[Nfbmt] 2015 Montana Talking Book Library Report

[d m gina]

What a swell message,
I get all of the staff mixed up, just knowing that I can read the books 
is all I know best.
Thanks again.

Original message:
> 2015 Montana Talking Book Library Report

> To: The NFB-MT Convention, Great Falls, MT.

> Date: Oct. 11, 2015.

> My apologies for not attending the NFB-MT convention in person. My favorite
> activity is to be among our library patrons and learn what we do best for
> you, and what we can improve. Your comments and suggestions are valuable to
> us, and always welcome.

> WHAT'S HAPPENING AT MTBL?  This year, as well as the last, we have been
> challenged with retirements in our department. People we have worked with
> for many years, Diane Gunderson, Recording and Volunteer Director, and
> Carolyn Meier, Circulation Director, have chosen their next chapters to
> follow in their lives and are filling those paths full!

> As much as we miss them, we have had a wonderful addition of Erin Harris
> (moving from Reader Advisor/Machine Lending Agent), into the Recording and
> Volunteer Director position which is a perfect match for both.  Another
> great addition that came last fall was filling Erin's old position of
> Readers' Advisor/Machine Lending Agent with a bright new star, Bobbi
> deMontigny, who brings with her a wealth of public library experience and
> wonderful energy for the program.

> We are currently in the process of hiring a Circulation Manager and hope to
> have one on board soon to start training in the multiple and exciting new
> tasks that position holds for an energetic match. Thankfully, Martin Landry
> and Jackie Crepeau help round out our excellent team.

> That brings you up to date with what's happening in Helena, other than to
> remind you that each staff member is helping other staff to cover your
> requests and services, and we thank you for your patience.

> In the last federal fiscal year, we had a total of 119 registered patron for
> Newsline. We added 23 during over that time period and had 23 cancel this
> service (different patrons on both lists). Over 3,000 total patrons were
> served statewide last year.

> Please remember that as BARD requires more and more upgrades, dependent on
> the amount of books and magazines the National Library Service (NLS) can
> add, our mailing services here in Helena are keeping up with the immediate,
> and back-up needs of our Montana patrons.



> WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL? On the national horizon, there are
> many exciting things planned by the NLS. They include many innovative and
> creative ideas. In April, 2015, representatives from multiple consumer
> groups met in Washington D.C. with Karen Keninger, NLS Director, NLS staff
> and talking book library representatives to address "the Future of NLS".
> The timeframes between brainstorming, planning, developing and implementing
> each idea carries a wide variety of projections that are impossible to
> predict yet. But they each bring with them some hopeful and thoughtful ideas
> for an improved future for our talking book library patrons.

> Over the past three years the NLS Team has already accomplished:

> -Updates to BARD, including more user-friendly functions and the addition of
> locally produced books and magazines (Montana has uploaded 5 titles so far-
> list attached). As positions are filled, training is accomplished, this will
> pick up momentum.

> -The NLS developed and launched the BARD Mobile iOS as well as the Android
> platform (or apps).

> -Began phases of implementing the Unified English Braille (UEB), due to
> launch in early 2016.

> -Added commercially recorded books to the NLS collection (both on BARD and
> in the library). (These are being received by NLS from their vendor
> contracts for free, so the previously efforts by NLS to rate these books for
> having these categories: sex, strong language and violence, has become an
> overwhelming challenge for NLS and all talking book libraries.) We are
> working together to identify the degrees of different ratings, but for now,
> we're simply marking these as "unrated" so as not to offend our readers. For
> now, this gives readers the opportunity to try some unrated books or not.

> -Other future possibilities include improving the NLS digital talking book
> player (adding wireless capabilities, working with AT & T, Google and other
> third party providers with this). NLS Director Karen Keninger cautioned:
> that by giving more choices to players, the complexity goes up as NLS takes
> into account users' skills, as well as the challenges of not making
> something too complex. All of which will take time, involvement of
> appropriate feedback-as well as new money.

> - It is also predicted that the cost of technology will go down, which is a
> positive for Montana (and many other states). Many efforts in and out of
> Montana are in process that bring to the forefront of attention   our state
> resource needs for our citizens.

> -In the meantime, NLS and talking book libraries are prepared to "fill the
> demands" with "duplication on demand" in each library, as well as working
> cooperatively with NLS who have provided libraries with more cartridges to
> use for high demand books needing duplication. The Montana Talking Book
> Library appreciates having this vital resource as we guide each other into
> the future of libraries.

> We look forward to continuing to bring you the best possible service in the
> year to come.  I appreciate your partnership.

> Sincerely,

> Christie Briggs, Supervisor

> Montana Talking Book Library









> Joy Breslauer, President

> National Federation of the Blind of Montana

> Address: P.O. Box 1325, Great Falls, MT 59403

> Phone: (406) 454-3096

> Email: president at nfbofmt.org

> Web Site: www.nfbofmt.org



> Live the life you want



> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
> expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
> between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
> blindness is not what holds you back.



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