Memorandum
South Dakota State Library
Braille and Talking Book Library
September 1999
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 to address, or wish to have this memo in large print or braille, please contact Karen Knudsen.

If you wish to receive the next issue of the MEMORANDUM, please return this issue. If you don't want to receive future issues of the MEMORANDUM, please contact the Library at 1-800-423-6665 and talk to your Reader Advisor.


NOTES FROM THE EDITOR.Karen Knudsen
Summer has come and gone. It is now fall and a pretty time of the year with everything changing color. I really like this time of the year with the warm days and cool nights and that certain crispness in the air.

I do remember a 4th of July when we had snow on the ground. I was just a kid at the time and looked forward to the carnival, the parades, the cotton candy and everything else that a kid enjoys. We had the best carnival in the region. Art B. Thomas shows had a lot of concession stands and lots of different things to ride on. The rides were the best. Everything was clean and new each year. Needless to say I was somewhat disappointed that the rides weren't operating. My dad told me that tomorrow would be better and that I could ride the rides then. That was the end of my disappointment. Needless to say they did have one day out of three that we could enjoy the rides. How many of you out there remember that 4th of July?

I'm glad I could enjoy what I could when I was a kid. I now know why the adults didn't want to go on the rides with me then. Probably for the same reasons I don't want to go on them anymore either. However, it is nice to sit in the shade and visit with the people I know, have a cool drink and just watch the youngsters enjoying the rides.

I certainly hope you had a safe and happy 4th of July.


FROM THE DESK OF DAN BOYD
DIRECTOR, INFORMATION SERVICES
Technology and especially computers are becoming a larger part of our life each day. The movement to computers is slower in our homes than at work but computers are being used daily in many homes.

With the use of computers in your home it is now possible for the library to provide patrons with access to the complete catalog of the talking book collection. With computer access you can view the collection, select books you would like to read, and add them to your request list. This feature will allow you more control over your library service and the books that are sent to you.

In order for this to happen the library needs to document how many of our patrons would use this service or might use the service. When you call the library the staff person you speak with will ask if you have access to a computer and to the Internet. The staff person will also ask, "if the service were available would you search the library catalog on the Internet and/or order books from the library using the Internet". This information will be compiled and used by the library to justify the request for funds to purchase the needed computer software.

Please remember that this is your library and we work for you. If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions please me at 1-800-423-6665. I would like to visit with you regarding the South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Library.


The announcements of new products and services in our memorandum should not be considered an endorsement of those products and services by the SD Braille and Talking Book Library. Products and services are listed free of charge for the benefit of our readers.


COMPUTER NEWS
Veterans seeking employment can use www.taonline.com to post resumes and find potential employers. This address also links to other Internet employment sites.

Windows 95 explained for Blind and Visually Impaired Users by Sarah Morley can be ordered for $18 in either braille, cassette, print or disc from National Braille Press. Their toll-free number is 1 800-548-7323.

There are two Internet sites that can help writers. They are:
  • Inkspot, which is an online resource for writers which includes tips on improving writing, helpful articles, interviews with professional authors and editors, market information, and networking opportunities. It also includes the full text of Inklings, a free biweekly newsletter for writers of all ages and experience. Contact them at: www.inkspot.com
  • Writer's Resource Center includes information on: how to become an expert writer in any industry; creating memorable characters; overcoming writer's isolation; freelance writer's frequently asked questions; and links to consumer magazines that may accept freelance articles. Contact them at: poewar.com
Tutorials that can be downloaded for free for several screen readers and application programs plus taped tutorials and realaudio tutorials that can be downloaded or ordered on CD are available by contacting: www.blind.state.ia.us/assist


UPDATE ON COMPUTER SOFTWARE
The South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library has recently updated the software for our computer system. Some of you may have noticed a short interruption in your service. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

We hope the changes will allow us to give you more efficient service, with fewer day to day problems.

If you think something has changed with your talking book service, or you have any questions, don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-423-6665.


INSIDE BOOK SELECTION
The National Library Service has just released the report of the committee that deals with the selection of materials to be recorded and brailled.

There were a number of interesting facts included.

Juvenile books account for 22% of the titles produced although they are only 5% of total readership. Braille and print-braille titles account for 22% of produced materials although braille readers are only 2-3% of total adult readers.

NLS plans to produce more braille fiction titles by popular authors but feels that most popular titles still need to be produced in a recorded format.

As for foreign language materials, NLS will produce only Spanish language materials while purchasing other foreign language materials. The total number of foreign language materials to be added this current year will be 25.

NLS will try to produce all titles that are part of a series, but if some are out of print this may not be possible.

NLS will include about 20 alternative health titles in 1999.

NLS will not advise readers to rewind cassettes at the end of the tape but our readers are reminded that this needs to be done.


PLEASE KEEP YOUR SERVICE ACTIVE
To continue to use the equipment on loan to you, the Library of Congress requires that you borrow at least one book a year or receive one direct mail magazine. This does not include receiving textbooks from Recordings for the Blind & Dyslexic. Failure to borrow Library materials may result in cancellation of service and return of equipment on loan to you. If you have questions, please call the library at 1-800-423-6665 and ask for your Reader Advisor.


ARE YOU MISSING SOMETHING
Are you missing one of your own tapes of music or a book on tape that is not from the South Dakota State Library? We have quite a number of music tapes and pieces of books on tape that are not part of our collection that patrons had inadvertently sent back with their talking books. If you are missing something like this, please send us a note or call us at 1-800-423-6665 so we can check to see if we may have your missing tapes.


FREE NEWSLETTER FOR PARENTS
Envision is a free newsletter for parents and professionals concerned with the development of children with visual impairments. Articles address issues for infants through adolescents. Envision is published twice a year by the Lighthouse in print, braille, and audio tape. Back issues are available free of charge. For a subscription or back issues call 1-800-829-0500 or website: lighthouse.org


MORE TIPS FOR BETTER SERVICE
Have you ever been listening to a book, and the voice goes into high speed and starts chattering like a chipmunk? Check speed control button and make sure it is on the left (15/16) side. Make sure the variable speed control sliding switch at the top of the machine is slid to the left or normal position. If everything is in the correct settings and the sound persists, press the stop button and give us a call.

If the tape is defective and you like the book, give us a call and we will send out another copy. Put a piece of string or rubber around the bad tape to alert us that there is something wrong with that tape and we will put it in repair when it comes back in. Please DO NOT put the rubber bands, tape, etc. on the outside of the box. The Post Office said that these obstructions could damage expensive Post Office equipment.


FROM JUDY'S DESK
DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO DEPARTMENT
We have added more movies for your descriptive movie enjoyment. They are:
  • Hope Floats
  • Lady and the Tramp
  • Amistad
  • Dante's Peak
  • Twins
  • Antz
  • Good Will Hunting
  • Dirty Dancing
  • Driving Miss Daisy
  • The Piano
  • Sophie's Chioce
  • Vietnam War Series
We also replaced Mary Poppins and Patriot Games. If you would like a complete list or would like to order call the Braille and Talking Book Library at 1-800-423-6665 or write Braille and Talking Book Library, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre SD 57501.

Remember movies are available at the South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library and that you may keep a movie for up to one week, but we ask that you return it immediately after watching so that other patrons have a chance. You, the patron, are responsible for payment if any damage occurs to the video.


FROM KATHY'S DESK
THE MACHINE LENDING SECTION
If you need to return an older cassette or record player, but don't have the original container, any sturdy box will do. Be sure to put the Library's address on it and the words "Free Matter For the Blind" in the upper right corner.

Please don't pay postage when returning books or playback equipment to the Library. Remember that all NLS produced materials are considered "Free Matter". Also if you need a new battery, don't call and request one as we do not ship batteries. Simply return your defective cassette player and we will replace the old battery promptly with a new one.

NEW MACHINES AVAILABLE
Telex Communications, Inc., manufacturer of the NLS tape players, has announced that they are now making available for purchase, two machines specifically designed to play NLS tapes.

The "Narrator" is a rugged, lightweight desktop player with controls that are easily identified with tactile buttons of various sizes. The unit ships with an AC power adapter and an additional battery compartment which can be used with alkaline batteries or a rechargeable Nicad battery pack.

The "Tutor" recorder/player is a hand held unit perfect for the student or adult on the go. It runs on alkaline batteries.

For additional information or to place an order, contact: Telex Communications, 9600 Aldrich Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55420, Call 1 (800)828-6107 Ext.498 or Fax (612)884-0043.


FAVORITE AUTHORS
If you like...
  • John Grisham
    Try William Coughlin, Philip Friedman, Clifford Irving, Nancy R. Taylor, Scott Turow
  • Victoria Holt
    Try Philippa Carr, Catherine Cookson, Dorothy Eden, Barbara Michaels, Mary Stewart, Jill Tattersall, Phyllis Whitney
  • Stephen King
    Try Clive Barker, Ramsey Campbell, John Coyne, Harlan Ellison, Dennis Etchison, John Farris, Raymond E Feist, William Gibson, James Herbert, Dean Koontz, H.P. Lovecraft, Robert McCammon, Michael McDowell, Michael Palmer, Anne Rice, John Saul, Peter Straub, Whitley Streiber, Thomas Tryon, Bari Wood, Chelsea Quinn Yarbo

888 TO CONNECT
Have you ever wished for a simple number that could connect you to any service you wanted, be it a dentist, a plumber, or a locksmith? Wish no more. It exists. This service is billed to a credit card and is based on usage, 16 cents a minute. There are no connection fees, monthly charges or sign up costs. For a demonstration of the system, call 1 (888) 266-8364 and follow the voice prompts. This is a toll-free number.


CARVED ART PUZZLE
The Carved Art Puzzle was specifically designed for visually impaired people by Katchina Internationale Inc. of Quebec. The pieces are similar to regular puzzles, but have raised pictures instead of photographs. Shapes available include: decorated candle; eagle; tulip; butterfly; hummingbird; maple leaf; hot air balloon; coastal lighthouse; and the Statue of Liberty. The candle and eagle are $5 U.S. each; the tulip, butterfly and hummingbird $11.90 U.S. each; the maple leaf, hot air balloon and lighthouse, $15.60 U.S. each; and the Statue of Liberty, $28.50 U.S. These prices do not include shipping and handling. For more information, call the company at (819) 775-6181, fax (819) 920-0606, or write to Katchina Internationale Inc., C.P. 84062, Gatineau, Quebec J8P 7R8, Canada.


PRUDENTIAL BRAILLES
Prudential now offers its insurance policies in braille. If you have insurance through Prudential and would like to get a copy of your policy in braille, ask your Prudential insurance agent.


HANDITALK
"Handitalk" is a one-hour weekly call-in program discussing the issues facing the millions of people with disabilities. Michael Lauf is the host. Topics range from employment and consumer rights to technology and discrimination. It airs in the U.S. on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Eastern; 5 p.m. Pacific, or Wednesdays at 01:00 Universal. To call in with questions dial the toll free number 1-888-591-8324. For more information, call 1-888-639-4954 extension 218, or visit http://www.ttalk.com/handitalk.htm or visit the regular web site at http://www.ttalk.com. (note: website no longer active, 02/2006)


SPECIAL OFFERS
Have you had trouble sleeping? Maybe it's your pillow. Try an overstuffed , hypoallergenic, buckwheat hull pillow. These pillows provide support, can be plumped into your favorite resting position, and can relieve back and neck pain, headaches, TMJ, and other painful conditions that can keep you awake at night. These pillows are double stitched, durable, and have zippered covers for easy washing. Custom orders are provided on an individual basis. Contact Marie Caputo between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at (860)643-1234 or e-mail her at snuggles@sunspot.tiac.net with specific measurements. All prices include shipping. The pet bed, for larger pets, costs $37; the all-in-one cushion for use in wheelchairs, cars, or boats cost $56.45; the knee pillow, $15.95; wrist pillow, $11.95; travel pillow, $26.95; neck pillow, $26; child pillow, $35.45; large pillow, $49.95.

Make check or money orders payable to Marie Caputo, 470 Tunnel Rd., Vernon, CT 06066. All orders will be shipped within 10 working days of receipt of payment and come with a 30 day money-back guarantee.


FOR YOUR INFORMATION

SKI FOR LIGHT, INC.
Ski for Light 2000 will be held in Granby, Colorado January 30th through February 6th 2000. Participants will stay at Silver Creek and ski at nearby Snow Mountain Ranch. Skiers range in age from 18-81, and in ability from beginner to advance. They have come from Norway, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and other countries as well as the United States. The cost for the week will be $650 double occupancy or $800 for single. This includes all meals, ski instruction, equipment for first time skiers, ground transportation from the Denver airport, and after hours activities. Cost of transportation from your home to and from Denver is your responsibility.

If you're out of shape or don't know how to cross country ski, don't worry. Ski for Light will match you with a visually sighted ski guide, who will instruct you in the technique of cross country skiing. You will set your own pace and distance.

Partial stipends are available on a limited basis for first-time participants based on financial need. Applications must be submitted by November 1, 1999. For an application, contact Judy Wilkinson, 528 W. 111th Street, #7, New York, NY 10025, Telephone # (212) 662-9592, or e-mail: judyw@sfl.org, or download the application from the Ski for Light home page at www.sfl.org.

You may also contact George D. Bianculli at 285 Plantation Street, Apt #811, Worcester, MA 01604 or e-mail him at geojan@mindspring.com or call (617) 753-3731 for more information.

CATALOGS AVAILABLE
Home Readers offers popular mail order catalogs on 4-track cassette. These include patterns, styles, and colors for a variety of products such as: clothing, gifts, music, food, cosmetics, pet supplies and collectibles. Catalogs run from $2 to $4.00. They can be contacted at 1-913-893-6939 or by writing to: Home Readers, 604 W. Hulett Street, Edgerton, KS 66021.

A catalog with products useful to guide dog users is available in several formats. Contact Guide Dog Users, Inc. 14311 Astrodome Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906-2245 or call 1 888-858-1008; E-mail them at jcsheehan@smart.net

BOOKS AND MAGAZINES FOR PURCHASE
Associated Services for the Blind is a source for braille cookbooks, crossword puzzles, biographies and books on health issues as well as over 25 recorded magazines available for purchase on a subscriptions basis. Call them at 800-867-5456 or write to: Associated Services to the Blind, 919 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Safe Without Sight is a book put out by National Braille Press that teaches crime-prevention strategies and physical self-defense. All of the self-defense moves were described by and for blind people. This book is available in print, braille, tape, or disc at the same price of $14. To order contact: National Braille Press at 1-800-548-7323.

Marjorie Arnott has a wide variety of knitting, crochet, and cooking books. They include afghans and blankets; sweaters; washcloths; hats, gloves, scarves, and mittens; slippers; knit and crochet toys; knit and crochet baby books; and many more. Among the cookbooks are: Meals Across the Miles; several three ingredient cookbooks; Lipton mix cookbook; cookies galore and many others. She has also started a general section which has a book of poetry and one which is called "Kitchen Cupboard Remedies". If you are interested in any of the above, or want to receive a catalog, write to Marjorie Arnott at 1446 N Coronado St., Chandler, AZ 85224-7824; or phone 408 345-8773, or visit the home page at www.cs.cmu.edu/~rowan/marjorie-crafts.html.

DONATION FOR USED EYEGLASSES
Old eyeglasses will be given to the poor in underdeveloped countries. Please do not send broken frames or frames without lenses. Please enclose the following information with your donation: Name, Address, Telephone. If you would like an acknowledgment, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The IRS will not allow them to assign a value to donated materials. Please send your old eyeglasses to the Jewish Heritage for the Blind, 4045 Sheridan Avenue, Suite 433, Miami Beach, FL 33140-3665.

SOUTH DAKOTA INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND
South Dakota Industries for the Blind is offering to create items in braille at reasonable cost. To reach them, please call Frank Green at 605-367-5266 ext 14. They also do large print wall calendars (17 x 11, monthly) for $8, desk calendars (weekly, 8 1/2 x 11) for $10, address books (inside 3 ring binder for $9) and check registers for $8. They have a minimum charge of $10. Shipping is not included.


SCHOLARSHIPS
College scholarships for blind college students are being offered by the American Foundation for the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind.
  • The American Foundation for the Blind is offering 7 different scholarships.
  • Delta Gamma Foundation-1 $1,000 who is studying in field of rehabilitation and/or education of persons who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Ferdinand Tories-1 grant of $1000 to a legally blind full time post-secondary student who can also present evidence of economic need.
  • Gladys C. Anderson Memorial Scholarship-1 $1000 to a legally blind woman studying religious or classical music at college level.
  • Karen D. Carmel Memorial-1 grant of $500 to a full time graduate student who is legally blind and who presents evidence of economic need.
  • Paul Ruckes-1 grant of $1,000 to an undergraduate who is blind or visually impaired pursuing a degree in engineering, computer science, or life sciences.
  • R. L. Gillette-2 1,000 scholarships to women who are legally blind and enrolled in a four year undergraduate degree program in literature or music.
  • Rudolph Dillman Memorial- 4 grants of $2500 each to undergraduate and graduate student who are legally blind and studying in the field of rehabilitation and/or education of persons who are blind or visually impaired. One scholarship is reserved for an economic need student.
For applications and further details, contact the American Foundation for the Blind by calling 212-502-7600 or at www.afb.org.

All of the National Federation of the Blind had a deadline of March 31, 1999 while the American Foundation for the Blind had no expiration date deadline.


MAGAZINES IN LARGE PRINT
The 1998 Magazines in Special Media catalog is now available in large print and on the NLS web site which is www.loc.gov/nls/ It will also be produced on cassette, flexible disc, and in braille.

Discovering Archaeology Magazine will start in the summer of 1999 to publish a large print edition with the very best articles from the parent magazine. The quarterly magazine will be available at $19.95. To contact them on the Internet use: www.discoveringarchaeology.com or call them at 877-347-2724, or write to Jeff D Leach, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Discovering Archaeology Magazine, 1205 N. Oregon St. El Paso, TX 79902.


READER'S DIGEST NOW IN ELECTRONIC BRAILLE
In addition to cassette, braille, and large print, Reader's Digest is now available in an electronic braille format. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) offers the entire monthly magazine on a single 3.5 inch MS-DOS-formatted disc in translated grade 2 braille files. This compares to three volumes of hard-copy braille. The cost is $25 per year, For more information contact Circulation Dept. /APH, PO Box 6085, Louisville, KY 40206-0085 Telephone: (800) 223-1839.


INTERNET RESOURCES
National Library Service has information on the Internet for books in special formats and publications which can be accessed using the following web address http://www.loc.gov/nls

They also have two web sites of guide dog organizations which may be of interest to you.
  • Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. website: http://www.guidedog.org
  • The Seeing Eye, Inc.website: http://www.seeingeye.org
The Healthcare Financing Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, has a web site containing Medicare information. It contains general information plus online Medicare publications, Medicare rates for 1999, contact information, how to order Medicare publications on audiocassette in both English and Spanish. You can access this on the following web site:
  • Medicare: The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare Information website: http://www.medicare.gov

DIABETES INFORMATION WEBSITES
The following web sites contain a great deal of useful information about controlling diabetes, diet, exchange lists, travel and vacation planning, restaurant dining, childhood diabetes and much more.
  • American Diabetes Association website: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetesspectrum
  • Naric Knowledgebase website: http://www.naric.com/search/pd/
  • Nethealth website: http://www.diabetes.com
We also have Diabetes Forecast and Diabetes Self-Management on tape at no cost to you plus a number of books on this topic. Please call and ask for your reader advisors and they will let you know what is available.


NARRATIVE TV.COM OFFERS TV FOR THE BLIND
The Tulsa-based Narrative Television Network is proud to announce that their television and movie programming, made accessible for blind and visually impaired people, is now available world-wide on the Internet via their web site at http://www.narrativetv.com. The programming is available free-of-charge, 24 hrs a-day,7 days a week, and users can enjoy the programs on-demand. This will enable blind and visually impaired people to experience NTN's narrated programming day or night, at their convenience. They also offer their programming via broadcast, cable, and satellite, and this includes 1200 affiliates across North America.

For more information visit their website at http://www.narrativetv.com or contact Jim Stovall at (918) 627-1000.


MUSIC TAPES
Recordings for Recovery, a non-profit organization in Midland, Michigan, has a lending library of music tapes. It includes categories of music starting from the 1900's to the present. There is a yearly membership fee of $10 for individual home users and a $25 fee for facilities and organizations. Alternative memberships are available for individuals or facilities who cannot afford the fees at this time. For more information or a copy of the membership form, call us at 1-800-762-7106 or 1-800-452-8793.


INTERVIEWS
For the next few newsletters we are going to do an interview with each of our volunteers. The one for this interview is Dee Langley.

Dee was born in Wagner SD. She has lived in Pierre now for 40 years. She has also lived in Minnesota and California. Sorry folks, I didn't ask her age, but she told me she was 39 and holding.

Dee is one of our more active library volunteers. She does cassette machine inspection and repair. She also reads on the talking book radio program. You can hear her read on Wednesday morning if you are interested at 11:30.

Dee also inspects books, checks them in and shelves them. When our book inspector was gone in May on vacation, it was Dee in there, inspecting and checking cassette books in so that you folks on our turnaround service could keep getting books as well as the other patrons we serve.

Dee has been volunteering for 15 or 20 years. Besides volunteering at the library she has volunteered at the "Special Olympics", Fishing has no Boundaries, has done school playground maps, Adopt a hi-way, which different organizations do twice a year, volunteered at the VFW, "I luv you kits" for Social Services, Cancer walk, Telephone Pioneers, etc.

Besides doing all this volunteer work for the library, she likes to bowl and golf, do crafts, and attend sports events.

All of us here at the Braille & Talking Book Library say a big thank you to Dee for what she is doing for the library.