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Network Bulletin No. 00-47
Date: August 18, 2000
Subject: National Conference of Librarians
Serving Blind and Physically Handicapped
Individuals, 2000
Index Term: Resolutions and NLS responses
Attached are the resolutions passed at the national
conference in Manhattan Beach, California. The resolutions
are listed by regional conference and include NLS's
response.
For more information contact:
Carolyn H. Sung
Chief
Network Division
Attachment
____________________________________________________________
Resolutions and Responses
Librarians Serving Blind and
Physically Handicapped Individuals
May 4, 2000
__Midlands Conference__
Resolution 1
The NLS collection is an excellent one with the overall purpose of
providing the types of popular fiction and non-fiction found in a
public library,
However, the collection has been developed over the course
of many years and contains outdated materials,
Therefore, the Midlands Conference of Librarians encourages
NLS to renew efforts to analyze the collection, particularly
in the non-fiction areas such as science, technology,
medicine, geography, careers, investments, and finance with
the purpose of identifying the titles that contain outdated
or incorrect information.
NLS Response: This will be done as part of NLS's effort to
determine which titles are to be converted to a digital
format. NLS is currently looking at ways to involve the
network libraries in this process.
Resolution 2
Whereas Beth Eckles has been a librarian in the network of
libraries serving the blind and physically handicapped since
1986,
and Whereas Beth has demonstrated leadership in many ways,
including serving as chair of the Midlands Conference and
serving on NLS and related committees,
and Whereas Beth's vibrant personality and good humor have
enlivened and inspired us all,
Now Therefore, be it resolved on the 4th day of May of the
year 2000 that the Midlands Conference of Librarians Serving
the Blind and Physically Handicapped express our
appreciation to Beth for all her work and contributions, say
that her presence will be missed, and extend our best wishes
for success in the future.
NLS Response: Noted.
Resolution 3
Whereas Henry Chang, Leslie Stocker, and the entire staff of
the Braille Institute of America extended their hospitality
making us feel very special throughout this conference and
presented us with valuable gifts and provided us with the
opportunity to visit the fabulous J. Paul Getty Museum,
Therefore, be it resolved on this 4th day of May of the year
2000 that the Midlands Conference thanks the very special
Henry Chang, Leslie Stocker and the staff of the Braille
Institute of America for their outstanding hospitality
during the Conference.
NLS Response: NLS concurs.
Resolution 4
Whereas Frank Kurt Cylke, Mary Mohr, John Bryant and the
entire NLS staff team have organized another outstanding
biennial conference with an excellent program celebrating
the first meeting in the new millennium and have ensured
relevant and exciting programs and have provided an
overwhelming visit to the Braille Institute of America and a
glittering reception aboard the Queen Mary,
Therefore, be it resolved on this 4th day of May of the year
2000 that the Midlands Conference thanks NLS for an
outstanding conference.
NLS Response: Thank you.
__Northern Conference__
Resolution 1
In recognition that an audit of the NLS machine distribution
program is forthcoming, that this audit will include NLS
patrons who have been issued cassette players and have the
ability to access information on cassettes, that the current
Braille literacy rate is under 20%, that many patrons cannot
use large print, the Northern Conference urges NLS, the
Inspector General and auditors to issue mailings to patrons
in a format they are able to read, namely, recorded format.
NLS Response: This resolution has been shared with the
auditors.
Resolution 2
In recognition of the importance of weeding as a part of any
good collection development policy to ensure the accuracy
and timeliness of materials offered to patrons in keeping
with the philosophy of good public library service, the need
for NLS to take the lead in weeding obsolete, dated
materials that may mislead or misinform readers, the
willingness of the trained, experienced, network librarians
to provide assistance in the identification of these
materials, the Northern Conference recommends NLS give
priority to identifying and deleting dated materials and to
encourage network librarians to assist in the identification
process. The Northern Conference further recommends that
NLS archive and maintain a master collection of these
materials for historical referencing by patrons needing them
for reference/research.
NLS Response: See response to Resolution 1 of the Midlands
Conference.
Resolution 3
In light of NLS and the network libraries' growing interest
in helping public libraries better serve blind and
physically handicapped individuals,
And in light of the fact that network libraries use NLS
reference circulars and bibliographies to help public
libraries and their patrons, the Northern Conference
recommends that NLS reconsider its new limitations on the
printing of reference circulars and bibliographies.
NLS Response: Publications costs are steadily rising. We
will continue to provide reference circulars and
bibliographies on the NLS web site, and in braille and on
cassette, as appropriate. Whenever possible, we will
provide a limited supply in large print.
Resolution 4
In recognition of her thirty years of outstanding library
services to the blind and physically handicapped residents
of New Hampshire, of her longtime contributions to the
national and northern networks of libraries serving the
blind and physically handicapped, and of her always polite,
personable, and diplomatic insights and problem-solving
skills, the Northern Conference wishes to extend its
heartfelt appreciation and best wishes to its colleague and
friend, Eileen Keim, in her plans for a happy, healthy
retirement.
NLS Response: NLS concurs.
Resolution 5
In recognition of: Dr. Henry Chang's years of perseverance
in having the National Conference of Librarians Serving
Blind and Physically Handicapped in Los Angeles, the
planning and organization that goes into hosting a
conference of this size, the excellent luncheon, program and
tour at Braille Institute, the outstanding reception,
program and tour at the Getty Center the wonderful favors,
and the ordering of a week of California sunshine, the
Northern Conference wishes to thank Braille Institute, Dr.
Henry Chang and their staff for their gracious hospitality
in the hosting of this national conference.
NLS Response: NLS concurs.
Resolution 6
In recognition of the planning and organization necessary in
putting together a conference of this magnitude, the
excellent programming provided, including the two
pre-conference workshops, and the wonderful receptions that
allowed participants an opportunity to socialize, the
Northern Conference wishes to thank the NLS staff,
specifically Mary Mohr, John Bryant and Lee Probasco for a
diverse, information-packed, thought-provoking, fun-filled
national conference.
NLS Response: Thank you.
__Southern Conference__
Resolution 1
Whereas conference coordinators Mary Mohr, network library
consultant, and John Bryant, head, Production Control
Section, have worked diligently to organize a national
conference that promotes the exchange of information and
discussion of ideas integral to the growth of the National
Library Service (NLS), and whereas many NLS staff members
have made every effort to participate in programs and be
available to conference attendees, therefore be it resolved
that the Southern Conference of Librarians for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped commends Ms. Mohr, Mr. Bryant, Mr.
Frank Kurt Cylke, and their colleagues at NLS for an
excellent 2000 national conference.
NLS Response: Thank you.
Resolution 2
Whereas the staff of the Braille Institute of America (BIA)
has worked to provide an impressive range of programs and
activities for conference attendees, and whereas BIA
graciously hosted lunch and a tour of its marvelous facility
for the Conference attendees, and whereas BIA arranged
for the very special reception and tour of the Getty Center,
therefore be it resolved that the Southern Conference
commends Dr. Henry Chang, director of the BIA Library; Mr.
Leslie Stocker, president of BIA; the board of directors of
BIA; and the entire staff of BIA for their wonderful efforts
and generous hospitality.
NLS Response: NLS concurs.
Resolution 3
Whereas CMLS, Data Management, is located in Brevard County,
Florida, and whereas there is no telephone number listed in
local directory assistance to reach CMLS, and whereas
patrons and their families from around the country were
directed to the subregional library nearby to resolve
problems, etc., causing these patrons undue hardship and
delay, therefore the Southern Conference commends NLS,
particularly Dr. Carolyn Sung, for the resolution of this
situation by printing library telephone numbers in catalogs
and magazines, thereby providing interested parties direct
links to services needed.
NLS Response: Thank you. Barbara Peterman worked
diligently with the CMLS contractor the Publications and
Media Section worked with the Government Printing Office
printers, and John Bryant worked with the magazine producers
so that this project could become a reality. Advice and
guidance from the network CMLS advisory team and the NLS
working group was invaluable.
Resolution 4
Whereas Mary Lou Markham served blind and physically
handicapped patrons at the Tennessee Regional Library in
Nashville, Tennessee, for many years, and whereas Mary Lou's
sunny disposition and pleasing personality are greatly
missed at the Southern Conference meetings since her
retirement, therefore be it resolved that the Southern
Conference hereby grants Honorary Life Membership to Mary
Lou Markham.
NLS Response: Noted.
Resolution 5
Whereas many network libraries have limited space for
storage of their collections, and whereas demand for
specific titles varies according to region or locality, and
whereas braille books not circulating in one region may be
needed in another region, therefore be it resolved that the
Southern Conference recommends that NLS consider easing the
mandate that a regional library must retain indefinitely at
least one copy of each Braille book produced so that these
unused titles may be permanently transferred to regional
libraries or other locations needing them.
NLS Response: Since NLS begin producing the press braille
collection in 1965, only 13,000 titles have been produced.
Given that the costs of braille production are so high and
the collection has so few titles, and that the number of
braille-lending libraries has dropped to thirty-one with
several others considering contracting out braille service,
NLS has an imperative that patrons throughout the country
have equal access to all available braille titles. However,
NLS policy does provide braille-lending libraries three
options for provision of braille service. First the library
may elect to receive, house, and circulate the entire
braille collection; second the library can elect to contract
with another braille-lending library for braille service; or
third, a library can elect to maintain a partial braille
collection (a minimum of the last two years' production) and
contract with another braille-lending library for loan of
older titles.
Resolution 6
Whereas the NLS union catalog is available on the Internet,
and whereas this tool is used by staff and patrons alike,
therefore be it resolved that the Southern Conference
commends NLS on this service and recommends one improvement:
that searches default to NLS/BPH titles.
NLS Response: Thank you. This improvement has been
investigated, but is not feasible in the Voyager Integrated
Library System to which NLS is migrating.
Resolution 7
Whereas NLS has converted cataloging records to US MARC
standard format, therefore be it resolved that the Southern
Conference commends NLS for this activity and fully supports
its ongoing development.
NLS Response: Thank you.
Resolution 8
Whereas NLS has frozen the rigid-disc (RD) and flexible-disc
collections and is phasing out production of such materials,
and whereas space is at a premium in most network libraries,
and whereas the Southern Conference has heretofore requested
that NLS declare RD and flexible-disc collections obsolete
but has had no response from NLS on this matter, therefore
be it resolved that the Southern Conference once again
requests that NLS declare the RD collection obsolete and
allow the multistate centers to provide all future RD
service, thereby making it possible for network libraries --
especially the regionals -- to withdraw their RD
collections.
NLS Response: Considerable funds were expended in the
production and duplication of the 6,013 titles in the RD
collection. While a number of these titles have been
reissued on cassette and NLS anticipates that others will be
converted to a digital format, the overall quantity of
recorded titles is still too limited to discard thousands of
titles just because the format is dated. These titles could
not be rerecorded and issued at anywhere near the original
cost for the recorded disc.
Resolution 9
Whereas the NLS collection of materials includes multiple
nonfiction and medical titles that contain obsolete or out
dated information, and whereas there is a concern that this
information may cause harm to patrons, and whereas MLS
librarians are taught weeding skills and do weeding in all
normal library operations, and whereas the regional
libraries are staffed by competent, professional librarians,
therefore be it resolved that the Southern Conference
strongly urges that NLS weed its collection to remove
obsolete and outdated titles, or, if unable to initiate a
weeding effort itself, accept and act upon recommendations
from librarians in the Network.
NLS Response: See response to Resolution 1 of the Midlands
Conference.
Resolution 10
Whereas the NLS collection development policy requires
several favorable reviews from national sources when
selecting new materials, and whereas some disability-related
publications include book reviews, therefore be it resolved
that the Southern Conference recommends that NLS accept as
one of the favorable reviews required recommendations from
qualified disability-related publications (such as The
Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, etc.).
NLS Response: Reviews from these sources can be used to
support titles selected by NLS. However, all titles
selected by NLS must meet the other criteria of the
collection building policy as recreational or general
interest titles of the kind found in a public library.
Resolution 11
Whereas Donald John Weber served with distinction for many
years as Chief of the Bureau of Braille and Talking Book
Services in Daytona Beach, Florida, and whereas Don Weber
died on November 14, 1999, thus depriving the world and the
network of his expertise and personality, and whereas the
Southern Conference has expressed its sympathy to Don's
family and made a contribution in his name to his agency,
therefore be it resolved that the NLS also express in
suitable fashion its sense of loss and its sympathy to Don's
family and professional colleagues.
NLS Response: NLS expressed sympathy to Donald John Weber's
family at the time of his death. Further, an NLS staff
member represented NLS at Don's memorial service. It is
unfortunate that this resolution was passed with no
knowledge of actions taken or any attempts to determine
such.
__Western Conference__
Resolution 1
Whereas, planning a national conference is a major
undertaking, and
Whereas, planning a national conference from the other side
of the country is a daunting endeavor, and
Whereas, NLS staff was full of fear of the westward trek and
potential culture shock inherent in holding a conference in
Los Angeles,
Let it be known that Mary Mohr and John Bryant did an
exemplary job in planning and coordinating the NLS 2000
conference, and
Let it be known that the Western Conference greatly
appreciates all the hard work and long hours given to hold
the conference in the West,
Therefore be it resolved that the Western Conference
sincerely thanks Mary Mohr and John Bryant for working with
BIA to make the conference such a success.
Furthermore, be it resolved that the Western Conference
thanks NLS for allowing their staff to participate in the
2000 Conference to share their valuable information with
network librarians and staff.
NLS Response: Thank you.
Resolution 2
Be it resolved that the Western Conference hereby extends
its sincere appreciation and humble gratitude to Dr. Henry
C. Chang, Leslie E. Stocker, and the dedicated staff and
volunteers of the Braille Institute of America for hosting
in Los Angeles, California, a most successful and
informative 21st National Conference of Librarians Serving
Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals.
Furthermore, we acknowledge their extensive and enthusiastic
contributions including gifts, door prizes, chauffeurs,
luncheon, reception, Kaleidoscope entertainment, tours of
the Braille Institute of America and the Getty Museum,
coupled with outstanding food and excellent accommodations.
Special recognition is given to Dr. Henry C. Chang for his
perseverance, enthusiasm, and commitment to this
unforgettable conference.
NLS Response: NLS concurs.
Resolution 3
The Western Conference recommends to NLS that a study begin
on the electronic transfer of complete patron records
between the libraries and their various automated systems by
setting basic standards for such transfer. We suggest a
time frame that would include a six-month study and
implementation by libraries by the next national conference.
NLS Response: NLS will begin such a study in the near
future. Based on our experience of setting standards for
bibliographic data distribution and copy allotment among the
disparate systems in the network, we think that the six-
month time frame is overly optimistic. We will proceed
expeditiously.
Resolution 4
Whereas, John Cookson, Michael Moodie and other NLS staff
have taken an aggressive leadership role in pursuing the
upcoming conversion to digital talking books, and
Whereas, NLS is working with NISO and other standards
organizations to develop and promulgate industry-wide
standards, and
Whereas, NLS is actively soliciting input from consumers,
librarians, repair organizations and other interested
parties,
Be it resolved, the Western conference assembled this fourth
day of May 2000 in Manhattan Beach, California, does
sincerely thank NLS for their work with digital talking
books and encourage them to proceed with all deliberate
speed.
NLS Response: Thank you.
Resolution 5
Whereas, there is a perceived need to include TBT issue
information with the MARC records, and
Whereas, the Florida regional library has found this
information has improved patron and staff access to their
collection, and
Whereas, Florida now enters this information manually,
Be it therefore resolved, the Western Conference, meeting
May 4, 2000, in Manhattan Beach, California, encourages NLS
to explore the possibility of adding TBT issue information
to the MARC records.
NLS Response: Unfortunately that information is not
available at the time of final cataloging and the MARC
distribution. Each record does contain the year of
production and our next system will allow us to limit by
this field in combination with other elements. So catalog
users will be able to restrict searches to relatively recent
publications in that way.
Resolution 6
The Western Conference commends NLS and Judith Dixon for the
work done on Web-Braille. The West recommends that all NLS
non-book publications currently in print/cassette/braille
formats be made available on Web-Braille and the NLS home
page. For example subject catalogs, BBR, TBT, etc. All
electronic files should be in searchable formats for patron
access.
NLS Response: Electronic, searchable versions of subject
catalogs, TBT, BBR, and other items are available on the NLS
web site back to 1996. We have not had access to files in
the proper format for Web-Braille. We are presently working
on adding magazines and sports schedules to Web-Braille,
which have been frequently requested by patrons.
Resolution 7
Whereas, in the future headphones may be produced only for
amplified purposes, and solar panels may not be produced,
the Western Conference recommends that NLS remove reference
to those items from the instruction cassettes for equipment
and the NLS-supplied applications.
NLS Response: A contract for headphones will be negotiated
before the end of FY 2000. These units will not be for
amplified use only. They are for persons who could not
otherwise use the service. A solar charger is in
development. We anticipate delivery of evaluation units in
early FY 2001.
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