WOLFNER NEWS
Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
New Director at Wolfner Library
Dr. Richard Smith comes to Missouri as the director of the Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped with a rich and varied library background. Smith worked for state library agencies in Ohio, Indiana, and Louisiana. He taught library automation at several universities, most recently at San Jose State University.
Smith has six years experience as the director of the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for the State of Louisiana. During his tenure there, he automated the library, improving the circulation of books to patrons. Despite receiving no additional staff, space or money, his efficient management so improved library services for the blind and physically handicapped community the Louisiana State Librarian rewarded his efforts with more space and money for the library.
Other New Faces at Wolfner
Susan Higgins and Christine Williams have joined Wolfner Library as reader advisors. Both Susan and Christine are avid readers.
Susan, who holds a masters degree in veterinary science, will assist patrons with their reading needs and process the paperwork for patrons transferring into, or out of, Missouri.
Christine, who holds a B.A. in English literature, will work with institutions, such as nursing homes, and as a back-up to Cheryl Hassler on the descriptive video program. She will also produce mini-bibliographies for patrons and staff.
Wolfner staff congratulates John (Butch) Stegmann, formerly a clerk in Wolfner's circulation area, on his new job as a technician I. John works closely with Wolfner's reference librarian and prepares information in braille, large print or recorded format as requested by patrons.
Update on C-2 Recall - Update on C-1 Instructions
The National Library Service recalled all C-2 Talking Book players in July of this year due to a potential fire and shock hazard. There are approximately 106 Wolfner Library patrons who still have C-2 machines in their possession. Please call the library if you're not sure which player you have, or for instructions on returning your C-2.
Due to the seriousness of this situation, the National Library Service has authorized Wolfner Library to suspend the library service of any patron who refuses to return a C-2 player. Therefore, on January 1, 2000, Wolfner Library will suspend all library services for patrons who have not returned their C-2 players.
The National Library Service recently announced C-1 players can be kept plugged in at all times, just like the C-2 player. They do not need to be recharged for continuous use. If you have a C-2 player, please return it and we will immediately mail you a C-1 replacement.
Mail Matters
If you need to return a machine to Wolfner Library for any reason, please send it via "Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped". A machine was recently returned to Wolfner via FedEx, which means the patron who returned it PAID money out of her own pocket to do so. Wolfner patrons never have to pay to mail a machine back to Wolfner. For specific instructions on returning your machine, please call: 1-800-392-2614 and ask for the Machine Department.
According to U.S. Postal Regulations, if you order books from Wolfner Library using the "Talking Book Topics" catalog, you can send your order form, postage free, in an unsealed envelope, to Wolfner Library. In the upper right hand corner, where a stamp would go, write: "Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped." You do not need to affix postage to the envelope.
Other correspondence to Wolfner Library may be sent "Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped" only if it is typed in 14-point type or larger, and only if unsealed. Letters that are handwritten, printed or typed in a type size smaller than 14-point must have proper postage.
Magazines No Longer Available on Record
NLS will complete the conversion of magazines from flexible disc to cassette format in 2001. Beginning with the January issues, all magazines, including "Talking Book Topics," will be in either cassette or braille format. If you currently receive magazines on flexible disc, you will automatically be switched to cassette format. If you do not have a cassette player, please call Wolfner Library to request one.
If you have a record player and you use it ONLY for magazines, please return it to Wolfner Library via "Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped" in January. Please call Wolfner if you need a box in which to return it.
Volunteer Corner
"Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love." -Martin Luther King, Jr.
And indeed, Wolfner Library has great people working in its Volunteer Program. We have people with hearts full of grace, and souls generated by love. Some of these volunteers are:
Jim Brady, Pam Simpson and Girl Scout Troop 696, Columbia, recorded the Mark Twain Award books for us this year and Linda Morris who reviewed. Mel Schneider, Holman Elementary School staff, and student narrators are recording the Show Me Award books. Susan Ford, Wolfner patron, is working with the students on recording techniques.
Doris Dulle, is our first volunteer to record 100 hours. Rita Lynch and Betty Walker, two Wolfner patrons, are willing to come in any time we call, and do any task we ask them to do.
Ann Miles, who is working on our online catalog, and Norm Reichard, who is inspecting and cleaning playback machines.
We will be having another volunteer orientation in November. I can't wait to meet all the wonderful new volunteers I'm sure we'll have after this event!
Blessings to you all - Deborah Stroup 573-522-2766 or 1-800-392-2614
Furry Reading Fun by Nancy Doering, Youth Services Librarian
This year, one of the grand prizes of the summer reading program for children was a Spinoza Bear. Some Wolfner Library patrons have asked for more information about the bears. So, what is a Spinoza Bear? It is a soft, cuddly teddy bear with a high-quality four-track tape player tucked inside its fur. At the turn of the heart dial on its chest, a child can play a four-track tape. At the time of this printing, the price of the bear and one tape, featuring original songs and stories, is $99.75.
More detailed information about Spinoza Bear can be found on the website: www.spinozabear.com/spin.htm. You may call the company at: 1-800-CUB-BEAR. Or, write to them at: The Spinoza Company, 1876 Minnehaha Ave. West, St. Paul, MN 55104-1029.
WOLFNER LIBRARY STAFF
| Sara Parker | State Librarian | sara.parker@sos.mo.gov |
| Richard Smith | Regional Librarian, Director | richard.smith@sos.mo.gov |
| Lisa Sanning | Reference Librarian, Editor | |
| Nancy Doering | Youth Services Librarian | nancy.doering@sos.mo.gov |
| Bonnie O'Donnell | Administrative Aide | bonnie.odonnell@sos.mo.gov |
| Archie Andrews | Machines Coordinator | archie.andrews@sos.mo.gov |
| Ozzie B. Withers | Automation Coordinator | ozzie.withers@sos.mo.gov |
| Deborah Stroup | Volunteer Coordinator | deborah.stroup@sos.mo.gov |
| Paul Mathews | Reader Advisor A-Co | paul.mathews@sos.mo.gov |
| Susan Higgins | Reader Advisor Cp-G | susan.higgins@sos.mo.gov |
| Ginny Ryan | Reader Advisor H-L | ginny.ryan@sos.mo.gov |
| Cheryl Hassler | Reader Advisor M-R | cheryl.hassler@sos.mo.gov |
| Carol Mathews | Reader Advisor S-Z | carol.mathews@sos.mo.gov |
| Christine Williams | Reader Advisor |
Wolfner NEWS is a quarterly publication of the Secretary of State, Matt Blunt, and the Missouri State Library, Sara Parker State Librarian.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(CLOSED FOR STATE HOLIDAYS)
| Toll-free within Missouri | (800) 392-2614 |
| Jefferson City Area | (573) 751-8720 |
| Toll-free TDD | (573) 347-1379 |
| E-mail address | wolfner@sos.mo.gov |
| WWW Homepage | http://www.sos.mo.gov/wolfner |
ALWAYS contact Wolfner Library, 800-392-2614, when.
your name, address, or telephone number changes;
your machine malfunctions or doesn't play properly;
your machine is lost or stolen;
your books stop coming;
you have a question about your service;
you need information on titles, subjects, or authors;
you want to request books or magazines;
you wish to have your services put on hold;
you wish to discontinue service;
you want statistics, research, or reference on any subject or topic.
Wolfner NEWS is available in large print, braille, or on cassette. If you would like to receive an alternate format, please call the library at 800-392-2614.
REMEMBER: WOLFNER LIBRARY BOOK LOAN PERIOD IS SIX (6) WEEKS