Press Release: MSDE's Division Of Library Development And Services Deaf Culture Digital Library Advisory Board Seeks Applicants

For Immediate Release                                        Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410.767.0486

Baltimore, MD (March 3, 2016)

The Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Library Development and Services (DLDS), is taking applications for membership on the Deaf Cultural Digital Library (DCDL) Advisory Board.

Section §23-108 establishes the Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL) as the primary information center on deaf resources for library customers and staff in the State. DCDL is the “first stop” information center that will provide Maryland residents, local public library staff, college and university librarians and other libraries in the state of Maryland with access to online resources on deaf culture, a comprehensive electronic collection of deaf resources, deaf cultural programs, and training programs for library staff.

The DCDL Advisory Board consists of 7 members. The majority of Board members will be deaf or hard of hearing. Appointees are required to be knowledgeable and experienced concerning issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing individuals, including deaf studies, deaf history and deaf culture resources.  Each appointed member serves without compensation for a term of three years or until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

The Deaf Culture Digital Library Advisory Board will provide advice on initiatives that further advance the mission and goals of the Deaf Culture Digital Library, assist in the development of a strategic plan for the DCDL, advise on potential partnerships and strategic alliances with other entities,  encourage partnerships and collaborations with information service providers to help provide virtual access to information and research and, establish a Deaf Culture Digital Library "Friends of the Library" group.

Interested candidates for appointment to the Deaf Culture Digital Library Advisory Board may contact Irene Padilla, Assistant State Superintendent of Library Development and Services, Maryland State Department of Education, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 20201 via email irene.padilla@maryland.gov or phone 410-767-0434 for more information about this opportunity and an application form. Completed applications must be emailed or mailed to Ms. Padilla’s attention at the above address no later than March 21, 2016.

###