Talking Books – A Specialized Service in Transition

Most of us take for granted the ability to sit down, open a book, and begin reading.  But for the estimated 1.3 million people in the United States who are legally blind*, picking up a book to read is not an option.
The Talking Book Program is a library service for the blind and physically handicapped in the United States, which is delivered through a network of libraries and agencies coordinated by the Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).  Any citizen of the United States who is unable to read or use standard print materials as a result of a temporary or permanent visual or physical limitation is eligible for the program.

The State Library of Ohio coordinates Ohio’s Talking Book Program and serves as the machine lending agency for the state, providing playback equipment to nearly 16,000 Ohio residents. The Regional Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (RLBPH), located in Cleveland and Cincinnati, supply books and magazines on cassette tapes or in Braille.  

Talking Books are unabridged cassette recordings made by professional narrators.  More than a thousand new titles are added each year to a collection of over 400,000 titles.   In addition, many popular magazines reflecting a broad range of interests are available in Braille or cassette formats.  Some examples include: American Heritage, Good Housekeeping, Sports Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, Newsweek, Ebony and Guideposts.
In early 2009 NLS will begin transitioning from analog cassette players to digital players.  Digital Talking Book Machines (DTBM) will use flash memory technology as its storage medium.  The storage cartridge will be about the same size as a cassette tape and will have both a large print and Braille label affixed.  The digital player will be much lighter in weight, weighing only two pounds as opposed to cassette players that weigh in at over seven pounds.   With no moving parts, the DTBM will be practically maintenance free.   Pictures and additional information about these players can be found at: http://www.loc.gov/nls/businessplan/playerdescription.html.

NLS has funding to produce and distribute nationally 12,000 DTBM per month beginning in 2009.  It is anticipated to take three to five years to fully transition from analog cassette players to digital players.
A waiting list for existing users to obtain a DTBM is being maintained.  Priority will be given to Veterans.  Current Talking Book patrons should contact the State Library’s Talking Book Program at 1-800-686-1531 to be added to the waiting list.

Applications to sign up for talking book services are available from the State Library, the Cincinnati or Cleveland Regional Libraries for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, or from many public libraries.  A PDF version of the application is also available here .
 
* Estimate from the 2005 National Federation of the Blind Annual Report