Memorandum
South Dakota State Library
Braille and Talking Book Library
September 1998
Editor: Karen Knudsen
Patrons of the SD Braille & Talking Book Library
This MEMORANDUM will be our means of communication to our patrons. If you have any questions or comments you would like us to address, or wish to have this memo in large print or braille, please contact Karen Knudsen.


NOTES FROM THE EDITOR.Karen Knudsen
Where has the summer gone? I hope you had a good one.

We have some new voices in Braille & Talking Book now. They are Darcy Andresen and Jerry Wagner as Reader Advisors and Kathy Schreiber as our new Machine Agency Coordinator. There will be an article on each Braille & Talking Book staff person in future issues of this memorandum.

The Braille & Talking Book Library is required to conduct a patron survey every three years. We are a couple of years late in doing a survey. The survey is used to help us correct what our patrons see as problems and make changes or add services. We will be sending out a survey in October. Please fill it out and mail it in to us. It is confidential and doesn't require your name. If you need help completing the survey or would like it in another format, please call us. We don't need your name if we help you over the phone.

Perhaps sometime in the near future, in order to save time and money, this newsletter for the adults and the newsletter for students will be combined. Let us know if you think this would be a good idea or if you think they should remain separate.

This is your library and we are here to provide you with the type of library service you want. If you have any questions about your library service or suggestions on how we can improve your library service please call us toll-free 1-800-423-6665.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: STARTING & OPERATING A SMALL BUSINESS BOOKS IN BRAILLE & LARGE PRINT..
Mpls., Mn.The American Institute of Small Business announces the availability of its best selling two volume set of books entitled "How to Set Up Your Own Small Business" in both Braille & Large Print. Written especially for the individual who wishes to start his or her own business, the new text is like an encyclopedia for starting and operating a small business.

Written in an easy to read format, the books contain numerous examples and case studies. Some subjects covered include: choosing the right business, financing, writing the business plan, advertising, computer applications, and much more.

For complete information, call or write the American Institute of Small Business, 7515 Wayzata Blvd, Mpls, Mn. 55426 telephone 800-328-2906 or fax to 612-545-7020.


Here are some interesting websites to visit if you have access to a computer and the Internet. SHOP FROM HOME
Home Readers is a specialized company that offers popular mail order catalogs on 4-track cassette. These recorded catalogs list a wide variety of products including clothing, gifts, music, food, cosmetics, pet supplies, and collectibles. The tapes describe patterns, styles and colors pictured in print editions.

Catalogs cost $2-$4. To order call (913) 893-6939 or write Home Readers, 604 W. Hulett Street, Edgerten, Ks. 66021


ABILITY ONLINE
Ability Online is an electronic mail system that connects young people with disabilities or chronic illnesses to non-disabled and disabled peers and mentors. Through e-mail, thousands of children form friendships, build self-confidence, and exchange information.

Whether you're an accomplished athlete or a couch potato longing for change, Ski for Light 1999 could be the perfect week for you. To be held in Anchorage, Alaska, February 21-28, 1999, the 24th annual Ski for Light will invite more than 100 blind and visually impaired people to enjoy a week filled with cross country skiing, interesting apres ski activities, good food, fellowship, and has been for many a major milestone on the road of life.

Ski for Light matches each visually impaired skier with a sighted ski guide. With the aid of pre-set tracks and verbal instructions by the ski guide, blind skiers are able to enjoy the exhilaration of cross country skiing. The 1999 event will be held at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, Alaska, with skiing at nearby Russian Jack Springs Park. Cost of the week will be $650 for double-occupancy, or $790 for single-occupancy and will include all meals, equipment, ski instruction, and after-hour activities. Applications must be submitted by November 1. Partial stipends are available on a limited basis for first-time participants based on financial need. For an application, contact Larry Showalter, 15002 N. E. 9th Place, Bellevue, Wa 98007, phone (425) 644-5663, or e-mail larrysho@cris.com; or download the application from the Ski for Light home page at www.sfl.org.


DIFFERENT AUTHORS TO TRY IF YOU LIKE..
  • Jean Auel
    W. Michael & Kathleen Gear, Sue Harrison, William Sarabande, Linda Lay Shuler, Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
  • Barbara Cartland
    Faith Baldwin, Marion Chesney, Karen Lynn, Miss Read, Janet Templeton
I will list more with the next newsletter.


NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR..Dan Boyd
With computers and the Internet there have been many changes in the operation of the Braille & Talking Book Library. One exciting thing that has happened is you can now browse the national collection from the comfort of your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The national collection contains all the books in our collection plus books that have been produced by other state braille & talking book libraries.

If you have a computer and are hooked to the Internet you can use the Internet to find books on cassette, records, or in braille you would like to read.

You can also search for just fiction or Non-fiction books. You can search for books by title, author, or subject. Once you have located the titles you wish to borrow, just use e-mail to send a message to the Library requesting the books.

Using e-mail you can send messages to library staff, ask questions, And make suggestions. You can request replacement equipment, notify us of a change of address or telephone number, and ask reference questions.

If you would like more information or instructions on how to use the system Please call the library toll-free 1-800-423-6665. Library staff will provide you with the internet address for the national collection and an e-mail address for the library.