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NLS Operations Alert

 

No. 19-52

 

DATE         :   August 5, 2019

TO             :   Network Libraries

FROM        :   Richard Smith, Chief, Network Division

SUBJECT   :   FY 2019 Regional Conference Resolutions

 

 

Please find below the 2019 Regional Conference Resolutions with the NLS responses.

 

 

2019 MIDLANDS REGIONAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS

April 2019

New York, NY

 

1.               The Midlands Conference members resolve to thank Jill Rothstein and the staff of NYPL’s Andrew Heiskell Library for their efforts as the host site for the 2019 Midlands/Northern Regional Conference.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS concurs.

 

2.               The Midlands Conference members resolve to thank Data Management and Keystone for providing breakfast and lunch, respectively, during the 2019 Midlands/Northern Regional Conference.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS concurs.

 

3.               The Midland Conference members resolve to thank staff from NLS for presenting updates at the Midlands/Northern Regional Conference.

 

NLS RESPONSE: You are most welcome.

 

4.               Midlands Conference members request that NLS continue to work on the process of accepting accessible digital signatures of certifying authority.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS will continue to explore accepting accessible digital signatures for certifying authorities.

 

5.               Midlands Conference members commend NLS for introducing the sequential play feature for patrons navigating multiple books on a single cartridge, as well as updated leaflets explaining Bookshelf mode.

 

NLS RESPONSE: You are welcome.

 

6.               Midlands Conference members commend NLS for the continued success and roll-out of the national advertising campaign and encourage the continuation of such outreach efforts.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS is pleased that the national campaign has been a success to this point and that network libraries have found this type of outreach to be beneficial. NLS will extend and expand digital advertising into 2020 and reassess outreach needs, based partially on the results of current primary research, for 2021. We will continue to seek the valuable input of network libraries on these efforts.

 

7.               Midlands Conference members request that NLS provide Braille overlay supplies to network libraries in addition to print labels for cartridges and containers.

 

NLS RESPONSE: Supplies are the responsibility of regional libraries. A list of known vendors that other libraries have used to purchase supplies will be available on the forthcoming Network Library Services website.

 

8.               Midlands Conference members request that NLS provide network library staff the access to make changes to a patron’s magazine quotas of lost cartridges in MOC without having to go through an NLS consultant.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS has updated the Magazine on Cartridge (MOC) system to allow network staff with Administrator, Reviewer, or Approver privileges to increase the quota of lost cartridges for individual patrons. Network staff should verify patron addresses and confirm with patrons that they want magazine delivery to resume before increasing lost quotas.

 

See details in Operations Alert 19-43, MOC increase quotas tool.

 

9.               Midlands Conference members thank NLS for providing the necessary equipment and supplies (i.e. cartridges, containers, labels, computer, scanner, printer, etc.) at no cost to network libraries, allowing for easier transition to the Duplication on Demand model of service.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS is fully committed to supporting duplication on demand (DoD). We are working to clarify our policy positions regarding the exact level of support we will provide to libraries that opt to use DoD systems other than the NLS-supplied Gutenberg appliance.

 

10.           Midlands Conference members commend NLS for pursuing legislation changes to ease eligibility requirements for patrons with reading disabilities and encourage NLS to expand eligibility further to include persons with intellectual disabilities.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS is examining the expansion of certifications for print-disabled patrons.

 

11.           Midlands Conference members commend NLS for seeking changes to their name to more accurately reflect the agency’s mission to service the print-disabled population.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS is pleased to announce that we have received final approval from the Librarian of Congress to change our name. This move will help us address the use of outdated language in our current name and more clearly communicate the breadth of those we serve. Beginning on October 1, our name will change officially to “National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled,” though we will continue to be referred to by the abbreviation NLS.

 

12.           Midlands Conference members recommend that the Multistate Centers provide supporting resources and serve as back-up institutions to network libraries in regard to providing Duplication on Demand services to patrons.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS is working toward the implementation of a backup duplication capability at the Multistate Centers.

 

13.           Midlands Conference members request that NLS investigates a cost-benefit analysis for the provision of a national ILS for network libraries.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS provides a free Web-READS automation system to network agencies. Web-READS was designed as a system of last resort for libraries that could not afford commercial vendors systems. It is also used by the Multistate Centers (MSCs), NLS overseas office, and NLS music section. In recent years, NLS has signed agreements with larger libraries to use and modify the source code for the Web-READS software. NLS continues to listen to all other automation option such as recent discussions with COSLA representative on the possibility of the Loblolly program for LBPH libraries. NLS has no plans for a national automation system for regional libraries. Library circulation continues to be the responsibility of network regional network libraries and agencies.

 

14.           Midlands Conference members request that NLS, in regard to the Marrakesh Treaty, acts as the central hub for support to network libraries in both processing patron requests and seeking out recommendations for collection development of foreign titles.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS is working across the Library of Congress and throughout the Legislative Branch to bring existing US laws in-line with the treaty while developing new processes necessary for full implementation.

 

15.           Midlands Conference members resolve to thank Sarah Willeford and the staff at the Iowa Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped for offering to host the 2021 Midlands Regional Conference.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS concurs.

 

 

Northern Conference Resolutions

April 2019

New York, NY

 

1.       The Northern/Midlands Conference of the Regional Libraries of the Library of Congress National Library Service hereby puts forth a commendation for the work of New York Public Library’s Docent and Volunteer Yvonne Meyer.

 

During the April 11, 2019, tour Ms. Meyer, through her patience, knowledge and insight communicated many historic aspects of the Steven A. Schwarzman building by both audio description and tactile explanation to all members of the tour. It should be noted that this tactile tour, which was the third tactile tour of the conference, far exceeded two other tours in content and tactile representation. Both of the other tours were conducted at famous New York Museums. Thank you, Ms. Meyer; you are an asset to NYPL and a credit to New York City.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS concurs and adds its thanks for Ms. Meyer’s help during the conference.

 

2.       The Northern/Midlands Conference of the Regional Libraries of the Library of Congress National Library Service hereby puts forth a commendation for the NYPL security staff for being exceptionally welcoming to our conference attendees. Thank you.

 

          NLS RESPONSE: NLS concurs.

 

3.       We recognize and thank the NLS staff, Andrew Heiskell staff, and conference organizers for a great conference, and for NYPL's generous and beautiful hosting.

 

NLS RESPONSE: Thank you, and thanks to the Andrew Heiskell staff for all their hard work in making this conference such a success.

 

4.       We resolve that discussion continue with the USPS and solutions be explored for the problem of the new mailboxes with slimmer slots that do not accept DBs and prevent our patrons in the areas subject to these new mailboxes from mailing back their materials in any convenient way, thus negatively affecting their service and ability to get more reading material.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS continues to work with the USPS Liaison and other USPS administrative staff regarding the new design of the outside corner mailboxes. However, security concerns have been indicated as a major reason by USPS for the implementation. USPS has indicated that postal carriers, if requested, may be willing to accept DBs from patrons. If necessary, contact the NLS Postal Liaison to alert USPS for resolution regarding any local postal delivery issues.

 

5.       We commend and greatly thank NLS (and Duplication-on-Demand panel participants and highlight NLS staff Dave Perrotta) for the excellent information, answers, videos, and support documents to help us all with this transition. We look forward to it rolling out more widely and encourage communication about its compatibility with KLAS and detailed information on steps to take for that transition.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS concurs and will continue to work with KLAS to beta test and then rollout Duplication-on-Demand to KLAS libraries.

 

 

Southern Conference Resolutions

Created by Members Present at Business Meeting

May 7, 2019

San Antonio, TX

 

1.       The Southern Conference of Librarians serving Blind and Physically Handicapped people (SCLBPH) expresses its gratitude to all of the following:

a.  Texas Regional Librarian Ava Smith and her staff for hosting the conference and orchestrating local arrangements to welcome (or welcome back) attendees to San Antonio, and for planning our dinner with author Lisa Fain.

b.  The programming committee, who created an interesting and informative schedule of presentations; especially Danielle Miller (WA) who organized the program and served as MC.

c.  All those colleagues who participated in program sessions in which they shared their experiences and knowledge.

d.  Data Management and Keystone for sponsoring the delicious fajita buffet at the Rio Plaza.

e.  Outgoing SCLBPH President Pat Herndon for her leadership, and outgoing SCLBPH Secretary Ava Smith for preserving organizational memory.

 

          NLS RESPONSE: NLS concurs.

 

2.       Members of the Southern Conference collective wish former South Carolina Regional Librarian Sandy Knowles congratulations on her recent retirement and the best of luck in her future endeavors.

 

          NLS RESPONSE: NLS concurs.

 

3.       The Southern Conference wishes to thank NLS for developing and implementing the sequential play DTBM update, which has allowed those patrons who had difficulty using the Bookshelf to more easily navigate from one book to the next. This is especially important as more libraries move to DoD circulation.

 

          NLS RESPONSE: You are welcome.

 

4.       SCLBPH again thanks NLS for its national television, radio, and internet ad campaign. We request, nay, we beseech NLS to continue this program indefinitely, as network libraries do not have the means to reach as many potential patrons in such a widespread and effective manner.

 

          NLS RESPONSE: NLS is pleased that the national campaign has been a success and that network libraries have found this type of outreach to be beneficial. NLS will extend and expand digital advertising into 2020 and reassess outreach needs—based partially on the results of current primary research—for 2021. We will continue to seek the valuable input of network libraries on these efforts.

 

5.       Libraries in the Southern Conference are grateful to NLS for increasing the amount of DBs they may return in the Recall for Reuse program. WebREADS libraries appreciate being able to use white DB cartridges for duplication on Demand; however, non-Web-Reads libraries request they soon be able to unlock and reuse white cartridges in addition to participating in the R4R program.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS is working to develop standard procedures for enabling non-Web-READS libraries to repurpose mass-duplicated white cartridges for duplication on demand.

 

6.       Libraries celebrate the United States implementation of the Marrakech Treaty. We will depend on NLS to communicate any changes that will affect eligibility and other aspects of our service, as well as the logistics and procedures necessary to help patrons access and read international materials.

 

          NLS RESPONSE: NLS is working to develop new processes necessary for full implementation of the Marrakech Treaty and will communicate to network libraries changes that might affect eligibility and other aspects of services.

 

7.       SCLBPH cannot thank NLS enough for the initiatives it has in planning, development, and deployment stages. We eagerly anticipate the completion of these current projects, which will benefit patrons.

a.  Duplication on Demand allows libraries to provide better service to patrons in a more efficient way

b.  The E-Reader project will give braille users some of the same advantages talking books—portability, convenience, and access to more titles.

c.  The next generation talking book player will take advantage of digital delivery to get books to patrons much faster and reduce frustration with mail service.

d.  Voice activated smart speakers will enhance a patron’s ability to access and play books.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS perceives all of these activities as ways that NLS and its network of cooperating libraries can better serve eligible residents of the United States.

 

 

Western Conference Resolutions

May 2019

San Antonio, TX

 

1.       The Western Regional Conference members resolve to thank Ava Smith and the staff of the Texas Talking Book Library for their efforts as the host site for the 2019 Southern/Western Regional Conference.

 

          NLS RESPONSE: NLS concurs.

 

2.       The Western Regional Conference members resolve to thank staff from NLS for presenting updates at the Southern/Western Regional Conference.

 

          NLS RESPONSE: You are welcome.

 

3.       The Western Regional Conference members request that NLS continue to work on the process of accepting accessible digital signatures of certifying authority.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS will continue to explore accepting accessible digital signatures for certifying authorities.

 

4.       The Western Regional Conference members commend NLS for introducing the sequential play feature for patrons navigating multiple books on a single cartridge, as well as updated leaflets explaining Bookshelf mode.

 

          NLS RESPONSE: You are welcome.

 

5.       The Western Regional Conference members commend NLS for the continued success and roll-out of the national advertising campaign and encourage the continuation of such outreach efforts.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS is pleased that the national campaign has been a success and that network libraries have found this type of outreach to be beneficial. NLS will extend and expand digital advertising into 2020 and reassess outreach needs—based partially on the results of current primary research—for 2021. We will continue to seek the valuable input of network libraries on these efforts.

 

6.       The Western Regional Conference members request that NLS provide Braille overlay supplies to network libraries in addition to print labels for cartridges and containers.

 

NLS RESPONSE: Supplies are the responsibility of regional libraries. A list of known vendor that other libraries have used to purchase supplies will be available on the forthcoming Network Library Services website.

 

7.       The Western Regional Conference members request that NLS provide network library staff the access to make changes to a patron’s magazine quotas of lost cartridges in MOC without having to go through an NLS consultant.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS has updated the Magazine on Cartridge (MOC) system to allow network staff with Administrator, Reviewer, or Approver privileges to increase the quota of lost cartridges for individual patrons. Network staff should verify patron addresses and confirm with patrons that they want magazine delivery to resume before increasing lost quotas.

See details in Operations Alert 19-43, MOC increase quotas tool.

 

8.       The Western Regional Conference members encourage the continued push on Keystone to get Duplication on Demand module up and running ASAP. We hope that NLS will continue to press Keystone on how important this is to the network.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS recently completed testing of Keystone’s integration of Gutenberg Duplication on Demand. Keystone has announced that regional libraries GA1A and CO1A will be the first to beta test in a production environment, beginning summer of 2019. Once beta testing has been successfully completed, NLS will collaborate with Keystone to deploy KLAS+Gutenberg to interested libraries.

 

9.       The Western Regional Conference members commend NLS for pursuing the changes in updated infrastructure to support expanded eligibility and encourage NLS to have this happen sooner rather than later.

 

NLS RESPONSE: NLS considers updating its IT infrastructure to support expanded eligibility a top priority.

 

 

 

 

 

For more information, please contact:

Richard Smith

Chief, Network Division

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