[Mdpobc] Advisory Committee Mtg. LBPH

[Bob Watson]

From: Kyle Richmond <Kyle.Richmond2009 at comcast.net>
To: SUSAN POLANSKY <sepolansky at verizon.net>; Sharon Maneki
<nfbmd at earthlink.net>
Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 9:27:24 PM
Subject: re: Advisory Committee Mtg. LBPH

I attended the quarterly Advisory Committee Meeting at the Library for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped today. (12/3)  Here are the minutes.  Let
me know if you have any questions.  I will attend the next meeting in March
and if you have anything you would like me to ask them or bring up, just let
me know.  Thank you -- Jill Richmond

MINUTES 12/3/09:

1)  LBPH recently received 4 new grants to cover digital duplication needs.

2)  Lots of budget cuts and eliminating full-time positions

3)  Lost $150,000 from electronic textbook program due to budget cuts

4)  "Job Squad" program partnering with DORS to help people write resumes
and get jobs.

5)  Art Awareness for the Blind tours continue

6)  Book Discussion group is "Songs Yet Sung" by James McBride, changing the
date to Saturdays

7)  Possibilities Fair was fabulous.  About 300 people attended with banjo
entertainment, handed out library materials, hosted by the Maryland Chapter
of NFB

8)  Drama Programs (2) continue, one is in February; Travel program
continues.  Sharon Maneki did a wonderful job telling about her trip to
Alaska and there was a speaker who spoke about getting a Fulbright
Scholarship to China and Maurice Perez spoke again about his climb up Mt.
Everest.

9) MD Accessible Textbook Program --  It is on a pilot basis due to budget
cuts, not enough funding for college students.  They would like to expand
this program.  Jim is doing a lot of outreach so everyone knows about it.

10)  A motion was passed to form a subcommittee to work to promote the
library in a more public way to state officials.

11)  LBPH only receives 7 copies of popular books and to make them on
digital is the LBPH's expense; can't rely on NLS

12)  Digitals will eventually be available for download

13)  A presentation by Jerry regarding technology showed how the new
equipment works and how to download a book from the thumbdrive.  He also
talked about Skype users joining in and listening to presentations and how
well it worked.

14) They are almost finished handing out the new players to the 300 veterans
who will get them first; next up are the students; then everyone else will
receive theirs.

15)  Patrons can only get 3 digital books at a time (not like you used to be
able to get 20 regular books) but if you have a thumbdrive you can download
the books.

Thank you -- Jill Richmond

 

 

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