INSIGHT

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS LIBRARY OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA

The Special Needs Library of Northeast Georgia is a part of your public library and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, serving Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, Greene, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hancock, Hart, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Rabun, Stephens, Walton and White counties. We do not endorse any product or service mentioned in this newsletter.

Phone: 800-531-2063, 706-613-3655

Email:specialneedslibrary@athenslibrary.org

Staff: Stacey Chandler, Lavern Gordon, Claudia Markov, Pete Hayek

March 2003

We are finally up and running on our new computer system. The Special Needs Library of Northeast Georgia changed to Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS) the week of February 10, 2003. We appreciate your patience with us while we were closed during that week in February. Look for these major improvements with KLAS: faster book delivery because of machine readable zip codes, descriptive information about new books for the library's catalog downloaded directly from the Library of Congress, new books available to patrons within 24 hours of arrival at the Special Needs Library, system is available entire working day, administrative reports easily created, check-in of books easier, monthly machine statistics sent directly to NLS. These are just some of the ways you will benefit from KLAS. Also, KLAS will allow for a series to be automatically sent in the proper order, and we can tailor a patron's reading profile. For instance, you can have an unlimited number of author likes (or dislikes). We are very excited about the change and hope you will enjoy it as well!

ONLINE CATALOG COMING SOON

If you have a computer and can access the Internet, you will soon be able to order your own books and to view your personal account information. Anyone can browse or search the online catalog. What you will do is go to www.klas.com to see the catalog. If however, you want to be an active user or order your own books online, you will have to call us first. You will be assigned a user ID and a password. Whenever you go to our catalog, you can sign in using your user ID and your own private password. The ID and password are designed to keep your records private so that only you can see your personal information. This Internet site can be used anywhere in the world. If you have a relative in another state who wants to help you order books, that person can also go to this site to browse the catalog.

Psychological Thrillers

These intense mysteries, selected by Reader Advisor Cheryl Hassler, offer insight into the criminal mind, and offer a mix of suspense and horror.

Outreach Visits

I am scheduling outreach visits to all of our 21 counties. If you would like for me to share information about all the services available from the Special Needs Library contact Stacey at 1-800-531-2063 or 706-613-3655. I will be happy to schedule a presentation for your agency, retirement centers, nursing homes or groups.

Adaptive Aid for Whirlpool Appliances

The Whirlpool Corporation will provide clear plastic Braille overlays and knobs for Whirlpool washers, dryers, microwave ovens and dishwashers. Large print, Braille or audio cassette owner's manuals are also available. Have the Model Number handy when you call and allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Call 1-800-446-2574 ext. 4201 or contact them on the web at www.whirlpool.com/braille/braille.

You Ought To Be In Pictures

Books made into movies:

Bobby WorldWide Approved