View Project

G2S Project Code: 2014-IL-72407
State: Illinois
Fiscal Year: 2014
Grantee
Reaching Across Illinois Library System

Project Director
Director Name: Rose Chenoweth
Director Phone: 630-734-5210
Director Email: rose.chenoweth@railslibraries.info
General Information
Title: Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center
State Project Code: 15-3002-TBC
Start Date: 07/01/2014
End Date: 08/15/2015
Abstract:

The Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center (ITBOC) opened the world of reading for the people of Illinois who cannot read print due to a physical or visual limitation. New patrons were registered and talking book information shared with those who would benefit from membership. 

Reader Advisors helped patrons use Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) and the iOS app (compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch mobile devices) and Android app (Google based mobile operating system) and the general interest eBook collection using Baker & Taylor's Axis 360 platform. They helped patrons choose books to suit their interests, solved problems, and requested interlibrary loan materials. 

The ITBOC has a new logo, added a new informational pamphlet to explain services to new or potential patrons, developed a Facebook page to share information, and created many informational handouts about new services.

All items purchased with grant funds directly supported the services that ITBOC provided.  ITBOC is one of four customer services sites making up the Illinois Network for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. 


State Goal: Goal 3: Reading.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$622,309.00
$0.00
$0.00
$622,309.00
Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Continuing Education and Staff Development Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Reading Program (Not Summer Reading)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Introduction to Talking Books
Narrative: ITBOC staff presented an introduction to talking books and services to 13 care provider agencies, including 2 patrons, in McLean County which is located in central Illinois.  The interactive presentation focused on creating individual and institutional accounts, demonstrated use of the talking book digital player and Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) and BARD mobile, and distributed service guides and applications to the audience.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 30
Number of presentations/performances administered: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 13


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
For what age groups: 50-59 years
60-69 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 0
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 13
Activity Details
Title: Vison Teachers Introduction to Talking Books
Narrative: ITBOC staff made a presentation to the vision teachers at the Mt. Vernon School District 320.  Talking book and braille services were explained with emphasis on classroom accounts and individual accounts for students.  Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) and BARD mobile were demonstrated.   Staff distributed 10 packets containing individual applications, institutional applications, school service guides, annual student lists, online catalog directions, Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) quick tips guide, BARD instructions for MAC and Windows, and Axis 360 instructions.  

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 10


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Rural
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
26-49 years
50-59 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Mt. Vernon School District 320
Address: 124 East Lawrence
City: Mt. Vernon
State: IL
Zip: 62812
Activity Details
Title: Serving Children Eligible for Talking Books
Narrative: ITBOC staff presented information on the talking book services available to special needs children who cannot read regular print to the Members of Special Needs and Inclusive Library Services (SNAILS) a group of Chicago suburban librarians. 

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 12


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 12
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important findings or outcomes from your project:
1,367 new members joined in FY15. Of 11,878 members who used the program, there were10,688 adults, 122 juveniles, and 1,068 institutions. Institutions included 603 libraries, 16 schools for the blind, 72 schools, 46 hospitals, 257 nursing homes, and 74 "others". 183 new BARD users were added for a total 5,868 readers, 41 institutions. Readers downloaded 88,277 books and 3,583 magazines. The 434 BARD braille users downloaded 6,630 books & 338 magazines. Since the iOS app was added to BARD in FY14, 506 BARD users downloaded the app onto 1,1015 devices.
Please briefly describe importance of findings:
Although eligible patrons loved checking out the talking books, many patrons enjoyed downloading books to play on their players or their phones
What methods did you use to determine your findings? Check all that apply:
Review of Administrative Data
Based on outputs, outcomes and/or other results, explain any significant lessons learned from these findings for either the SLAA or others in the LIS field:
Talking books are important to patrons. While the National Library Services collection is growing slowly in print, the downloaded format is growing quickly. As online, download collections are becoming more accessible through local public libraries and other resources, membership to receive talking books has been falling each year. Our client base decreased 7% during this grant period.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort:
Yes: Staff will be reaching out to more clients, especially those with physical disabilities eligible for the talking book program.
Do you anticipate any change in the project's scope:
Yes: Schools and the physically disabled are under represented and staff will focus more outreach on encouraging them to take advantage of our services.
Do you anticipate any other changes in the project:
No
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: Blind, Low Vision, Talking Books