Libraries for the Blind and Print Disabled

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===== Conference Chairs Meeting, August 20, 2014 =====
Recorded by: Sharon Ruda\\
\\
**NLS Staff Present:**\\
\\
**Richard Smith**, Chief, Network Division\\
**Steve Prine**, Assistant Chief, Network Division\\
**Michael Martys**, Automation Officer\\
**Vickie Collins**, Head, Network Services Section\\ 
**Meredith Beckhardt**, Head, Reference Section\\
**Pamela Davenport**, Network Consultant\\
**MaryBeth Wise**, Network Consultant\\
**Paula Bahmani**,\\
\\
**Network Chairs:**\\  
\\
**Sharon Ruda**, Midlands Conference (not present)\\
**Adam Szczepaniak**, Northern Conference\\
**Ava Smith**, Southern Conference (for Craig Hayward)\\
**Debbi MacLeod**, Western Conference\\
\\
**NLS Updates:**\\

2014 Factsheets are now available on website. They are:

  * Books for Individuals who are blind or have a physical disability
  * Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service
  * Collection Sources and Funding (SOON)\\

Printed copies will be available for ordering by the end of the month.\\

Under Network documents on the website, the 2013 Statistics for staffing, funding and collection size is available. This was formerly called the Library Resources Book.\\

NLS is looking for a beta tester (9/2-9/14) for its FY15 Network Database Update. Debbi Macleod volunteered to test the database. NLS will issue an Operational Alert once the beta testing is completed.\\

The NLS consultant group will be receiving a email address for the entire group. With consultants often on the road, emails to this address can be handled by one of the consultants on site.\\

**Conference Chair Questions and Issues:**\\

**Southern:** Issue with patrons being transfer between states but not being transfer out of BARD.\\

**NLS Response:** Possibilities were discussed. Mike Martys stated that once PIMMS becomes operational, all transfer with be through PIMMS and all transfers will be automatic.\\

**Northern:** Update on Android App?

**NLS Response:** Mike Martys said that the app is still being tested internally.\\

**Northern:** Update on Apple App?\\

**NLS Response:** Mike Martys said that the company doing the program has started to contact beta testers.\\

**Northern:** Update on blank cartridges.\\

**NLS Response:** Richard responded that the money has been budgeted and the process is moving forward. It looks like shipments will begin by the end of the calendar year.\\

**Western:** Update on RC Excess?\\

**NLS Response:** Steve Prine answered that the disposal contract has been awarded. Two agencies will be receiving the cassettes. Mailing cards now need to be printed. NLS needs to get an estimate of the total number of cassettes that will be excessed.\\

**Western:** Update on Braille Excess?\\

**NLS Response:** Steve Prine answered that NLS is waiting for a response from the US Postal Service. This effects only excess braille that is going to foreign countries. Excess braille going to a library in the US will be shipped FREE MATTER.\\

**Western:** Future possible cost of commercial audiobooks?\\

**NLS Response:** Steve Prine answered that early on Hachette had set the bar by announcing that it would be donating it books at no charge to NLS.  Other publishers have followed suit.  Harper Collins will be coming on board soon.
Libraries for the Blind and Print Disabled

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