
• List of Upcoming MAG Meetings
• List of Past MAG Meetings

The RAILS Member Advisory Group is currently working on defining the roles and responsibilities for a group member more clearly. The Group is seeking comments from RAILS members on a draft job description for an Advisory Group member. If you have any comments about the draft roles and responsibilties/job description, please contact Mary Witt at mary [dot] witt [at] railslibraries [dot] info.

• Member Advisory Group Roles, Responsibilities and Job Description (draft, PDF file)

About the Advisory Group

The RAILS Member Advisory Group was created by the RAILS Board of Directors, as permitted by the Board's bylaws.

The 15-member group reports directly to the RAILS Executive Director, and engages in activities aimed at the improvement, continued development and support of RAILS services 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. The initial terms have been staggered so that less than half of the group will be up for election at one time.

Eight members of the group are elected by the RAILS membership:

• 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 are appointed by the RAILS Executive Director:

• 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] witt [at] railslibraries [dot] info or 630.734.5124.