We have started recording the "Welcome to the Library" audio files. Soon you will be able to download and play a short introduction to American libraries for your non-English speaking patrons. We will also be adding some new translated files on interlibrary loan and reciprocal borrowing, as well as a general library card application which has been translated into a bunch of languages!
Look for new files on the PolyTalk website coming soon!
PolyTalk set up a both at the National PLA Conference last week. It was very exciting to start talking to librarians from all over the country about the benefits of PolyTalk. We had over 100 people leave their business cards, entering to win a FREE kit and 1 year subscription. The 3 winners will be chosen this week and posted right here on the blog. We are looking forward to working with libraries from all over the US in order to make PolyTalk a familiar name in libraries.
Polytalk is the featured project profile on the Institute of Museum and Libraries Web Site for this month. We are very pleased. Take a look.
If you're thinking about a PolyTalk Language Kit and your library is in the Chicago Suburbs, think fast! I am heading North for a three day Suburb PolyTalk Tour. You'll be able to receive your PolyTalk Language Kit with no shipping charge. I will be in the suburbs November 13, 14 and 15 so let me know ASAP if you'd like to purchase a kit, or get your staff to sign up as a volunteer interpreter and receive the kit totally free. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me:
Michelle Ralston, PolyTalk Coordinator
mralst@lincolntrail.info
217-352-0047 Ext 211
Want to see how the language kit works? Check out the video below.
The new 10 languages arrived from the printers yesterday afternoon. The PolyTalk Language Kit now officially boasts 30 languages in all. We are busy adding the new languages and putting the languages in the new acrylic boxes. If you have already received a kit you will soon get an update including the languages and box.
From today's SirsiDynix press release:
"WASHINGTON, June 24, 2007 – SirsiDynix, the global leader in strategic technology solutions for
libraries, announced today the recipients of its Building Better Communities Awards, which recognize
libraries for creative and enterprising uses of technology to improve their user communities."
PolyTalk was honored to be one of the recipients of the Building Better Communities award today. Illinois was well represented, because Alliance Library System also won for their work in Second Life.
Today was an exciting day for PolyTalk. At ALA’s Diversity Fair, PolyTalk opened its doors. Now, any library in any state can subscribe to PolyTalk. They can also purchase kits and information posters. It was also the first time librarians got to see an actual Language Kit and how it works. This is going to be an exciting step for PolyTalk. It will not only increase the number of interpreters and languages, but will also make PolyTalk a better service to libraries all over the US. Many enthusiastic librarians that had heard about PolyTalk last year were incredibly excited to see the progress and extension of PolyTalk. We are looking forward to our day on Capitol Hill, and sharing PolyTalk with more people there.
PolyTalk will be representing Illinois at the ALA Washington Office Library Day on the Hill. This event will feature 14 exhibits, including PolyTalk!, from libraries from across the US highlighting innovative and creative library programs and services. Library Day on the Hill will be held at the Rayburn Building at the US Capitol on Tuesday, June 26th, and is designed to inform our Congressional Representatives and Senators of the critical role of America's libraries.
