National conference explores the “Digital Realities” of serving library patrons who are blind

Raleigh, North Carolina, April 8, 2011 – Talking Book and Braille librarians from across the county will come together with the staff of Keystone Systems for the 2011 KLAS Users’ Conference.  Throughout the conference, they will explore using KLAS® (Keystone Library Automation System) to improve library service for patrons who are blind or low-vision.

Keystone Systems, a leading provider of software and services for libraries with distinctive needs will host this year’s conference April 12-14 at the company’s offices in Raleigh, NC.  This year’s conference theme “Digital Realities”, celebrates these libraries’ successful transition to digital books.

Brian Charlson, Director of Computer Training Services at The Carroll Center for the Blind, will speak about how accessible technologies help librarians serve patrons unable to read traditional print materials during his Tuesday morning keynote address.  Charlson, who is blind, uses screen reader software to help him use devices such as his iPhone and iPad.  Charlson is a frequent presenter on adaptive technology subjects at local, national, and international conferences.

North Carolina author Mary Margret Daughtridge will entertain the group during the conference Welcome Reception Tuesday evening.  Daughtridge, a resident of Greensboro, is the author of the SEALed series including: SEALed with a Kiss, SEALed with a Promise, and SEALed with a Ring.  Her newest novel, SEALed Forever, will be available in late May.

The conference will also explore creative ways to use KLAS® (Keystone Library Automation System) to improve the quality of service to patrons with special needs using limited time and resources.

During the conference all attendees participate in:

• One-on-one discussions with colleagues and Keystone staff

• Hands-on Training and seminars led by Keystone instructors

• Opportunities to provide feedback to KLAS developers

• General sessions addressing new features and ways to use KLAS.

For more information on the conference, see the conference webpage.

About Keystone Systems:

Keystone Systems, Inc, a leading provider of accessible library software since 1983, provides software and service solutions to libraries with complex demands. Keystone developers have created a powerful, yet elegant library automation system, with the flexibility to meet specific needs of special, academic, and public libraries. For more information about Keystone Systems or KLAS, visit www.klas.com.

For more information contact: