What is Focus 23?

Welcome to the first issue of Focus 23, the Library of Michigan Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped's (SBPH) new newsletter! You, our registered readers, are the "focus" of this publication. Because our service area includes 23 counties, we decided Focus 23 was the appropriate name for a newsletter to our clients. We are committed to developing as many ways as possible for you to learn about our services, our procedures and our staff, so that your experiences with us are pleasant and informative. Focus 23 will be produced on a bimonthly basis, so we welcome any suggestions and story ideas you may have for future issues. We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with all our readers.

Focus on Staff Changes

Hello! My name is Jenny Brandon and I'm the newest member of the SBPH team. I supervise the materials handling area. A team of five students and I are responsible for checking in, inspecting, shelving and circulating the Braille, cassette and record books and described videos.

Before joining SBPH, I worked on the Michigan Newspaper Project in the Library of Michigan's Collections Management Services. For patrons whose last names begin with I, J, N, O, Q, U, or V, I will be your new reader advisor. I look forward to helping you find the right book that entertains and informs. Please call me at 517-373-4120.

Scott Norris, the former supervisor of the materials handling area, has become the Library of Michigan's adaptive technology coordinator. Scott will assist in acquiring and reviewing adaptive technology products used to access library resources, provide training to patrons and staff and offer assistance to all types of libraries interested in acquiring adaptive technology. Scott is the reader advisor for patrons whose last names begin with K and L. You may reach him at 517-373-5516.

After almost 30 years of service with the Library of Michigan, Bill Berkhof retired as the reference librarian for SBPH. His last day was June 30, 1998. Bill began his career with the Library in October 1968 as a reference librarian and cataloger in what is now Collection Management Services. In March 1988 Bill joined the SBPH team. We wish Bill all the best in the years ahead!

Focus on the On-line Public Access Catalog (OPAC)

The SBPH's collection of titles is now on the Internet. Called the On-Line Public Access Catalog, or the OPAC, this collection may be computer searched for a specific title or author if you have a computer, modem and communications software. To access the collection, Telnet to sbph.libraryofmichigan.org. At the username prompt, type "opac"; at the password prompt, type "user." Once a collection has been established using EST, use the VUE option to view the titles chosen. Registered patrons may contact the library to obtain a personal identification number that allows books to be chosen and sent via the OPAC. A guide to searching the OPAC is available from the library. If you have questions, please call the library at 1-800-992-9012.

Library of Michigan, Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Call: 517-373-5614

Toll-Free: 1-800-992-9012

Internet: http://michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-17449_18641---,00.html

Eligibility: Anyone unable to hold or read regular printed materials may receive this free service.

Services:

• Recorded books: records, and cassettes
• Books in Braille
• Described videotapes

Materials:

• Fiction and nonfiction
• Adult and children's books
• General interest magazines

Gifts and Bequests:

• May be sent to the Library of Michigan Foundation