Ordering Materials and Equipment
Ordering Materials and Equipment
Equipment
In order to play a digital or audiocassette book, NLS provides free machine players to all patrons. Upon registration, machines will be assigned to a patron. It may take about 10 days to receive a player due to availability.
Currently, digital machines are being distributed in increasing amounts. It is estimated that all patrons will have received a digital player during 2012. New patrons will receive a CBM (cassette book machines) as well as a digital player (DTBM) until the digital transition is complete.
CBMs (cassette book machines) play cassettes. The current model is the C1 machine, which has 5 keys for operation (play, rewind, fast forward, stop, and eject), as well as toggle switches for speed (15/16 and 1 7/8), and a side selector switch (1/2 and 3/4). The remaining slide controls are for tone, volume, and speed. These machines are refurbished by our volunteer technicians, as production ended in 2007.
DTBMs (digital talking book machines) will eventually replace CBM machines. Practically all books will be available on one NLS book cartridge, which will play to the conclusion of the book without changing sides. These DTBM players come in two models, a DS1 (basic) and a DA1 (advanced). The DA1 features an extra row of buttons for patrons wishing to access footnotes and other advanced features.
Book Requests
Books may be ordered by phone, fax, or e-mail. Talking Book Topics, which lists new recordings, is distributed bi-monthly by the NLS in Large Print, Braille, and audiotape.
If you are interested in receiving a book that is not listed in any of the catalogs, contact the LBPH. We will check the complete computer catalog to see if it has been produced. Also, we have access to a listing of the new titles that are being produced. Online catalogs may be useful in finding the material. The LBPH may order through interlibrary loan titles listed with affiliated libraries of the NLS. If you are checking the status of a relatively new book, be sure to have the complete title.
Loan Period
The loan period for all talking books is 45 days. If more time is needed to finish a book, you can renew it, unless there is a waiting list for the title. Just remember, there are other readers who may be waiting for that book. If you find books stacking up and don't have the time to read them, return them to the Library. They can always be sent to you again when you have more time.
Receiving and Returning Materials
All books and magazines are mailed to patrons postage-free and are returned to the LBPH postage-free. On the outside of the container there is a slot with a reversible mailing card. When returning a book, turn the mailing card over so that the Library address is showing and put it in the mailbox. If a paton receives magazines without a reversible mailing card, they do not need to be returned.
If a patron receives defective books or magazines, please put a rubber band around the defective tape and check the defective book box on the return side of the mailing card. If you would like to receive another copy of a defective book, contact the Library. Do not put orders and notes inside the mailing containers. Call the Library or send them separately.
As digital talking book cartridges will have no moving parts, it is expected that these books will have few defects, unless there has been a mistake made with the original duplication. Digital cartridges are substantially more costly than audiocassettes; so, it is especially important that patrons return them in a secure and timely manner.
Type of Services
The LBPH will send books books upon request. Those with a large ordering list may have books sent in smaller numbers on a periodic basis.
Changes in Service. Your service can be adjusted at any time. Please call the Library whenever you want to make any changes. Some of the more frequent changes made by readers are:
- Quantity of books sent.
- Reader interests.
- Magazine subscription changes. All subscription changes must be made by the LBPH. Do not send them to the address on the outside of the magazine containers.
- Temporary address changes. The LBPH will have books and magazines sent to a temporary address while you are on vacation.
- Permanent changes of address. If you are making a permanent move out of state, the LBPH will send your records to the new Library that will serve you. You can take your equipment with you. Talking books are available, in every state as well as overseas. Just remember, if you are moving to contact the LBPH before you leave.
- Temporary suspension of service. If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time and do not want materials sent, the Library will put your service on hold.