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Marlin to head Braille and Talking Book Library
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2007
CONTACT:
Sarah Dalton
California State Library
916/654-1483
Marlin to head Braille and Talking Book Library
SACRAMENTO - Mike L. Marlin has been appointed manager of the California State Library’s Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL). Marlin, who himself is legally blind, was most recently program coordinator and special needs librarian at the Pima County Public Library in Tucson, Arizona. He will begin his new duties at the California State Library on Monday, October 1. The California State Library’s Braille and Talking Book Library is a regional library for the Library of Congress’ National Library Service, and serves customers in the northern part of the state.
As Braille and Talking Book Library manager, Marlin will work closely with BTBL customers, as well as with community agencies serving BTBL customers, to develop the California State Library’s services for those who are unable to read standard print library materials.
Of Marlin’s appointment State Librarian Susan Hildreth says, “We are excited that a professional of Mike Marlin’s caliber is joining our California team. Many California residents will benefit from his experience working with library customers who have special needs.”
At the Pima County Public Library, Marlin developed extensive programming for the community, including literacy, music, and financial education programs. In addition, he taught customers how to use adaptive hardware and software in the library's Assistive Technology Center. He also forged strategic relationships with a wide range of government and nonprofit organizations including the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona (NFBAZ), Sun Sounds Radio Reading Service, Tucson Society of the Blind (TSB), and Pima Council on Aging (PCOA).
Marlin served as the vice-president of the Patron Advisory Council for the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) in Seattle, a volunteer position. Later on, he worked for WTBBL as the liaison to the National Library Service concerning the upcoming transition to digital Talking Books. In addition, he served as Collections and Outreach Librarian, working with senior centers, high schools, and community nonprofit organizations to highlight library services. Marlin also managed and developed WTBBL’s talking book, Braille and large print collections. Prior to working at WTBBL, Marlin served as the special needs librarian for Seattle Public Library, orienting and instructing customers in the use of computers, visual aids, and other assistive technology to access library collections.
Marlin holds a Masters degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Washington, Seattle, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Brown University.
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