Network Bulletin No:    09-30

	Date:  October 16, 2009
	

	Subject:     Staff, NLS                       
	Index term:  Foreign Language Librarian







       The Collection Development Section is pleased to announce the appointment of
       David Fernandez-Barrial to the post of foreign-language librarian.
       The post has been unoccupied since the retirement of James Herndon
       in late 2006.

       As foreign-language librarian, Fernandez-Barrial oversees all
       aspects of NLS foreign-language collections. He selects and
       annotates books in Spanish to be mass duplicated in digital format
       and on audiocassette for distribution to network
       libraries; acquires special-format books in other languages through purchase and
       exchange; consults with librarians and staff throughout the NLS network to assess
       and accommodate expressed needs for foreign-language materials; and develops
       long-range plans for surveying underserved language communities.
       Fernandez-Barrial welcomes direct contact from network staff, and
       looks forward to constructive engagement. He may be reached by
       e-mail at [log in to unmask] 

       Fernandez-Barrial joins NLS after twelve years of service in the
       U.S. Copyright Office where, most recently, he was lead information specialist and team leader in
       the Public Information Office, answering the most complex information and
       reference requests, fielding all Spanish-language inquiries, and managing the
       Spanish-language content of its web site. He represented the Copyright Office at
       conferences throughout the country, explaining the principles of copyright and
       exchanging information with librarians, publishers, writers, artists, musicians,
       attorneys, and foreign copyright officials.

       A native of South Florida, Fernandez-Barrial was born in Miami to
       Cuban parents. He received an undergraduate degree in philosophy
       from Florida International University in 1993 and a master's degree in library and information
       science from the Catholic University of America in 2008. 

       "I consider it an honor to contribute to the NLS mission and to use my skills to
       build the collections for our patrons," Fernandez-Barrial said.
      "As a lover of words, literature, and human dialog in all its forms, I welcome 
       the challenge of helping to carry NLS braille and audiobook
       programs into the digital future."  



       For further information contact: 

      Ed O'Reilly 
      Head, Collection Development Section
      [log in to unmask]