[NFBSea] FW: April NFB Chapter Meeting

[portillo.jim at gmail.com]

              Greetings,

 

Here are the minutes from last month's chapter meeting.  I meant to send
them earlier today but got busy doing some other things.

Thanks to Crystal Jones for her help in taking the notes while I was hosting
and monitoring Zoom activity.  That really helped.

Anyway, please read the minutes before the chapter meeting, and if
everyone's in agreement, we can approve them.  

If I need to, I can try reading them via my computer as well, but I think
this will be easier and allow everyone to read them for themselves.

Thanks much, and see you tomorrow at 10:00.

Jim

 

 

Subject: April NFB Chapter Meeting

 

NFB Minutes

April 18, 2020

Motion to table reading of minutes from previous meeting in February passed.

Update from Washington Talking Books and Braille Library 

*	COVID 19 response

*	At the beginning of the outbreak, the library was focused on keeping
staff and visitors safe through cleaning and social distancing.
*	Closed to public on March 16, but continued to send materials by
mail.

*	During a four day period, staff pushed out 16,000 materials to
increase circulation for patrons in anticipation of of a stay at home order
from the state.

*	March 24 was the last day the library staff were at work.
*	Staff are continuing to serve the public through online training.
*	Staff are accepting and encouraging people to apply for BARD.
*	Additional work continues such as onboarding new patrons and editing
audio books etc.

*	Q: What is happening nationally?

*	Unfortunately, there is a pause as NLS and vendors cannot work.

*	Ask from the library to help spread the word about BARD and help
others to set up.
*	Other News

*	Library has a new highspeed scanner to expedite Braille production
and text to speech.
*	Upgrading technology in audio department as well.
*	Looking at how new programing can increase services for teens.
*	Creating accessible escape rooms and now working on virtually.
*	The library is working on launching a new blank cartridge process
that will allow the library to fulfill more of your requests by duplicating
and adding multiple books on one personalized cartridge. 

*	Q: Can you pre-order books?

*	Yes, just like you do now, you can add your requests.

*	Q: Will the personalized cartridges take more time to fill?

*	The library believes time will be saved from no need to reshelf and
less time wasted on mailing etc.

*	Q: Will you move to more virtural events?

*	Yes, looking into it.

*	Q: Will the cartridges be labelled? 

*	Yes, there is a generic label on the cartridge. A large print list
will be included. You can also review the bookshelf. There is a change in
how the mail back label works.

*	Q: Does the new cartridge change how BARD works?

*	No, this is just for physical distribution.

*	Q: How do I find locally produced books?

*	BARD prefix is DBC. You can look at the annotation to see who
produced it.

*	Q: How do you decide what you are going to produce locally?

*	The focus is on our region, positive reviews, and mass popularity to
fill hole in collection. We also take recommendations. Right now working on
a gap in the collection on bullying and discrimination. This includes
fiction and non fiction and all ages. Typically, outside of filling gaps,
the library is northwest focused.

*	Q: What portion of patrons use cartridge v. BARD?

*	Our last patron survey showed 47% of patrons do not have access to
internet and 70% are over 75. 

*	Q: What is the status of developing an Alexa skill for BARD?

*	NLS is working on this along with a revamped book player that will
remove the need for physical distribution. We're about a year away from
loading refreshable Braille display. 

*	Q: Will this new player support wifi where cellular coverage is not
good?

*	Not sure of the specs, but maybe we could work on funding hot spots
or other tools for connectivity.

*	Q: How about helping people who are not tech?

*	Library offers phone training.

*	Q: Will the new device still accept cartridges? 

*	We think so.

*	Q: How does the library support elections?

*	Voter pamphlet is produced in audio. Files are on the website or you
can sign up with elections division to receive flash drive. Available on the
State elections site.

State Update

*	NFB will not be hosting any in person meetings through the end of
May. This could be reassessed. 
*	The BELL academy will not be happening in person, but teachers are
putting together a virtual package.
*	The National Convention will go virtual for 2020. 

*	Registration is FREE
*	Still working on details around how to meet and vote.
*	Registration is going to be important as we expect that is how
voting will be run.
*	We will hold a virtual Washington caucus.
*	Still planning banquet speech and scholarship awards.

*	State convention has no changes at this time
*	One good thing is that we expect attendance to go up for National
Convention. 
*	Q: What platform are they using?

*	We do not know yet.

*	Q: Will things be broken up so people can actually listen?

*	Yes

*	Q: Will the convention be extended?

*	The dates have not changed and maybe we want have every activity.
*	Sessions won't start before 11am Pacific Time.

*	Q: Do we know if the money has been lost such as hotels etc?

*	Don't know, but Marci is on weekly calls.

Acknowledged Brian Miller passes away from covid 19. 

Open discussion on covid 19 learnings.

You can access the presidential release online and the May release will also
be broadcast live.

Motion to table treasurer report passed.

The next chapter meeting will be held on Zoom in May.

 

 

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