Due to sustainability, efficiency, and safety reasons, the Consortium for Academic & Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), the Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS), and the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) are announcing a change to the Illinois Library Delivery Service (ILDS).
What is ILDS?
ILDS is an interlibrary loan delivery service for academic and research libraries in Illinois. CARLI manages the program under a grant from the Illinois State Library and enlists the regional library systems for logistical support. That is, IHLS and RAILS serve as contracted couriers for ILDS.
What is changing about ILDS?
We are moving the RAILS and IHLS delivery vans’ regular meetup time. Currently, RAILS and IHLS shuttles meet every weeknight in Champaign to exchange materials. These shuttles will now meet during the day, rather than at night.
What does this mean for CARLI libraries?
Effective Monday, June 29, 2026, the shuttles will begin meeting during the day.
This change will mean that some items will now have a 48-hour turnaround time instead of 24 hours. The change will only impact items that are traveling between two separate hubs. Items that stay within their respective systems’ service areas will be unaffected.
Other than this change, statewide interlibrary loan delivery will remain the same. We at CARLI, IHLS, and RAILS understand that ILDS is a significant benefit for our member libraries. We find this change necessary for several reasons:
- Sustainability–Rising costs in staffing, vehicles, fuel, and facilities have required CARLI, IHLS, and RAILS to take a closer look at costs.
- Efficiency and Service–Uniform service will result in fewer cancelled routes and more consistent service. You can expect materials moving locally through IHLS or RAILS service centers to maintain a 24-hour turnaround time.
- Security and Liability–The move from 24 to 48 hours allows us to better ensure the safety of system couriers.
What does this mean for non-CARLI libraries?
IHLS and RAILS libraries that do not participate in CARLI will see little to no change in their delivery turnaround times.
We appreciate your understanding in this matter. We hope this change will cause minimal disruption to our interlibrary loan delivery patterns.
For more information, please contact the following organizations:
CARLI: support@carli.illinois.edu, or 217.244.7593
IHLS: delivery@illinoisheartland.org, or 618.467.8683
RAILS: communications@railslibraries.org, or 630.734.5000