Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Group (COSAG) Archives

Present: Linda Aumick, Board Member, Literacy Volunteers of America & Action Toward Independence Barbara Clifford, Literacy Volunteers of America- Western Orange County Division Joann Hargabus, Director of Services – Action Toward Independence Marion Dumond, RCLS Board Member Patricia Langle, Orange County Office for the Aging Dan Hulse, Radio Vision Program Director Leslie Riley, Public Services Consultant & Outreach Coordinator Audrey Buzzell, Consultants Assistant

The meeting was held at Action Toward Independence - Dolson Ave., Middletown.

Dan Hulse welcomed everyone and thanked Joann for hosting the meeting. Introductions were made. The minutes of the April 1, 2004 meeting were approved by Marion Dumond and seconded by Joann Hargabus

RADIO VISION Dan distributed the new Radio Vision brochures for those who had not seen them. A new poster is also in the making to advertise the service. It will be distributed to the libraries in our service area. Marion Dumond suggested that upright holders would make the brochures stand out more. The cost of these holders will be looked into.

A new action plan is to be presented to the RCLS Board of Directors to increase listeners and lower the operating costs. Highlights of the action plan include:

1. Targeting Talking Book Users Postcards advertising the radio reading service will be sent to Talking Book users in our area. There are 580 in Orange County, 209 in Sullivan and 442 in Ulster County. These people are already certified and in need of this service.

2. Expand the service to Rockland County Intouch Reading Service, located in New York City at 2 Times Square, has a signal that can reach all the way up to the Newburgh area. They have sent two of their radios for testing in the Rockland County area.

3. Quarterly press releases will be sent to local newspapers.

4. Monthly program guides, that are mailed to our listeners, will have a reminder to remember Radio Vision in their wills.

5. RCLS web page will have a link to Radio Vision information and phone number.

6. PSA’s on local cable stations ( public service announcements).

Dan attended the International Association of Audio Information Service Conference in May. There are currently 125 radio reading services in operation.

October 1, 2004 marked the 25th year that Radio Vision has been broadcasting from RCLS.

OUTREACH – LESLIE RILEY Outreach funding has become a problem with all of the budget cuts. Other sources of income need to be found in order to continue the Radio Vision service. A new “Action Plan” will be taken to the RCLS Board of Trustees for review.

A draft of the Outreach Survey was distributed. Tom Burrow helped with the architectural part of the survey questions. The purpose of this survey was to help library staff assist those with disabilities and to make them aware of the special services. All but two of the member libraries filled out the survey. The data entry is not yet completed.

An Outreach Roundtable was held June 3, 2004. M. Rocio Martinez, from the Pioneer Library System, did a presentation on working with ethnic populations.

A literacy roundtable maybe scheduled for January of 2005.

OTHER Pat Langle from the Orange County Office for the Aging said the county has grown so much that there is now a waiting list for the meals - on - wheels program. The program now has to expand and can no longer depend on just volunteers. [Paid staff will be hired to keep up with the new demand for this service.]

Marion Dumond noted that many organizations were losing volunteers. It might be because much of the area is becoming a bedroom community. Also with the cost of living rising, some seniors had to return to work and no longer have the spare time.

Barbara Clifford from the Literacy Volunteers has seen a growth in need for the service yet a decline in people volunteering to tutor. It has become very difficult to recruit new volunteers.

Joann Hargabus of Action Toward Independence has seen a big increase in the population needing service but due to the budget cuts has less money to provide them with service. Orange County has become one of the fastest growing counties in the state yet the funding for many services has been cut.

Linda Aumick Linda noted a 6% [9%] increase in school dropouts from a computer trend study. This could be due to the rise in standards (some just can’t keep up with the work). One other cause could be the lack of parenting interest.

Meeting adjourned at 3:15 Joann give a tour of Action Toward Independence

Next meeting date: March 22, 2005 (snow date April 5)

Present: Linda Aumick, Literacy Volunteers of America Reginia Cieslak, Orange/Ulster BOCES EDGE Program Cheri Donato, Independent Living, Inc. Robert Dorn, Otisville Correctional Facility Marion Dumond, RCLS Board Member Patricia Langle, Orange County Office for the Aging Virginia Lewandowski, Ulster Correctional Facility Tom Stuart, Mid-Orange Correctional Facility Dan Hulse, RCLS Radio Vision Program Director Leslie Riley, RCLS Public Services Consultant and Outreach Coordinator Audrey Buzzell, RCLS Consultants’ Assistant

Introductions were made. Three of our correctional facility librarians and Cheryl Donato from Independent Living, Inc. were guests.

Dan Hulse asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the 11/23/03 meeting. Linda Aumick approved and Marion Dumond seconded.

Radio Vision

Dan announced the upcoming Volunteer Recognition Day to held on Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 9 A. M. at RCLS. A continental breakfast will be served. Invitations will be sent to the RCLS board members, Radio Vision listeners, and volunteers. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Radio Vision Program.

Ten thousand newly designed brochures have been printed to promote the service. Two new Radio Vision brochures were included in each meeting packet. The one with the turquoise bar across the front was designed for the print impaired individual who may be interested in receiving the service. The other (“Help remove the barriers”) was designed for potential charitable donors and persons who might be interested in becoming a volunteer. They are being mailed out to area churches, health service providers, government organizations, senior groups, libraries, and community service groups.

Funding Leslie Riley said there is just a small amount of money in the Outreach Budget. The majority will go to Radio Vision.

The 2003 Outreach Budget went to Sensitivity Training Programs for our member libraries. In addition “Disability Etiquette” books were purchased from the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, and two copies were sent to all RCLS libraries.

The hope for 2004 is that the 5% cut will be restored. That would still not cover future increases for operating the Radio Vision program.

If the state would at least recognize the 2000 census, $150,000 - $200,000 would be gained by the system.

Survey

The Special Services Survey Questionnaire, which was last done in 1998, has been revamped. The draft copy was discussed. Changes, additions and suggestions were made. Most agreed that in order to have the questions answered honestly and accurately that the intent of the survey should be made clear. That the results would be kept within the system and that it was for information purposes only. Marion Dumond feels it should be presented to the Directors Association meeting. She volunteered to go to some of the library directors with the survey.

Other

A Smart View Video Magnifiers A packet was recently distributed to all member libraries. Pulse Data will offer a discounted price depending on how many libraries would be interested.

Cheri Donato, from Independent Living was very pleased to see the accomplishments of this Outreach Council Committee. She feels that great effort is being made to address the needs of the disabled. She has a list of American Sign Language Translators who would be willing to do library programs.

Leslie will ask for a volunteer from the correctional facilities to become a council member. There is still one open seat.

The meeting adjourned at 3:30

Next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2004 1:30 – 3:30

Attending: Linda Aumick, Literacy Volunteers of America Marion Dumond, RCLS Board Member and Terri Thal, Maternal Infant Services Network David O’Neill, President CEO, Daily-E Corporation, davido@daily-e.com Margaret McDowell, President of Hudson Valley Health Care Providers Joann Hargabus, Action Toward Independence Moriah Beattie, Action Toward Independence Robert Hubsher, RCLS Director Dan Hulse, Radio Vision Program Director Meeting was called to order at: 1:40 p.m.

Introductions were made.

Marion moved to accept the minutes of the July 1, 2003 meeting, Linda Aumick seconded.

RADIO VISION The Radio Vision renovation has been completed. The service has been operating for six months.

Robert Hubsher would like to expand the service to Rockland County and have better service to our local area. Rockland County has an emergency signal tower. Robert is checking into that. Alternatives need to be found to strengthen and fund a better signal and expand our service. We are paying $12,000 per year to one station that carries our signal. Clear Channel just purchased our carrier in Ellenville. Dave O’Neill will check into having another station pick us up. Web streaming may someday be a possibility. A question was brought up about digital cable TV. That would infringe on the copyright laws. We are only permitted to broadcast to the print impaired population.

BROCHURE The draft was passed around and questions were answered and corrections were made. Two separate brochures will be sent. One would be geared towards future volunteers or sponsors. The other would be a “make aware” of the service brochure. Robert Hubsher had to be totally satisfied with the wording in the brochure. Catch phrases were discussed. “ removing the barriers for the visually impaired” “ broadcasting the printed word,” “ bringing the printed world to those unable to read”, “a library reading service for people with disabilities”, etc. Final choices - !st brochure, Top: “A reading service for people with disabilities.” Bottom: “Broadcasting the printed word.” 2nd brochure, Top: “Imagine what your life would be like if you were unable to read.” Bottom: “Help someone through…. (new logo graphic- Radio Vision.” Marion commented on the effectiveness of the opening line.

CORRECTIONS Many libraries were reluctant to loan items to the correctional facilities due to the lost items. Robert Hubsher has met with Jean Botta, State Coordinator of Library Services for NYS Corrections. A fund has been established to cover the cost of lost materials. RCLS will make payment to the loaning library for lost items from that fund. The libraries are now more comfortable in loaning to the facilities.

INVENTORY SURVEY The special services survey (which was done in 1998) was given out in order to make changes for the next update to this survey. Suggestions were made to add new columns to include: Home Delivery Service Accessible Website Signage: to accessible door, parking lot, 1 van accessible space & route to curb cut

Comments from council members - Self surveys don’t always work, students may be willing to help with this survey. Have high school students go out to conduct the survey on-site at each library. They could do this for extra credit or special credit. Marion Dumond feels that this should also be sent to the Systems Services Committee. A general consensus that this survey should be updated.

Marion also asked what does the “NN” in the response columns mean vs. the single “N”? “Not Now”? “Not Never”?

David O’Neill said that he had a special survey software program that would enable us to update this survey on our web page. The cost would be approximately $300.00. The information would always be up-to-date and immediately available. He would be able to work with Jerry Kuntz of RCLS on this survey software.

Libraries should be encouraged to have a review done by an ADA person. This would be helpful for becoming ADA compliant.

Robert Hubsher stated that only 8 of our 47 member libraries were non-compliant. New libraries are now in the planning stages and building stages that will be ADA compliant.

The purpose of the survey will be to make the libraries aware of the different ADA needs. Solutions or suggestions should be given along with the question.

ATTRACTING DIVERSE POPULATIONS Two more diversity workshops were held at RCLS this past year. A total of 23 libraries were represented with over 60 staff attending. These workshops were well received and were very helpful in making library staff aware of the different populations they serve.

The next meeting date will be April 1, 2004 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Meeting adjourned at: 3:27 p.m.

Attending: Linda Aumick, Literacy Volunteers of America Marion Dumond, RCLS Board Member, Ulster BOCES Board Member Terri Thal, Maternal Infant Services Network Majorie Linko, Director Liberty Public Library Sheila Frankel, Activity Leader, Achieve Rehab/Nursing Facility Moriah Beattie, Action Toward Independence Dan Hulse, Radio Vision Program Director Leslie S. W. Riley, Public Services Consultant and Outreach Coordinator Audrey Buzzell, Consultants’ Assistant

The meeting was called to order at 1:43 pm.

Introductions were made. Moriah Beattie attended in place of Joann Hargabus, from Action Toward Independence. Marjorie Linko, Director of the Liberty Public Library brought Sheila Frankel from the Achieve Nursing Facility in Liberty as a guest.

The minutes from the last meeting were reviewed and approved.

Discussion: Issues, Needs, and Concerns

Dan Hulse started the discussion by welcoming the guests and briefly describing the purpose of this group.

Terri Thal stated that there are already many coalitions of different organizations. A coalition won’t accomplish anything without a purpose in mind. This group has to begin to set clear goals and pursue them.

Leslie Riley stated that the purpose of the Council was to talk about the issues, needs and concerns and effectively develop venues to help member libraries reach out to the target groups. Unlike some systems with multiple outreach programs, Radio Vision Reading Service is the only direct service to populations.

Marion Dumond said that libraries are sources of information for all the target groups.

Libraries in our system are now offering some Outreach Services. Leslie showed some of the library web pages on the Smart Board. They have links to outreach services and programs.

Marjorie Linko wanted to know how and which populations she should be reaching out to. Marji stated that a small rural library is not really able to spend time “targeting” one particular group. She has no way of knowing which outreach group is the most important in her area. “The demographic survey that was done 2 years ago was greatly flawed. The survey implied that 50% of the population was geographically isolated. What happened to the other 50%? Sullivan County has no public transportation”. [Special Services Brochure was done 4 years ago, and Miscellaneous Statistics 7 years ago]

Marion Dumond said that schools and BOCES special education statistical reports were cited as sources for the demographic survey. Since schools and BOCES do not accept these reports as valid, she feels the validity of the demographic survey should be questioned.

A draft survey of Outreach Services and Programs was reviewed. Marji feels that the questionnaire was too involved and almost gave a feeling of “grading” her library on its outreach services. She feels that it should be yes or no questions. Directors were busy and overburdened by these surveys. Terri Thal offered to help with drafting a new survey.

Working with BOCES would help the Council in reaching out to these populations. For example, Randall Enos, Children Services Consultant at RCLS did a presentation while at the BOCES Librarians meeting to promote the 2003 Summer Reading Program.

Marion Dumond was told that BOCES had a person on staff to work with the local public libraries. No one has seen or heard anything from this person.

Do to time limitations, the reports were waived until the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:15pm.

Next meeting set for November 18, 2003.

Attending: Linda Aumick, Literacy Volunteers of America Marion Dumond, RCLS Board Member, Ulster BOCES Board Member Mary Goodman, Literacy Volunteers of America Regina Cieslak, Guidance Counselor, Orange/Ulster BOCES, Orange County. Jail Education Department Margaret McDowell, Hudson Valley Chapter NYS Health Care Providers David O’Neill, President/CEO Daily-E Corp., Trustee – Florida Public Library Robert Hubsher, Director Ramapo Catskill Library System Leslie Riley, Public Services and Outreach Consultant Dan Hulse, Program Director, Radio Vision Audrey Buzzell, Consultants’ Assistant

The meeting was called to order at 1:30 pm.

Introductions were made. David O’Neill has joined the Council. He is President and CEO of Daily-E Corporation, a company that designs accessible web technology, and a speaker on a national level for Section 508, the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. He is also a Trustee of the Florida Public Library.

Robert Hubsher gave a brief description of how the RCLS Outreach Grant Funds had focused mainly on Literacy and Radio Vision services in the past.

The state mandates that the Aged, Undereducated, Ethnic-Minorities, Persons with Visual Disability, Persons with Physical Disability, Unemployed, Corrections and Institutionalized be served by Outreach. The goal now is to reach out to all of these populations. The purpose of this Council is to meet with representatives from all the groups in order to gain a better understanding of how they could be better served by libraries.

RCLS cannot tell the libraries what to do but they can share ideas and open new doors to entice the libraries to allocate resources.

A demographic survey was done in order to help identify the number of targeted individuals. It showed that between fifteen and sixteen thousand people in the four county RCLS service area fall into these categories. A copy of the survey was requested.

RCLS held a Diversity workshop attended by forty people in October. The workshop will be repeated this month. Part 2 of this workshop (Marketing) will be held this fall. A detailed description of the workshop will be made available.

A Parent-Child Library Services and Adult Literacy grant writing workshop was held this March. Twenty-three library staffers gained a better understanding of the grant writing process. No library had applied for last years grant. Hopefully some will make use of the grant money this year.

Marion Dumond would like us to pinpoint what is being done and what areas are now being served within our libraries. David O’Neill said we should start first with: awareness; inventory local libraries on service, do a gap analysis and then go into action. Florida Library is a good example of how a small library has met its community needs. Size and money are not the issue.

Robert Hubsher stated that New York State requires that all libraries follow minimum standards. A Plan of Service is one of the requirements. RCLS is currently collecting all the documentation from our libraries to create a file on each.

Marion Dumond moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting and Regina seconded.

The Radio Vision renovation is almost complete. The studios have been remodeled and a digital format has replaced the old reel to reel recorder. The volunteers will be trained on the new equipment and Radio Vision will be back on the air soon. Radio Vision now has 180 listeners. We hope to increase the coverage as time goes on. A map of the service area was created to show the areas that are served by our signal. Unfortunately due to the mountainous terrain many areas have pockets that can’t receive our broadcast.

The Radio Vision brochure should be ready for Volunteer Recognition Day May 3rd. (tentative).

Original articles from other sources are needed for the Outreach Newsletter. Material to be included should be submitted to Dan Hulse by 4/7.

Regina Cieslak, Guidance Counselor, presents Dress for Success Programs, holds workshops on Successful Job Interviews, and also works with Family Empowerment and Social Services. She is able to provide many contacts for our Outreach efforts. She will also inquire on having the radio receivers in a jail setting (safety issue).

It was suggested new agencies be added to the mailing list, and also entered in the Community Resource file.

Robert Hubsher and Leslie Riley recently attended a training session, “Planning for Results” a Facilitator Workshop. Robert presents a Power Point presentation to the libraries. Marion suggested that David O’Neill go along to the other libraries as a peer. He can describe his experiences as a trustee in the planning process.

Marion Dumond suggested that meetings be held quarterly, providing that they are as productive as this one. The Council members agreed with her.

Next meeting: At RCLS, Tuesday, July 1st, 1:30 – 3:30

Meeting adjourned at 3:30.

Attending: Regina Cieslak, Guidance Counselor, Orange/Ulster BOCES Marion Dumond, RCLS Board Member/Library Consultant Patricia Langle, Orange County Office for the Aging Margaret McDowell, President of NYS Health Care Providers Audrey Buzzell, RCLS Consultants’ Assistant Dan Hulse, RCLS Radio Vision Director Leslie Riley, RCLS Public Services Consultant The meeting was called to order at 1:30.

Linda Aumick, from the Literacy Volunteers of America, was unable to attend due to the morning ice storm. Terry Thal, Executive Director of the Maternal Infant Services Network, had two other meetings scheduled for today and was unable to attend this meeting. She will be serving as a Council Member and hopes to attend future meetings. Note: Robert Hubsher was unable to attend, sending his regrets.

Introductions were made. Regina Cieslak described the Alternative Education and Transitional Services offered at BOCES. The Dress for Success program holds workshops on job interviewing, the proper work attire and offers free clothing. She also works with Family Empowerment and Social Services.

Margaret McDowell has been appointed director of the Hudson Valley Chapter of NYS Health Care Providers serving the counties of Rockland, Westchester, Putnam Orange, Sullivan and Ulster. She will be serving on the Council until 2004, but is resigning from the RCLS Board of Trustees.

Marion Dumond moved to approve the minutes of the March 21, 2002 meeting and Dan seconded.

Leslie Riley pointed out that the state requires that one of the Council members must be a library director. Joanne Ginsburg-Sinisky, Director of the Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library has agreed to be on the Council. She is the Chair of the RCLS Systems Services Committee.

Sullivan County needs to be better represented. Marion said that Alan Barrish from the Monticello Library should be contacted. There are many organizations in that area that could benefit from representation at these meetings.

Dan Hulse reported that Robert Hubsher, RCLS Director has decided to revamp Radio Vision. New digital equipment has been purchased, the studio is being renovated, new radios have been purchased and improvement to the quality of reception is expected.

A new brochure and illustrations will replace the one that has been used since the late 1980’s. The newly created logo was displayed for the Council. The logo will be used for posters and other Radio Vision publicity. Marion Dumond suggested that Dan add information regarding bequests and planned giving to the brochure when asking for donations. Quite often an organization is listed in lieu of flowers for funerals.

Both should be ready for a publicity announcement/promotional campaign coinciding with National Volunteer Month in April 2003.

Marion Dumond said that she would help publicize Radio Vision’s new service by submitting an article to be printed in the Warwarsing.Net, a monthly publication that prints 10,000 copies.

A 2003 newsletter is being drafted. It will include information on Outreach Services in the area. Margaret McDowell, NYS Home Health Aide and Pat Langle, Orange County Office for the Aging will also have something to be included in the newsletter

Leslie Riley reported that Robert Hubsher, through his many contacts, has gotten Rockland County interested in having Radio Vision serve their county also.

The Valuing Our Differences: Being Sensitive to Our Diverse Populations workshop was well received. This workshop was held at two locations, RCLS and Finkelstein Memorial Library in Spring Valley. The purpose of this workshop was to train library staff to recognize some of the barriers to library use and to discuss library services. Part two of this workshop is now in the planning stages.

Marion Dumond brought up the fact that many frontline people in the libraries are not “people, people”, that library staff should have training in dealing with the public. Many older people are not comfortable using computers. “If they go to the front desk and ask for help and are not well received, they will probably just walk out the door.”

Leslie Riley has held many Customer Service Workshops throughout the system. This has improved staff awareness and service in the libraries. Many library directors have asked for additional workshops.

She announced that the Literacy Grant Video Conference Workshop has been postponed due to the building renovations.

Next Outreach Meeting will be held in early April at a date yet to be decided on.

Leslie asked for all attending to locate other organizations that would be interested in attending future Outreach meetings. The goal is still to expand the network and reach all the target areas effectively. There was a discussion of targeting the meetings to include representatives and advocates from specific target groups.

A memo will be sent to those unable to attend this meeting asking for them to make contact with other organizations also.

The meeting adjourned at 3:25.

The meeting was called to order at 1:30 by Dan Hulse.

After the introductions, Dan Hulse moved to approve the minutes of the December 18th meeting and Marion Dumond seconded.

Leslie Riley said that Robert Matthews, from the New York State Department of Labor, requested that his name be removed from the Council and that he would not be attending any future meetings.

Robert Hubsher, Director of RCLS, thanked all for attending. He said that the purpose of this meeting was to reach out to the organizations that serve all the outreach target populations. In the past RCLS has concentrated on the literacy groups and Radio Vision. He would like all the target groups to benefit; Ethnic Minorities, Educationally Disadvantaged, Aged, Blind, Institutionalized, Physically Disabled, Underserved, and Unemployed. He would like an advisory council that represents all the target populations. By making contact with the different organizations, RCLS will gain a better understanding of the issues and concerns that confront the different target groups. RCLS wants to provide the necessary support and skills to our member libraries, so that they may better serve these people.

Robert Hubsher, Director of RCLS, gave a brief description of some of the valuable Outreach Services that RCLS provides. Radio Vision is a radio reading service for the visually impaired. It is one of seven in New York State. Volunteers read local newspapers, books and magazines over the subcarriers of local FA radio stations. A special radio receiver is provided that is tuned to this special frequency. It covers Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties. Radio Vision is in its 23rd year of broadcasting from RCLS. Terri Thal and others at the meeting were not aware of this program. This service has to be advertised and promoted more.

While waiting for Jerry Kuntz, Robert Hubsher gave a brief description of how RCLS serves its member libraries. The system provides, automation, cataloging, delivery of interloaned materials, consulting services, continuing ed., distribution of state funds and reports back to the state.

Jerry Kuntz, the Electronic Resources Consultant at RCLS, gave a demonstration of the Community Organization Database (Information & Referral) on the RCLS Web page. This file catalogs institutions and community organizations into a searchable database. It provides more information than the phone directory. A description of the service, address, hours etc. are listed. This file is updated quarterly. It may also be printed with Adobe Acrobat. All were invited to submit entries to the file. The question of being able to read the screen in large print came u. The answer was that with Java this was not possible. The RCLS web site can be used with adaptive technology.

Terri Thal brought up the 211 service. This program will have trained people taking calls and directing them to the proper agencies. Cassie Artale said that this program will take time to implement in New York. Connecticut is the only state that has the 211 service in use at this time. Robert Hubsher said he would wait and see how it impacts the information and referral file.

Joann Haragabus said her agency, Action Toward Independence, will offer advice on handicapped accessibility and architectural barrier consultation to agencies that are building or remodeling their facilities. She announced that a new parenting service for the disabled has been started in Liberty and Monticello.

Linda Aumick would like some support to be continued for the literacy groups. She feels that it serves a large population that covers more than one target group.

Robert Hubsher agreed with her and said he would “rethink” how to equally divide the money. One way, could perhaps be in the form of a grant (seed money) to a new program that provides outreach services.

Ramapo Catskill Library System must reach the member libraries and have them become concerned with the outreach community. A brochure should be developed that explains all the available services. All library directors need to be informed of the issues and concerns of all the different groups. A Sensitivity Workshop could be part of our Continuing Ed. training.

Representatives from all the groups will enable better service to be provided to the outreach populations that are currently non-library users.

Dan Hulse requested articles to be included in the Outreach Newsletter be submitted by May 21st.

Leslie Riley referred to a list of free booklets that are available from the State Office of Children & Family Services.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:30

The next meeting date will be announced by phone or e-mail.

Present Linda Aumick, Literacy Volunteers Mary Goodman, Literacy Volunteers Marion Dumond, Library Consultant Robert Hubsher, Director, Ramapo Catskill Library System Leslie Riley, Public Services Consultant Dan Hulse, Radio Vision Program Director Audrey Buzzell, Consultants' Assistant

Absent Pam Hayes, Director, Mulberry House Senior Citizen Center Joanne Hargabus, Action Toward Independence Patricia Langle, Orange County Office for the Aging Joanne Lugo, Adult Reader & Media Services, Newburgh Free Library Maryanne Monte, Coordinator of Business & Industry Education, Orange-Ulster BOCES Robert Mathews, Senior Labor Service Representative, NYS Dept. of Labor

Marion Dumond moved to approve the minutes and Linda Aumick seconded.

Linda Aumick noted the changes to the Literacy Volunteers List.

Marion Dumond felt that the newsletter is focusing on just one area. She would like to have all counties represented with each of the services provided. Dan agreed.

Robert Hubsher, Director RCLS, commented that our focus has been much too narrow. We have focused all of attention on the literacy groups and the visually impaired (Radio Vision). He would like to reach out to the other target groups as well. Ethnic minorities, educationally disadvantaged, underserved, institutionalized, physically disabled, unemployed, and aged have been ignored. Thousands of people fit into these categories but we are only servicing hundreds. We need to reach this larger group of potential library users within the entire RCLS service area. RCLS is not in the service business (with the exception of Radio Vision), but we can provide encouragement, information, training and support to our member libraries so that they may better serve their outreach populations. Our focus needs to be redirected. We must make our libraries aware of and be sensitive to the needs of these people and give them the skills to serve these groups better. RCLS could do this by having Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Workshops so that member library staff can develop a better understanding of the issues faced by the Aged, Handicapped, and Minority groups. We can also provide them the skill sets they would need to work with these groups.

Marion Dumond " We are missing the boat in many places." The staff at member libraries need to keep in touch with their users. As people age or fall ill they stop coming to libraries. We need to find ways to reach these people. Flyers could be sent to home health aides, nursing homes and other organizations to make them aware of the services available at local libraries and through Radio Vision. In addition, the people working in the libraries need to be made aware of the services and be trained in the application process. We need to network with other organizations that serve these populations.

Leslie Riley agreed. Many people are unaware of the Radio Vision services.

Mary Goodman feels that more people need to become involved. The Board of LVA began targeting service organizations throughout the county. This has brought recognition to this program.

Robert would like to see different group representatives at our meetings in order to make connections and get the information out to all the people in need of Outreach services.

Mary Goodman is working with the Women's Health Center and reaching a large Spanish speaking population.

Marion Dumond would like to see each community try and reach out with publicity and newsletters. We should have more meetings with representatives from different counties that will reach all the target groups.

Robert will do a presentation at the next Directors Association meeting outlining the new terms and direction of the Outreach services.

Mary Goodman asked Robert Hubsher what the function of Ramapo Catskill Library System was? RCLS gives support to member libraries, providing guidance, consulting services, advice, suggestions, planning for the future, cataloguing, technical support, and delivery of library materials between members. Robert reported we have about $15,000 available to develop continuing education or other programs for our member libraries but that there are grants available through foundations and corporations. RCLS will make libraries aware of these grants and provide information on how to apply. We will also try to make use of these grants for system-wide projects.

Dan Hulse reported that Radio Vision would soon be going digital. The analog taping equipment will be replaced with new computers. Radio Vision has also purchased new radio receivers to replace the old radios. The station upgrade and replacement of radios is made possible by a $50,000 donation from a former Middletown resident..

Linda Aumick said a mention and demonstration of the I & R file and EBSCO could be part of the next general meeting. She pointed out that these are valuable resources and may provide an incentive for some groups to participate in the Outreach planning process.

A mailing list of all populations in the different areas will be created and the next meeting will be sometime in April.

All agreed that it was a very productive meeting. The meeting adjourned at 3:15.