Rachel Fuller, The Urbana Free Library
Statement of Concern
As Illinoisans in rural areas, villages, towns, and cities throughout the State address local matters, those same community members and leaders are faced with a nationwide trend of growing inequality and resulting ripple effects. Library staff--by serving their communities and supporting access to information--stand shoulder to shoulder with those community members and leaders in addressing both local and nationwide concerns.
The Illinois Library Association supports this daily and vital work performed by library staff, and a strong Illinois Library Association means stronger libraries and communities. As such, it would be my honor to further contribute to the work of ILA by serving as a Board member.
A committed public servant, my experience includes school and public libraries and ranges from solo librarian to administration. As such, I understand the strengths and challenges faced by libraries of differing sizes, types, and financial means, and I value the unique contributions that can be made by each library. I also understand that advocacy is essential and must be done locally by library staff and statewide by organizations like the Illinois Library Association. Working together we can accomplish much, and our communities deserve nothing less!
Experience
The Urbana Free Library
Associate Director, 2023-present
Director of Adult & Youth Services and Acquisitions, 2021-2023
Director of Adult & Youth Services, 2017-2021
Rochester Community Unit School District #3A
Director of Library/Media Services, 2013-2017
Rochester Public Library District
Circulation Manager, 2013-2014
Adult Program Coordinator, 2013-2013
Riverton Community Unit School District
Library Media Specialist, 2011-2013
Education
MLIS, Clarion University, Clarion, PA, 2017
MSEd, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, 2013
BA, MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL, 2008
Professional Memberships and Activities
American Library Association, member, 2017-present
Illinois Library Association, member, 2017-present
Serving Our Public Committee, member, 2023-present
Presenter, “Level Up: Increased Community Engagement through Moves Management,” 2020
Panel member, “Dear Youth Services Librarian,” 2020
Panel member, “Ask a (Middle) Manager,” 2019
Youth Services Forum, member, 2019-2020
Intellectual Freedom Committee, member, 2018-2019
Illinois Heartland Library System, Board member, 2014-2017
Nominating Committee, Chair, 2019; member, 2018
Finance Committee, member, 2014-2017
Executive Committee, member, 2016-2017
Policy and Membership Committee, Chair, 2016-2017; member, 2014 and 2016-2017
Secretary, 2016-2017
Personnel Committee, Chair, 2014-2015
Illinois School Library Media Association, member, 2011-2017
ISLMA Ester Baker Scholarship Award, 2012
Innovative Librarians Explore, Apply, Discover (ILEAD) Instructor Corps, member, 2013 and 2015
“The Mean Girl Response.” Library Management Problems Today. Wayne Disher, editor.
Rochester C.U.S.D. #3A Certified Support Staff Member of the Year, 2016
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
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