Telling the World about Talking Books
There is more than one way to promote the Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service. In fact, currently there are four ways. Activities underway include:
• Radio stations, particularly in Western Nebraska, aired public
service announcements produced by the Library of Congress.
• A news release concerning the 50th anniversary of the Talking
Book and Braille Service generated newspaper articles, including a feature
story in the Hastings Tribune.
• Nebraska public libraries distributed posters throughout their
communities to encourage qualifying individuals to pick up talking book
application forms at their public library. These posters, along with
application forms, are provided free to any Nebraska library.
• A direct mailing to Nebraska optometrists and ophthalmologists
helped get the word out that they can certify applications for patients
who qualify for talking book service. Librarians can also certify applications
for individuals with visual or physical impairment that limits their
ability to use regular print.
Library staff and board members are encouraged to use these tools to
reach out to this potential customer group.
For more information see the Library Commission Web site, <nlc.nebraska.gov>, search on Talking Books, or contact Dave Oertli, Talking Book and Braille Service Director, 402-471-4005, 800-742-7691, e-mail: Dave Oertli.
Talking Book Studios Go Digital
The studios of the Nebraska Library Commission
Talking Book and Braille Service are being converted to digital audio
to improve the sound quality and functionality of books and magazines
recorded in Nebraska. Up to thirty books each year are recorded in the
studios. Since tape recorders currently in use are more than fourteen
years old, this upgrade will reduce staff and volunteer production and
service time. Borrowers will continue to use the same players they have
now. New features will become available as digital players are introduced.
In the future, customers will have the option of linking directly from
the table of contents to a specific article or linking to footnotes. For
more information contact Bill Ainsley, Talking Book and Braille Service
Studio Manager, 402-471-3246, 800-742-7691, e-mail: Bill Ainsley.
Computers and Training Provided to Nebraska Libraries
Installation of computers and training provided by the Gates Foundation began with Before Your Computer Arrives workshops held in eight sites across Nebraska. Three hundred and seventy library staff and supporters viewed a demonstration of the computers and learned about ordering the hardware. They also received media kits developed by the Library Commission (using Gates Foundation materials) to help spread the word about expanded community public access to the Internet.
As computers arrive, libraries are receiving hands-on training at their individual sites, as well as attending training at nearby libraries. As of mid-February, Nebraska libraries had received 388 computers, 60 content servers, 137 printers, 143 Spanish keyboards, and 134 24-port auto-sensing switches. Five hundred and thirty-nine library staff and supporters attended training on using the equipment and software, with sixty-five attending training on using content servers. Lincoln City Libraries recently dedicated their Gates computer lab, located on the second floor of Bennett Martin Library. Photographs chronicling their progress are located on their Web site at <www.lcl.lib.ne.us/info/bmpllab.htm>.
For more information about the Gates Foundation project, including award amounts, see <nlc.nebraska.gov>, search on Gates or contact Pam Scott (contact information on page 4) or Richard Miller, 402-471-3175, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Richard Miller.
