2003 ASCLA/National Organization on Disability Award recipient chosen
Contact: Eileen Hardy
312-280-4398
For Immediate Release
March 5, 2003
2003 ASCLA/National Organization on Disability Award recipient chosen
The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, N.C., is the 2003 recipient of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA)/National Organization on Disability Award for Library Service for Persons with Disabilities. Donated by the Aetna U. S. Healthcare through the National Organization on Disability, the $1,000 award and certificate is given to a library organization that has provided services for people with disabilities.
"The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County exhibited outstanding planning, creativity and commitment in developing and implementing 'The Virtual Village Communication Center,'" stated Jim Kirks, ASCLA award committee chair. "'The Virtual Village Communication Center' is an 11,000 square foot computer lab with 100 workstations and a myriad of resources available for free use seven days a week. Fifteen highly specialized workstations and other adaptive equipment are available for use by people with disabilities at 'The Virtual Village Communication Center.' This innovative program integrated and provided technology-based assistance to persons with disabilities."
The award will be presented June 22, 2003, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., at the ASCLA President's Program and Award Ceremony during the ALA Annual Conference in Toronto.
