Digital Talking Books are here!

The following announcement came from Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian of Congress for Library Services concerning the retirement of Frank Kurt Cylke

"I am writing with the news that Frank Kurt Cylke, longtime director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), has retired from federal service effective February 28, 2011.

Mr. Cylke was appointed to the position of NLS director in 1973. Since that time he has led NLS in a career of committed and dedicated service to the nation's libraries and to the blind and physically handicapped citizens of the United States.

On March 3, 2011, NLS will celebrate the 80th anniversary of its founding legislation. Tribute will be paid to Mr. Cylke's exceptional career and to his leadership in accomplishing the transition from analog to digital technology in 2009 with the launch of the Digital Talking Book program.

I am pleased to announce that Ruth Scovill will serve as acting NLS director. Ms. Scovill will serve in this role during an interim period, while the position of NLS director is being posted and filled permanently through a nationwide search.

Ms. Scovill is the director of Technology Policy in Library Services at the Library of Congress. With extensive experience in information technology, and a knowledge and appreciation of NLS from her work in 2008 on a major study related to the development of the Digital Talking Book system, Ms. Scovill will work to assure a smooth transition for NLS until a permanent director is appointed".

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy today posted an online toolkit comprised of resources to assist federal agencies in recruiting, employing and retaining individuals with disabilities.  The kit is available at http://www.dol.gov/odep/federal-hire.

The Eleventh Annual South Carolina Summit of Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired, their families and the professionals who serve them are invited to attend.

Raising the Bar: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, Friday, March 11, 2011. South Carolina Archives and History Center, 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29223.