The NY Times recently featured an article entitled Gadgets You Should Get Rid Of (or Not) that discussed some interesting takes on what electronic items you should keep and what you can toss or replace with a satisfactory alternative.  Most interestingly, print books were an item to keep though they are not an electronic item.  Continue reading→

The Scotch Plains Public Library in conjunction with the Fanwood Memorial Library of New Jersey have created a wonderful web resource to help educate other libraries about autism spectrum disorders.  Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected is the website created by the two libraries.  The site includes educational videos, a downloadable “Library Special Needs Communication Guide”, customer service tips, and links to valuable autism sites.  If you are unsure of what autism is and how you can serve autistic patrons, Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected is a great place to start learning more.

The Justice Department’s new ADA (Americans with Disabilites Act) regulations took effect on March 15, 2011.

This is the first major revision of the rules in 20 years.

Many of you are bound to have questions; so, the Department has created fact sheets and posted the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design on their website.

In addition to these, there is an ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY), and the Cornell University Northeast ADA Center can also answer questions about the updated regulations.

The regulations that have changed that most directly relate to public libraries include a new definition of service animals and new guidelines for the acceptable use of “power-driven mobility devices” such as Segways.
You are encouraged to look at the updated regulations and how they may affect your library.