ASLQuest is a neat site that showcases deaf literature. The site describes deaf literature thus: "ASL Literature is a body of stories, poems, riddles, humour and other genres that have been passed on by the use of ASL from one generation to another by culturally Deaf people. In addition, ASL Literature is NOT English literature translated into ASL. It is composed of original compositions that have arisen from the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of culturally Deaf people. (Byrne, 1996)" My favorite part is the poetry, in particular "Cat", from the "worded handshape rhyme" section.

I'm off the committee working on the LSTA grant as of last week - it is a very interesting project with a lot of potential, but I've got lots of other electronic resource-y things to occupy myself with. For example, my latest idea for the renewals coming up: inventory our patron types annually by age-group and use the information in negotiating site licenses for the databases we subscribe to.

Some public libraries with special services for deaf and hard of hearing people:

District of Columbia Public Library

Seattle Public Library"

San Francisco Public Library

... and soon, perhaps, Sacramento Public, thanks to a pending LSTA grant in process now.

At a recent staff workshop, a list of Internet resources providing information and assistance for a variety of emergencies was handed out. Here are a few that provide personal planning tools, current news, and information:

Ready.gov - dedicated to identifying and mitigating terrorist threats from biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological weapons. Identifies simple things you can do now in preparation.

SBC Vital Connections - SBC, the telephone conglomerate, has launched an informational page with useful ideas for keeping family members in touch with each other during emergencies. The Family Toolkit details how to make a plan that encompasses what to do if at work, at school, or while traveling, and includes a printable wallet contacts card that can be filled in and carried by family members.

ANSER Institute for Homeland Security - a non-profit public research organization, ANSER provides links to current news, commentary, education, and resources, along with a weekly newsletter.