FY
2002
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Happy Fiftieth Anniversary Talking Book and Braille Service |
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On
January 1, 1952, the Nebraska Public Library Commission created a Division
for the Blind to provide talking book service to visually impaired Nebraskans.
The new division, now known as the Talking Book and Braille Service, was
under the direction of Helen Dvoracek. Nebraska became the twenty-eighth
talking book library in the National Library Service/Library of Congress
nationwide network of cooperating libraries. Prior to this, Nebraskans with
visual disabilities received service through the Denver Public Library. Beginning in 1952 with a collection of 400 books, the new library circulated 454 books in February 1952. By July of that year the collection numbered 1,100 and was circulated to more than 300 Nebraskans. In those early years, a book might average twenty-two long-playing records per title. A complete recording of the Bible required twelve boxes of records. Today, with a collection of 49,000 titles, mostly on audio cassette, the Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service provides books and magazines on cassette and in Braille to more than 4,600 Nebraskans with visual or physical impairment. |
We
look back with gratitude to the hard work and vision of scores of staff
members (including Helen Dvoracek, Dorothy Lessenhop, and former Executive
Secretary of the Nebraska Public Library Commission Louise Nixon) for the
crucial role they played in the development of this service. 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, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Dave Oertli.
 Take a Talking Book @ your library™ The Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service mounted a four-month public education campaign, Take a Talking Book @ your library™, reaching out to the state’s seniors and their families and friends. The campaign focused on informing Nebraska citizens who cannot see regular print, hold a book, or turn a page, of the availability of recordings of books and magazines that can be played on easy-to-use equipment, delivered by mail, at no charge. The continued support of Nebraska librarians is critical to the success of this program. For more information or to volunteer, contact Annette Hall, Volunteer Services Coordinator, 402-471-4033, 800-742-7691, e-mail: Annette Hall. |
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| Public Libraries Report Statistics Online | ||||||||||||
| On November 30, 2001, the Nebraska Public Library Statistical Report was available online for all public libraries in the state at <collect.informata.com>. The first training session was held on that date in the Southeast Library System. Fifteen libraries were represented at that session, and several completed the entire data entry process that morning. Additional training sessions were held across the state. One hundred forty-two libraries submitted their Public Library Statistical Report data online using Bibliostat™ Collect. | The
overall response to online data submission has been very positive. Participants
provided excellent suggestions for enhancements to the online survey. This
year, public libraries are required to use Bibliostat™ Collect to report
statistical data in order to be eligible to receive state aid. For more
information contact Kit Keller, Library Data Services Coordinator, 402-471-3216,
800-307-2665, e-mail: Kit Keller.
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| NebrasKard Reciprocal Borrowing Instituted | ||||||||||||
| In
July 2001, the Library Commission distributed information packets about
the NebrasKard reciprocal borrowing arrangement to Nebraska libraries. Participating
libraries can now permit registered borrowers in good standing to borrow
materials from other participating libraries across the state. Nebraska
libraries have a long history of sharing resources for mutual benefit and
to meet the needs and interests of their users. The NebrasKard program is
an extension of those cooperative efforts. For more information about the NebrasKard program, including the policies and procedures, frequently asked questions, and a list of participating libraries, see the Commission home page, <nlc.nebraska.gov>, search on NebrasKard. |
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