Ann Piascik has joined the staff of Talking Books Plus as readers’ advisor. We thus take a step (albeit a baby step) toward satisfying recommendations of Library of Congress’ National Library Service in their most recent evaluation of RI service to the Blind and Physically Handicapped. To free her up for these new responsibilities, Ann will no longer be involved in the annual report data collection, statistics or G-I-A. Over the past decade, Ann has brought those services to the level at which they will require much less effort. For now, I will take on those tasks, hoping that, with further automation and assistance from Karen Mellor and Chaichin Chen, the product will not be too much reduced despite the reduction in effort. Ann will retain her responsibilities for library literacy programs.

Hope Houston has relocated to the fourth floor of the Department of Administration (Powers Building), where she has taken on responsibility for the OLIS library half-time. As such, she will be OLIS point person for YA and reference services. Hope will continue her responsibilities at Talking Books Plus up to half time and serve as backup to that service as well. In addition, Hope will also serve on the Field Services Team. Read on to learn more about Field Services.

Joe McGovern continues to be responsible for media services, but is phasing out the equipment loan program. Joe has also taken on a larger share of Field Services to ensure that every public library has the attention of OLIS even in the face of vacancies. Please see the new Field Service assignments on the OLIS website.

Chaichin Chen has accepted the position of Library Program Specialist III (previously held by Sheila Carlson). She will continue to lead the OLIS’ IT and Network related efforts. Think of her as our CTO as we plunge ahead into the world of Library 2.x (LORI 2.0?). Chaichin will play a critical role in our continued in-house automation efforts as well, as we consolidate databases and marry them to the World Wide Web to make our services and information resources more easily accessible. Chaichin will also continue her participation in our continuing education work.

Look for a posting soon of the position Chaichin has left behind, Library Program Specialist II. We will be seeking someone with advanced programming, web design and database management skills, who is also a library maven a diplomat and an excellent communicator.

After a long absence, Dolores Caruolo is returning to the Talking Books Plus staff.