In January, we asked members who received delivery service through RAILS to complete a brief survey. We received a total of 398 responses. The majority (264) came from public libraries, followed by schools (76), academics (33), and specials (25). Libraries were asked to rate RAILS delivery service on a scale ranging from Very Satisfied to Not at all Satisfied in categories such as reliability, attitude and helpfulness of delivery staff, and accuracy and condition of items delivered. In every case, the highest number of respondents chose the Very Satisfied response.

When asked to give a general rating, 249 respondents said RAILS delivery service met their expectations, 110 said the service exceeded expectations, 23 said there was room for improvement and 2 said the service did not meet expectations. Respondents were given the option of having RAILS delivery staff contact them to provide further information and we are in the process of following-up with these libraries. RAILS will continue to analyze survey results and present a written report at the March 22 RAILS Board meeting. Thanks to all who completed the survey. Your input will help us continue to provide high-quality delivery service to our members.

The RAILS Board Delivery Committee will meet in-person at Burr Ridge on February 13, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will also be available via conference call and will be recorded for viewing a later date. An agenda is available on the RAILS website. More information is available at: http://www.librarylearning.info/events/?eventID=14999.

RAILS Executive Director Dee Brennan is travelling throughout the system talking to members and gathering feedback. So far, Dee has visited with members in the Wheeling, Shorewood and Geneva regions.

Dee started the meetings talking about her goals. She would like RAILS to be the best library system in the country. A first step is to find out what members want and need. To help accomplish this goal, RAILS will be going through a strategic planning process in the spring of this year and there will be many opportunities for members to provide input.

The following are some of the major, common issues members raised at the Wheeling, Shorewood and Geneva sessions.

• Members miss the opportunity to meet with system staff and other members face-to-face. They saw the Meet Dee events as a perfect first step and look forward to RAILS providing similar opportunities in the future.
• There is also much interest in the 15 regions approved by the RAILS Board and members are looking forward to networking with others in their region. They would like RAILS to help facilitate these opportunities.
• There is great interest in RAILS’ future plans for delivery. Members want to ensure that the high quality delivery service they have received from the system in the past will continue.
• Members are interested in RAILS bringing back continuing education but in a different way than systems provided in the past. They would like to see RAILS play the role of facilitator. For example, RAILS could help coordinate the efforts of the different groups currently offering CE in the RAILS area. There is also interest in members contributing to a pool of CE money and having RAILS schedule programs on their behalf rather than each library scheduling programs individually.

Future Meet Dee meetings are scheduled at Burr Ridge, Coal Valley, LaSalle Public Library, Kankakee Public Library, Cherry Valley Public Library District and Quincy Public Library. Other meetings will be scheduled in the near future. If you have not yet attended one of these events, we hope to see you soon!