Join the National Library Service (NLS) on Tuesday, August 27, at 6:00 p.m. (Central) for the next session of the online series That All May E-Read. This session will cover how to read BARD Mobile books using the Zoomax and Humanware Braille eReaders.
Registration is not required. Click on the link to join: https://tinyurl.com/5n8tmubr.
These sessions will be recorded.
How exciting! You’re going off to college. It’s really your first true step into adulthood. So, it can be a little daunting too. But remember, you’re not alone; your talking book service can be there with you for this big transition.
If you’re going to a college in Texas, just call us to let us know your new contact information so we don’t lose touch!
But if you’re moving to a college out of state, don’t worry! No matter which state you move to, there is a talking book program service. And we can transfer your service to that state since you’ll be there for the majority of the year. Once you’ve obtained your new address, give us a call about a week prior to your move at 1-800-252-9605 or send an email to tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov.
Unfortunately, the Talking Book Program does not have textbooks in our collection. But we do often have supplementary materials. For example, you’re taking a course on African American literature. We won’t have your textbook in our collection, BUT we have a lot of books written by and about African American authors. We also have general books about the Harlem Renaissance. Once you get your syllabus, feel free to contact us and see which books are in our collection. Or, better yet, search BARD.
| APH: Accessible Textbooks: An accessible textbook locator service. |
| Learning Ally: Learning Ally is a national nonprofit that provides reading materials in a variety of accessible formats for people with a wide range of reading disabilities, including blindness, visual impairment, dyslexia, and other learning differences. Students can browse the library, order and download audiobooks, and listen/study on PCs and Mac computers, smartphones and tablets running Android or Apple iOS, as well as on specialized assistive technology devices. |
| Bookshare® is a FREE, federally-funded library of ebooks designed for students with learning differences. Students who struggle to read traditional books are empowered to read in ways that work for them with specialized ebooks in audio, audio with highlighted text, large font, and braille. |
| Sight into Sound: An audio production service. |
Let us know if there is other information you need. For example, if you’re writing a paper and need some research pointers, give us a call. Remember, even though you’re an adult, we are still your public library.
Join the National Library Service (NLS) on Tuesday, July 30, at 6:00 p.m. (Central) for the first session of a new monthly program called That All May eRead, which will focus on using the NLS braille e-readers.
Each session will include a brief demonstration of a feature or use case, with time for questions about both the Zoomax and Humanware Braille eReaders.
Registration is not required. Click on the link to join: https://tinyurl.com/2rnzv5ht
These sessions will be recorded.
Join the National Library Service (NLS) for the Many Faces of BARD program on Thursday, April 11, at 6:00 p.m. (Central). NLS will provide an introduction and demonstration of the new BARD 2.0.
BARD stands for Braille and Audio Reading Download service and is a registered trademark for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Registration is not required. The session is scheduled for one hour with time for questions. Click on the link to join: https://tinyurl.com/bdcftz98
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled and the Library of Congress are excited to be participating in America’s Field Trip, part of the official celebration of the nation’s semi quincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest inviting students in grades 3 through 12 to submit artwork, videos, or essays responding to the question “What does America mean to you?” First-place winners will have the opportunity to participate in special tours at historical, educational, and cultural sites across the country such as Yellowstone National Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Library of Congress.
The deadline to enter is May 17, 2024. Find more information and submission guidelines at https://america250.org/FieldTrip
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is releasing BARD Mobile iOS version 2.2.2 this week, introducing enhanced features and improvements.
BARD Mobile enables NLS patrons to download and listen to audiobooks and magazines directly from their iOS devices. Registered Texas Talking Book patrons will need a BARD account and a device running iOS versions 14 through 17 to use this updated version of the app.
Among the highlights:
The app can now be operated by voice commands for playback and navigation, including stopping and resuming playback, fast-forward and rewind by various intervals, and setting a sleep timer or a bookmark. Users can add Siri shortcuts in the app’s settings.
Set up to four languages in the app’s settings and then filter search results by selecting a preferred language.
We have boosted color contrast between selected and unselected search categories. This update enhances visibility with Smart Invert, Classic Invert, and Dark Mode on.
The app supports iOS versions 14 through 17.
This is a phased release, and the version will be available to all users by February 29.
Join the National Library Service (NLS) for the Many Faces of BARD program on Thursday, March 14, at 6:00 p.m. (Central) which will provide a demonstration of using the Audio Player in BARD Express.
BARD stands for Braille and Audio Reading Download service and is a registered trademark for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Registration is not required. The session is scheduled for one hour with time for questions. Click on the link to join: http://tinyurl.com/yc875kf2.
The next topic of the NLS Patron Corner will be “Your Patron Engagement Section: How We Can Provide the Service You Want.”
Join the National Library Service (NLS) for the Patron Corner program on Monday, March 11, at 6:00 p.m. (Central).
This will be your opportunity to let NLS know what you’d like to see in the future. This meeting will be recorded.
Registration is not required. The session is scheduled for ninety minutes. Click on the link to join: http://tinyurl.com/bdevajya.
Join the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled’s podcast on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (Central). Host Ashley Biggs will explore the amazing features and benefits of NFB-NEWSLINE, a free audio and braille information service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled.
Ashley will be joined by Scott White, the Director of Sponsored Technology Programs for the National Federation of the Blind, who will share his insights and expertise on NFB-NEWSLINE and how it can enhance your access to information, entertainment, and independence.
NFB-NEWSLINE offers access to more than five hundred publications, including newspapers, magazines, breaking news sources, online international newspapers, TV listings, job listings, retail ads, and more. You can access NFB-NEWSLINE through various methods, such as the touch-tone telephone, Apple iOS app, website, or Amazon Alexa, and customize your preferences and settings. This podcast is a great opportunity for you to learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE and ask questions.
If you want to sign up for this free service, contact the Texas Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605 or, if you have a non-Texas area code, at (512) 463-5458.
Whether you are a current subscriber or a new user, you will find this podcast informative and engaging. Join us on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (Central). The details on how to join the Zoom presentation are listed below.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/j/5770178916?omn=98747133201
Dial in: 1-301-715-8592; Meeting ID: 577 017 8916#
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Join the National Library Service (NLS) for the Many Faces of BARD program on Thursday, February 8, at 6:00 p.m. (Central) which will provide a demonstration of using BARD with a smart device.
BARD stands for Braille and Audio Reading Download service and is a registered trademark for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Registration is not required. The session is scheduled for one hour with time for questions. Click on the link to join: http://tinyurl.com/245zs8sk