PolyTalk is a service that provides telephone interpretation for library patrons with limited English proficiency. It has over 350 registered libraries and 100 volunteers who speak 40 languages. The service provides an online database of interpreters, language identification materials for libraries, and informational materials in over 30 languages to help patrons access basic library services. Going forward, PolyTalk aims to expand language coverage, recruit more volunteers, and become a sustainable core service for Illinois libraries.

1. PolyTalk: Library Interpreters Network Lincoln Trail Libraries System Joe Sciacca, Project Director Michelle Ralston, Project Coordinator

2. PolyTalk -- What is It? A service to help Illinois libraries reach out to people with limited English language skills. (Funded by an LSTA Grant) Current Components Online database of volunteer interpreters available to be contacted by telephone for real time interpretation 100 volunteers speaking 40 languages Over 350 registered users representing 165 libraries Language kit Basic library services and questions 30 languages represented Information Tools Poster for identification in the library Informational brochures Signs to put at entrance to indicate library is a member of PolyTalk

3. Web Site Home Page http://www.polytalk.info

4. Web Site Login Page

5. Languages in Kit Spanish Arabic Vietnamese Thai Chinese Polish Korean Urdu Ukranian Russian Turkish French German Greek Gujarati Tagalog Hindi Lithuanian Italian Japanese Croatian Czech Farsi Punjabi Malay Portuguese Romanian Serbian Hungarian Tamil

6. Language Identification Cards

7. Welcome Card *Note: This folder is normally in the patron’s language.

8. Set of Language Cards Each language has its own number and set of cards.

9. Each language card offers the information in both English and the customer’s language

10. What Would You Like to Do Today? This card lists the range of topics covered in the kit. Each choice leads to a card with additional details.

11. Detailed Info Card (1 of 6)

12. Interpreter Card

13. Marketing Buzz 2007 SirsiDynix Building Better Communities Award 2007 ILA Diversity Fair - 2nd Place 2006 ALA Diversity Fair - 3rd Place 2006 Champaign - Urbana International Humanitarian Award

14. Polytalk -- What’s Next? Multilingual Audio File Collection General information about libraries Welcoming messages Download or play for patron Expand Volunteer Recruitment and Library Participation More language coverage More Libraries Registered -- move to 500 libraries Model for Sustainability Position PolyTalk as a core cooperative service Self-sustaining for long term Work with partners beyond Illinois

15. PolyTalk Contact Information Email (....@lincolntrail.info) Jan Ison, Executive Director (jison) Joe Sciacca, PolyTalk Project Dir. (jsciac) Michelle Ralston, PolyTalk Coordinator (mralst) Voice: 217-352-0047 Fax: 217-352-7153 Web Site: http://www.polytalk.info http://www.lincolntrail.info