The Third Annual KLAS Users Conference was hosted by the Utah State Library, Program for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 25-27, 1999. Over forty participants, representing sixteen different KLAS libraries attended the three day session. Each library was prepared and presented their library operations and how they use KLAS's particular features to the other KLAS users. The participants attended demonstrations of new features, such as patron orders and quick requests; trained in classes on report writing; and participated in discussions on both structured and open topics. Keystone staff were on hand to present information, answer general questions and address specific customer concerns and requests. Many of the participants were particularly interested in the future of KLAS, both the immediate plans for upgrading their systems and the anticipated arrival of the new version of KLAS currently under development. In addition, the participants offered many useful suggestions during the course of the meeting. Everyone also enjoyed getting to know each other over meals, shopping, touring the greater Salt Lake City area, and other activities.
The great success of the conference was due in large part to the tremendous effort put forth by the Utah State Library and the Local Chairperson, Bessie Oakes and the strong support from the director, Jerry Buttars and the entire staff. Also crucial to this meeting was the participation of the 1999 Conference Program Committee: Bessie Oakes, Utah State Library; Christie Briggs, Montana Talking Book Library; Carolyn Evert, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute; Kathy Flanary, New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped; Ruthie Ford, New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped; Patricia Kirk, Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library; Francine Martin, North Carolina Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; and Nancy Underwood, Keystone Systems.
Future Conference dates and locations:
The Fourth Annual KLAS Users Conference will be held March 30-April 1, 2000 at the Keystone offices in Raleigh, North Carolina. Pre-conference workshops will be held on March 29, 2000.
The Fifth Annual KLAS Users Conference will be hosted by the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library in Watertown, Massachusetts. The dates of this conference are to be determined.
