Have you visited a library lately? Libraries today are much different than they were 50, 15, or even 5 years ago. Libraries are redefining themselves and become community hubs, instead of “just” book repositories. Public libraries are hosting craft nights, movie nights, art exhibitions, and so much more. Some academic libraries have completely gotten rid of their book collections and gone totally digital. Over the last few years, the VRC has also become more than the sum of its bookshelves. Our staff (VRC staff and other NDVS/SB employees) help students and clients access Bookshare, Learning Ally, and BARD, all of which provide access to books and materials digitally. More and more digital resources are being added to our collection, which makes it easier to access information. In addition, over the last couple of years, we have weeded the bookshelves and moved some of our resources to the warehouse. After condensing the collection, we were able to move two bookshelves out of the library area. In their place, a projector, SMARTBoard, and tables and chairs have been added. Thanks to this change, the library can now be more readily used for one-on-one instruction, small group instruction, training webinars, and even all staff meetings. Like all libraries, we have had to change to remain relevant.
We are still acquiring good old-fashioned books, though. The National Library Service (NLS) provides us with new children’s books in twin vision, and the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults sends us new braille chapter books for young readers every month or so. I am really grateful for these two services, as they help keep our children’s collections up-to-date. The books that are chosen to be adapted into Twin Vision or braille by NLS and AAF are always high-quality titles. Teachers, staff, and patrons can also request new materials that they think the library should own. Here are a few of our new additions, added during 2019.
· Prave: The Adventures of the Blind and the Brittle by Dave Bahr (Regular Print)
· Outside Myself by Kristen Witucki (Regular Print)
· Partners in O&M: Supporting Orientation and Mobility for Students Who Are Visually Impaired by Rona Pogrund (Regular Print)
· Format Your Word Documents with JAWS and NVDA: A Guide for Students and Professionals by David Kingsbury (on USB Drive)
· Essential Tools of the Trade: A “How-To” Guide for Completing Functional Vision, Learning Media, and Expanded Core Curriculum Evaluations from the Texas School for the Blind (Regular Print)
· Cortical Visual Impairment: Advanced Principles by Christine Roman-Lantzy (Regular Print)
If you would like to check out any of these items or have questions about the VRC, please contact Emily by emailing estenber@nd.gov or calling 701-795-2709.