Almost 10,195 individuals and 1,502 institutions were registered to use MBTBL’s services. The library accepted over 17,100 calls on its toll-free and local telephone lines at an average of three minutes per call.

MBTBL gift funds purchased 654 new large print books. Almost 1,820 large print books circulated to patrons, along with over 2,676 large print catalogs and new reader packets to new readers. 

The BARD service and mobile app use continued to grow in popularity. More than 77,000 audio and braille books, magazines and music-related items were downloaded by MN BARD users. Patrons now have access to Windows-based software, BARD Express, that simplifies searching for, downloading, and transferring audio materials from BARD to a cartridge or a USB flash drive for playback on a digital player.

MBTBL produced digital copies of books on demand for patrons who lack access to a computer to download books from MN BARD or prefer to receive digital titles by mail. Customer services staff are trained to duplicate digital audio books. This service ensures that patron requests are filled within one business day. MBTBL circulated more than 13,384 cartridges and filled 8,016 requests. MBTBL also duplicated issues of 10 network-produced audio magazines, adding Your Dog magazine to our collection. Many magazines titles are available directly from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Overall, library in-house circulation remained about the same compared to the previous year.

All staff assisted in processing incoming and outgoing materials which meant materials were processed more quickly. On average, the library circulated 1,164 items per day.

Our volunteer recording program produced five new audio recordings by Minnesota authors or about Minnesota.  Another eight cassette recordings were digitized and converted to digital. These books were added to the BARD download service so patrons all across the country have access to Minnesota-produced content. The most downloaded book was A country doctor's casebook : tales from the north woods by Roger A. MacDonald which was downloaded over 580 times.

MBTBL works with its long-standing partner, Minnesota State Services for the Blind’s (SSB) Communication Center, to provide library services to all Minnesotans with a print disability. The Communication Center operates the National Library Service’s Machine Lending Program. MBTBL and SSB’s Communication Center streamlined processes to better serve library patrons.

Keystone Library Automation System is used by both organizations to track equipment lending, patron information and library circulation. Utilizing this shared database, library staff reviewed all patron paper applications and updated account records to reflect their current status. Staff at both agencies contacted active and inactive patrons about using services and/or returning equipment and materials. Staff also developed new cancellation letters to assist in the return of equipment and other library materials. All patrons who no longer wanted to receive services were sent a letter explaining how to return any outstanding materials. Staff also utilized KLAS to better track patrons in need of service. Work continued on implementing a new joint application for library service.   

Monthly Skype training sessions continued with training focused on customer service, SSB’s Senior Services Unit and technology so staff have better skills and feel empowered to answer all of a patron’squestions in one transaction rather than referring them. Staff also spoke at SSB’s Senior Services Unit meeting to update counselors on our joint activities.

MBTBL hosted NLS staff for two 6-hour narration trainings in May 2018. NLS staff trained eight narration volunteers, four SSB staff and two library staff members.  Per a follow-up survey, 80% felt the training was helpful and would assist them when narrating in the future.

MBTBL library director attended the NLS Biennial Conference in Nashville June 2018 to learn more about future changes in NLS services and its impact on the library.

MBTBL served as the library for Minnesota State Academy for the Blind's students and staff. During the school year, a librarian visited classrooms and provided listening story times for students of all ages. Staff also provided library materials that supported curriculum needs.

MBTBL was a worksite for students in Faribault Public School's Secondary Transition Education and Work Experience Programs along with students from the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind. With a job coach, students assisted in the circulation area for approximately 5-7 hours per week during the academic year. Two long-term adult volunteers donated 18 hours per week assisting with various projects. Recording studio volunteers contributed over 170 hours to produce new Minnesota-related audio content.

MBTBL staff connected with other community partners at events including the Old Main Low Vision Support Group, Minnesota Library Association Conference, and the National Federation of the Blind Annual Convention. The library also provided tours to new employees from the State Services for the Blind and a local organization.