The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will hold a public hearing at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando on Sunday, June 26, 2016, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM, in the Orange County Convention Center, Room W105A for the revision of the 2011 Standards for Libraries Serving People who are Blind or Physically Handicapped. The 2011 Standards may be viewed here: http://www.ala.org/ascla/sites/ala.org.ascla/files/content/asclaissues/LCNIS2011Introduction.pdf.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, is the administrator for the free informational and recreational reading resources for residents of the United States who are unable to read or use standard print materials because of visual or physical impairment.
The Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which was last revised in 2011, is the standing document that guides network libraries and staff around the country who provide direct service to eligible individuals and institutions.
Additional information about NLS and the patrons that are served can be found in these promotional videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udZ6NO5_x-Q and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIKG2HxnYMk. A working paper of the current progress of the Working Team can be found here: Working Paper Download.
Comments from the general public are invited and can also be sent to the Working Team here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1z0S1bmXuC0wrEUPWB-PzEBbYIjQyd9PATXEDgIg5nBQ/viewform.
The revision of the standards is supported by a grant from the Library of Congress. The ASCLA President appoints the members of the Working Team and the Advisory Committee, with input from NLS. Library members of both are usually ASCLA members that represent the four regional conferences of network libraries. In addition to network librarians, ASCLA asks the presidents of specific consumer groups to select representative to the committee. Finally, the president of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) is asked for a representative to the committee. The Working Team will receive assistance from a Project Advisory Committee of consumers and librarians that will advise the Team, review draft documents, and serve as a sounding board for the concerns of the groups they represent.
The working and advisory team members are:
Working Team
Eura Ryan Szuwalski, Project Director
Goleta, CA 93117
Danielle H. Miller, Director & Regional Librarian
Washington Talking Book & Braille Library
Representing the Western Conference
Will Reed, OLBPD Manager
Cleveland Public Library/Ohio Library for the Blind & Physically Disabled
Representing the Midlands Conference
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Advisory Team
Eura Ryan Szuwalski, Project Director
Adam Szczepaniak
New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center
Representing the Northern Conference
Dr. Nancy Pack, Director
Alabama Public Library Service
Representing Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA)
Kim Charlson, President
American Council of the Blind
Representing the American Council of the Blind
David Hyde, Chairperson
Library Services Committee Chairperson
Representing the National Federation of the Blind
Melanie Brunson, Director
Government Relations
Representing the Blinded Veterans Association
Ava M. Smith, Division Director, Talking Book Program
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Representing the Southern Conference