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Oakland Talking Book Service reports staff changes and software transition; county previously pledged multi-year funding
Summary
The county's Talking Book Service reported 2024 accomplishments and said a state vendor change will require staff training; presenter said county support and a prior pledge of a 3% annual increase through 2027 support the program's continuity.
Rebecca Lafave, the Oakland Talking Book Service librarian at Rochester Hills Public Library, presented the 2024 annual report and operational update to the Legislative and County Affairs Committee on Feb. 25.
Lafave said 2024 highlights included recruiting and onboarding new staff after turnover, hosting the first low-vision fair in partnership with Leader Dogs for the Blind, and attending the National Library Service (NLS) conference in Washington, D.C., to reconnect with practices and networks after a five-year hiatus. She said the Oakland County Board of Commissioners pledged in 2023 to provide financial support for the Oakland Talking Book Service (OTBS) with a 3% annual increase through Dec. 31, 2027.
Lafave told commissioners the Braille and Talking Book Library in Lansing held a required vendor bid for its maintenance software and switched vendors; that change will require OTBS staff to learn new software used to manage patrons and circulation in accordance with state rules. She said Rochester Hills Public Library's IT team will assist with the transition and that staff training procedures are in place.
Commissioner Christensen said he and others supported transferring the program to the Rochester Hills Public Library and described it as a service "people depend on." Lafave recommended continuing the program. "Yes. Of course. Yeah," she said when asked whether she recommended continuation.
The committee received the annual report and acknowledged the county's prior funding pledge; no formal funding change was proposed at the meeting.
