Partnering with the National Library Service to Provide Materials and Services to People with Print Disabilities

Did you know that every state has at least one free talking book library to serve the print-disabled? These libraries serve patrons with low vision or blindness, reading disabilities (i.e. dyslexia, ADHD), or who struggle to comfortably hold a book. The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) believes in its mission—“That All May Read”—and wants to partner with public libraries to ensure that reading is essential and accessible to everyone.

The NLS regional libraries have access to a massive library of hardcopy and downloadable, accessible, navigable audio or braille books, digital playback equipment, and other assistive technology to distribute freely on long-term loan. All material is circulated at no cost through the Free Matter for the Blind postal subsidy. In this free on-demand webinar, learn how to partner with NLS to provide free reading materials in alternate formats to better serve your communities, empowering existing and prospective patrons to benefit as lifelong readers.

PLA members make it possible for us to provide continuing education opportunities like this webinar at no cost. We thank our members for their continuous dedication to the advancement of the public library field and our association.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled network of libraries around the U.S. and its intersectional mission with public libraries to create and maintain lifelong readers;
• Empower patrons and stakeholders to apply for and receive free, alternate format, popular reading materials, and long-term loans of assistive technology devices; and
• Discover the print disability movement and its growing importance, reach, and visibility within the public and library sphere.

Additional Resources

• Slideshow (PPT)
• Chat Transcript (DOCX)

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is intended for all public library staff and stakeholders.

Panelists

Morgan Rose Pershing (she/her) is the assistive technology librarian for the Braille and Talking Books Library in Sacramento, CA. She received her MLIS in 2006 and has since worked in special, academic, and public libraries; served all ages; and held positions from librarian to management. Morgan also teaches classes such as “Graphic Novels for Adults” and “Introduction to Adult Services” for San Jose State University’s MLIS program. She is a Transforming Life after 50 Fellow, a Eureka! Leadership Fellow, and was awarded the California Library Association's Member of the Year in 2018.

Mike Marlin (he/him) has served as the director of the California Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) since 2007. He is a legally blind librarian as well as a patron of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), for which BTBL is the Northern California regional library. Mike has worked in public and academic libraries, and in a previous life he was a producer and music host at public and community radio stations on both East and West coasts. Mike is a councilor-at-large for the American Library Association (ALA), where he advocates for accessibility and disability-centered librarianship; and he worked closely with ALA’s Washington Office to lobby for passage and ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate cross border sharing of accessible works. In his spare time Mike plays jazz banjo and travels around with his yellow lab guide dog, Teddy.

As library director at Braille Institute, Lisa Lepore (she/her) oversees services in support of the call, “That All May Read,” the motto of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. Lisa sees librarianship as a public good and is dedicated to accessible libraries and the practice and pleasure of a reading life. Prior to Braille Institute, Lisa was library director at Antioch University, Los Angeles, and holds an MLIS (UCLA) and an MFA (Antioch University).

Accommodations

This on-demand webinar is captioned in English (United States).

If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.

Tech Requirements

To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.