[Nfb-or] NLS Operations Alert

[Renee Squier]

NLS Operations Alert

no. 11-12

DATE : March 2, 2011

TO : Network Libraries

FROM : Carolyn Hoover Sung

Subject : Retirement of Frank Kurt Cylke, Director of NLS

The following announcement came from Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian of Congress for Library Services concerning the retirement of Frank Kurt
Cylke

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing with the news that Frank Kurt Cylke, longtime director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), has
retired
from federal service effective February 28, 2011.

Mr. Cylke was appointed to the position of NLS director in 1973. Since that time he has led NLS in a career of committed and dedicated service to the
nation's libraries and to the blind and physically handicapped citizens of the United States.

On March 3, 2011, NLS will celebrate the 80th anniversary of its founding legislation. Tribute will be paid to Mr. Cylke's exceptional career and to his
leadership in accomplishing the transition from analog to digital technology in 2009 with the launch of the Digital Talking Book program.

I am pleased to announce that Ruth Scovill will serve as acting NLS director. Ms. Scovill will serve in this role during an interim period, while the position
of
NLS director is being posted and filled permanently through a nationwide search.

Ms. Scovill is the director of Technology Policy in Library Services at the Library of Congress. With extensive experience in information technology, and
a
knowledge and appreciation of NLS from her work in 2008 on a major study related to the development of the Digital Talking Book system, Ms. Scovill will
work to assure a smooth transition for NLS until a permanent director is appointed.

Special thanks to all of you for continuing your steadfast commitment to the mission of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped.

Sincerely,
Deanna

Deanna Marcum
Associate Librarian for Library Services
Telephone: 202-707-5917 E-mail:
dmarcum at loc.gov

For more information contact:

Carolyn Hoover Sung

Chief, Network Division

csun at loc.gov

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