We recently learned that the Division of Blind Services was updating its service model and that Talking Books and players and tapes will no longer be distributed through public libraries.
They have generously provided a thorough fact sheet, which will easily answer most patron questions about the modifications to the service.
Patrons who wish to order online will first need to set up an account with the Division of Blind Services. They can do so by emailing opac_librarian@dbs.fldoe.org or by calling (800) 226-6075.
The Bureau of Braille and Talking Books Library offers a wide range of services. Seven typical services are listed here:
- Books are offered in Braille and recorded formats for all ages and include bestsellers, classics, mysteries, biographies, westerns, poetry, history, and other subject areas commonly represented in public library collections. Materials are available in English and many other languages.
- Magazines are sent to customers on a subscription basis and include more than 100 popular titles such as "Southern Living" and "Sports Illustrated."
- Equipment needed for the service is loaned to customers by the Library. Special cassette and digital players are required since books and magazines are recorded at slow speeds that will not play on standard commercial equipment.
- Catalogs are mailed bimonthly to inform customers about new books and magazines added to the collection. Recorded book customers usually receive Talking Book Topics, while Braille readers most often subscribe to Braille Book Review. These catalogs are used to select and order reading materials. A complete book catalog is also available at the NLS Web site.
- Bibliographies listing books available in recorded or Braille formats covering specific topics, such as Humor or Fishing, are produced to assist customers in selecting books of interest.
- Music materials, such as scores and musical textbooks in Braille and large print, are available directly from NLS.
- Print and audiovisual materials on the subjects of blindness, disability, and rehabilitation are available for research and public education.
To apply:
Application for Library Services
Solicitud Para el Servicio de Libros Parlantes
System status
A new library system and online catalog will debut on May 30. Here's the current status of:
- Checkouts: May 24-29 you must have your physical library card in hand to check out materials.
- Due dates: All checkouts will have a due date of June 22, except DVDs and GRU watt meters, which still have 7-day limit.
- Holds and requests: New holds and purchase requests cannot be placed until May 30, but those placed previously will continue to be processed.
- Returns: Please "Babysit Our Books" — keep them until the new system is running smoothly (mid-June).
- Registration: Continues as usual today, but cannot be done May 24-29, as our entire system will be down.
- Interlibrary loan: Continues as usual throughout the transition.
- Digital checkouts: OverDrive checkouts and holds will work normally throughout the transition.
- My Discoveries: Will be retired with the AquaBrowser catalog on May 24. Please retrieve any saved book lists before then.
- Website: The Library District website (www.aclib.us) will be up as normal throughout the transition.
- My Account: Account info will be available through May 24. Your account will appear on the new system on May 30.
- Bill payment: All payments including PayPal are working today. No payments can be accepted May 24-29
- New catalog: Watch for its debut on May 30, with new features.
More about the transition.
More about the new online catalog.
Have any questions? Please Ask Us!
