Metro-Atlanta Library Association Meeting

Monday, May 22, 2006 7:30PM  

The May meeting of the Metro-Atlanta Library Association was held at the Lawrence V. Johnson Library, Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta. The topic was the Georgia Library for Accessible Services and the presenter was Stella Cone, Director.

The Georgia Library for Accessible Services (GLASS) offers library materials and services to persons who are visually or physically handicapped.  Ms. Cone explained the GLASS mission and the depth of resources it offers.

Most Georgians and many local librarians are not aware of the range of services that GLASS provides. The organization circulates a large number of audio and video tapes, Braille books, twin vision books (print-Braille), and talking books per year. They are hoping to begin doing some of their own recording in the future.

Ms. Cone also brought, demonstrated, and explained some of the apparatus GLASS loans to people for the asking, such as templates for tracing to aid in learning to write Braille, rulers, magnifiers, pillow speakers, breath switches, and amplifiers for hearing loss. GLASS services include assisting the visually or physically disabled in using the various assistive technologies and deciding what works best for them. They also provide instruction in daily skills for the disabled, including check signing and writing, for example.

The collection of books, tapes and apparatus may be borrowed through local public libraries in Georgia or by contacting GLASS directly, and there is no charge or late fee.

The GLASS website is http://www.georgialibraries.org/public/glass.html . 

Special thanks to Kate Stirk, MALA VP for programs, for arranging this program, and to Steven Vincent of the Johnson Library at Southern Polytechnic State University  for hosting the meeting.

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