Focus on E-mail
We are pleased to announce that a recent upgrade to the software that we use allows us to keep track of patrons’ e-mail addresses in addition to their street addresses and phone numbers. We now have the ability to send Focus 23, book lists and other information to you in an electronic format. If you have an e-mail address and would like to share it with us, please e-mail it to us at: sbph@michigan.gov.

Focus on the Consumer Involvement Committee (CIC)
We are looking for a few good patrons who would be interested in serving on our Consumer Involvement Committee (CIC). The CIC members meet twice a year to discuss developments in SBPH library services, to provide input regarding new services or projects, and to assist SBPH in promoting its services throughout Michigan. The committee is particularly interested in finding individuals representing library users with reading disabilities and physical disabilities. If you are a regular SBPH user interested in volunteering your time on this committee, please contact Scott Norris at 517-373-5516, or toll-free at 1-800-992-9012.

Focus on Genealogy
On Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, the Library of Michigan will host “Beginning Your Genealogy Research for Patrons Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired.” Attendees will learn to use genealogy resources at the Library of Michigan using adaptive technology. Seating is limited to 60 patrons. Sign up for the seminar by calling Scott Norris at 517-373-5516, or toll-free at 1-800-992-9012.

Focus on Survey Results
Thank you for your response to our recent patron satisfaction survey! Of the nearly 3,700 surveys mailed out, approximately 1,000 were returned. The 23-question survey was mailed out in January and asked respondents to identify how they use the SBPH and if they are satisfied with the talking-book program. Ninety-two percent of those who responded were satisfied or very satisfied with the services that we provide. The survey results can be viewed in their entirety at: www.michigan.gov/sbphsurvey, or call the SBPH staff at 1-800-992-9012 to receive a copy in large print.

Focus on Camp T
Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind’s “Camp T” provides an outdoor educational camp suitable for blind children where they can safely participate in fun, traditional camping activities that will help prepare them for a life of independence and accomplishments. For more information call Larry Posant at 313-727-3546 or Bud Ferrell at 810-658-1192. Visit the Camp T Web site at www.campt.org.

Focus on the NLS Music Section
The National Library Service special music collection consists of more than 30,000 Braille and large-print music scores, texts, and instructional recordings about music and musicians on cassette and audio disc. The collection includes materials from elementary to advanced levels. The Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), administers the music program through the NLS Music Section. Persons registered for NLS music services may borrow items on three-month loan with a three-month renewal. To find out more information or to sign up for the NLS music section contact: Music Section at 1-800-424-8567, or visit them on the Web at http://www.loc.gov/nls/music/index.html.

Focus on New Catalogs
We have the following new catalogs and book lists available. From NLS:
Books in Spanish
Cassette Books 2003
From SBPH:
Bestsellers Fiction & Nonfiction, 1999-2001 Biographies
Cooking (List only, no annotations)
Humor, 1990-2000
Religion & Inspiration (List only, no annotations)
Sports
Travel & Tourism

Contact the SBPH staff at 1-800-992-9012 if you would like any of these catalogs sent to you.

How to Reach the Library of Michigan Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

By Phone: 517-373-5614 – Lansing area
1-800-992-9012 – toll free

By Fax: 517-373-5685
1-800-726-7323 – toll free

By Mail: 702 W. Kalamazoo
P.O. Box 30007
Lansing, MI 48909

In Person: Our lobby is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

By E-Mail: sbph@michigan.gov
On the Web: www.michigan.gov/sbph

Updated 08/25/2004