The Professional Development Committee is excited to share TWO great webinar opportunities this month! Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 18th & Thursday, February 26th!
Wednesday, 2/18 @ 10 am - Data-Driven Floor Plans: Using Excel Solver to Maximize Seating and Collections
Go beyond simple layouts and learn to solve complex spatial puzzles using the power of Excel Solver. After a beginner-friendly introduction to the tool, we will walk through three practical scenarios: maximizing furniture density, accounting for ADA traffic flow buffers, and calculating precise weeding targets for optimal shelf capacity. You will leave with a data-backed framework to turn physical constraints into objective decisions for your Library.
Thursday, 2/26 @ 10 am - Sip, Study, Stay Awhile: The IECC Learning Commons Adventure
The sequel you didn’t know you needed! After our Allerton Conference debut in October 2025, Karissa Anderson and Kaitlyn Weger are back to spill even more Learning Commons magic. From study rooms students make a beeline for, to free Keurig perks, to lounge zones built for comfort, to giant games that bring the fun—IECC has been busy. Come steal our best ideas (we won’t tell!) and learn simple ways to add joy and energy to your own space.
NILRC Conference Scholarships Available!
Have you always wanted to attend the NILRC Conference? Well now is your chance!
The NILRC Board is offering 3 scholarships to attend the 2025 Annual Conference. This year’s conference will take place October 2-3 at Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello, IL. The theme is “The Evolving Library: Transforming Spaces to Meet Changing Needs.”
(to the NILRC community): These scholarships are open to anyone at a member institution who has never attended the NILRC conference before. Please share with anyone interested at your institution!
(to the LIS Student Community): Are you a Library and Information Science Student in Illinois who is interested in pursuing Community College Librarianship? We’d like to have you join us! We have designated one of the scholarships for an LIS student. This is an amazing opportunity to attend a conference, network with library professionals, and learn more about the issues and hot topics affecting the field.
The scholarship will cover the full cost of registration, which includes all meals and snacks (lunch and dinner on Thursday, and breakfast on Friday), a single room, and use of the facilities.
Applicants will be notified before the end of Early Bird Registration (July 31) if they have been awarded a scholarship. If more than three applications are received, preference will be given to applicants from different institutions so that more colleges can participate.
To apply for a scholarship to attend the conference, complete this form by Wednesday, July 23.
Link to scholarship application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeISpdAWqsCplWl_s5npmsGMdOpb1-LTQiPxt0k9Qkcx_zZAg/viewform?usp=header
If you have any questions, please contact Cat Broady at broadyc@bhc.edu.
Early Bird Registration for NILRC Conference is Now Open!
As summer begins its graceful transition into fall, imagine the crisp air, the cozy ambiance of your favorite library and the promise of a season filled with inspiration. We are thrilled to announce our annual NILRC conference, themed "The Evolving Library: Transforming Spaces to Meet Changing Needs," on October 2nd–3rd at the scenic Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello, IL.
Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfou95veCqvZ1Six252bcmMRp6dbJjWKiK6tJASngf7XJGixQ/viewform?usp=header
What’s in Store:
Inspiring Theme: Delve into how libraries can be redesigned to better serve evolving community needs. Whether it's innovative spaces or rethinking traditional roles, this conference is your opportunity to explore how people use academic libraries (final schedule TBA).
Enjoy the Full Conference Experience: For $325*, your registration includes:
All meals and snacks (lunch and dinner on Thursday, breakfast on Friday)
A single room stay
Full use of the Allerton facilities (https://allerton.illinois.edu/)
Not staying at Allerton? Get a discounted rate of $200.
*Early Bird Advantage:
Register by July 31st and receive $25 off your registration! Secure your early bird discount and prepare to immerse yourself in a transformative library experience. After early bird registration closes, an invoice from Lois will be sent to complete your booking. If you want your invoice in advance, please select that option on the registration form.
New This Year: Looking for another discount? You can now share a room with a colleague! For more information on room sharing, please see the registration form or email Cat Broady
And don’t miss the Tales and Toasts: An Autumn Soiree (fancy dress encouraged) on Thursday night. It will be an evening to unwind, network, and celebrate the spirit of libraries in an unforgettable setting.
Returning this year are scholarships. Three scholarships are available to NILRC members and one LIS student to attend. More information and the application are here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeISpdAWqsCplWl_s5npmsGMdOpb1-LTQiPxt0k9Qkcx_zZAg/viewform?usp=header
We look forward to welcoming you to Allerton Park & Retreat Center for a conference that promises both insightful sessions and delightful, cozy moments.
If you have any questions or need further details, feel free to contact Cat Broady at broadyc@bhc.edu.
NILRC Announces FY26-FY30 Strategic Plan
NILRC is pleased to announce the release of its Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2030. Building upon existing foundations, the plan features key updates, including enhanced advocacy efforts and reinforced guiding principles. Strategic Goal 3 has been revised to emphasize member advocacy skills development. The plan is the result of months of work by the Strategic Planning Task Force, chaired by Sam Suber (Moraine Valley Community College), and includes contributions from Frances Whaley, Guillermo Gasca, Amy Pinc, Terra Jacobson, Karissa Anderson, and Melissa Merlos. The full plan is available to read or download.