NLS: That All May Read

What's New? 2009

What's New? is an annual update for those already familiar with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). It describes the most recent developments in the NLS program. Please contact your cooperating network library to request any item mentioned, unless otherwise indicated.

Digital materials

NLS is making significant progress on the transition of its audio program to a digital format. The March 2009 issue of NLS Flash, the bulletin reporting NLS activity related to digital books and magazines, focused on the prelaunch testing of the digital talking-book system. Eight regional libraries were selected to participate in the testing of the new machines, cartridges, and mailing containers. In early May, each library received a limited number of each item for processing in the library and distributing to library users. As of early June, the test has provided valuable information in preparing for mass distribution. The remaining network libraries will begin receiving digital talking-book machines and books later in the summer.

Digital talking book and magazine download

The permanent version of the downloadable digital talking-books and magazines web site was launched on April 30. NLS will announce the official opening of the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service before the end of the year. BARD continues to be available to any individual NLS patron in good standing who has access to a computer, an NLS digital player or compatible digital talking-book player, and a high-speed Internet connection. BARD features more than 15,000 books and 44 magazines. All new books and many older titles continue to be added regularly.

To apply for BARD or to obtain more information, go to nlsbard.loc.gov. NLS remains committed to offering its digital materials for download alongside its traditional library-based circulation. Every book added to the NLS talking-book collection is also made available on BARD.

Web-Braille

Web-Braille, the NLS web-based service that provides braille books, magazines, and musical scores in an electronic format, will celebrate 10 years of service in August 2009. With more than 10,000 NLS-produced titles, Web-Braille is now a permanent part of the NLS program. Twelve regional libraries contribute to Web-Braille on a regular basis.

Publications

Cassette Books 2008 in large print and online will be available in late summer as will the large-print and online versions of Braille Books 2007-2008. The braille version of Braille Books 2005-2006 will be produced in early fall. The braille edition of For Younger Readers 2004-2005 was released in June and the recorded version will follow in late summer.

Music materials

This year NLS purchased dozens of braille scores from many international sources including Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, op. 46 and 72 for piano, from the Swiss Library for the Blind, and Saint-Saens’s Danse Macabre, op. 40, from the Italian Library for the Blind in Monza. Domestically, NLS contracted for several new transcriptions, including Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in D, BWV 548, for organ. NLS received two collections as gifts: 59 Favorite Songs of Franz Schubert and the Piano Music of Franz Liszt. An important braille title added this year was the 26 volume History of Western Music, seventh edition. All are also available on Web-Braille.

Among the popular instructional music for piano, guitar, saxophone, and other instruments added to the collection this year were “Danny’s Song,” “Peter Gunn,” and “Here Comes the Sun” for guitar; and the theme from “Thorn Birds” and “Danny Boy” for piano. The largest addition to our large-print collection is the chorus parts to Handel’s Messiah.

Braille librettos, both embossed and digital (Web-Braille), continue to be added to the collection. The Music Section strives to make available the libretto for every opera that is broadcast by the Metropolitan Opera in New York in a given season. Recently acquired titles include Dr. Atomic by John Adams and L’Elisir d’Amore by Donizetti.

Reference materials

Reference factsheets, circulars, directories, and bibliographies provide information on topics of interest to persons with disabilities and to service providers. All reference publications appear on the NLS web site at www.loc.gov/nls/reference. Braille editions of many of these publications are also on the Web-Braille site as contracted braille files.

The following NLS-produced reference factsheets were updated:

Facts: 2009 Calendars. Available in large print and online at www.loc.gov/nls/reference/factsheets/calendars.html
Facts: 2009 Digital Audiobook Players. Available in large print and online at www.loc.gov/reference/factsheets/audiobookplayers.html

The Reference Section produced the following reference materials in 2008–2009:

Accessibility: A Selective Bibliography. Available in large print and online at www.loc.gov/nls/reference/bibliographies/accessibility.html
Building a Library Collection on Blindness and Physical Handicaps: Basic Materials and Resources. Available in large print and online at www.loc.gov/nls/reference/circulars/collection.html
Library Resources Directory 2007: A Directory with Budget, Staff, and Collections Information and FY 2006 Statistics on Readership and Circulation. Available in large print; online edition will be available at www.loc.gov/nls/reference/directories/resources.html.

Consumer input

NLS receives information and advice on its program through two standing committees: the Collection Development Advisory Group and the National Audio Equipment Advisory Committee. If you have ideas on the development of the NLS book collection or on playback equipment, contact your consumer organization or your local library for the name of your representatives on these committees.

In addition, your comments and suggestions concerning the NLS program are always welcome. Address them to the NLS consumer relations officer at the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20542, or e-mail jdix@loc.gov, telephone (202) 707-0722, or fax (202) 707-0712. Requests for copies of reference materials may be addressed to the Reference Section by e-mail at nlsref@loc.gov, telephone (202) 707-5100, or fax (202) 707-0712. Requests sent by the U.S. Postal Service may be considerably delayed.

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Posted on 2009-09-11