The Patron Engagement Section (PES) provides resources, services, and support that are designed specifically to address patron needs so all patrons can make the most of NLS services, resources, and library materials. PES offers programming for patrons to enrich their NLS experience. Patrons who read braille may also join the Braille on Demand pilot project to get hard copy braille books of their choice monthly. To keep up with the latest news from PES, patrons may also get the Patron Announce listerv. Events for patrons include the monthly Many Faces of BARD training sessions for patrons to learn more about a specific feature of BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) and the quarterly Patron Corner call where guest presenters from NLS share information on topics of interest to patrons.
Services
Braille on Demand
The Braille on Demand pilot project provides patrons an opportunity to request, receive, and retain up to five hard copy braille books of their choice per month from braille titles that are currently available on BARD. Go to the Braille-on-Demand Request Form to request a title online. If you would like to speak with someone or place your request over the phone, please call your local network library or contact NLS at 800-424-8567 or [email protected].
If the title does not appear in electronic format in braille on BARD, please contact your network library with your request to borrow a hard copy. After you fill out the online request form, NLS may contact you to review details before the order is completed.
Patron Announce service
Want to get the latest news and updates from NLS including information upcoming events and projects? Introducing Patron Announce, a regular email listserv service from your PES team which includes timely information about NLS program, services, and products. New announcements arrive straight in your inbox a few times a week. If you are interested in signing up, please send your name and email address to PES at [email protected]. You can unsubscribe from the listserv at any time.
My Talking Books skill on smart speaker
The My Talking Books skill on Amazon Alexa smart speakers is available to NLS patrons using BARD. Patrons need to register in order to access the service now in open beta testing. The registration form can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/mtb-open-beta. For patrons who are minors, a parent or legal guardian must sign a parental acknowledgement form found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/mtb-parental-acknowledgment. Patrons will be notified by email that they may access the service. Patrons participating in the open beta will be asked to report any issues they encounter so these can be promptly addressed.
Request a title
NLS patrons are invited to fill out the Book Recommendation form to request books or magazines to be added to the NLS collection. (Not yet a patron? Visit the Apply for NLS Service page.) NLS patrons should always check the catalog to see if we have a book before requesting it. Recommendations are reviewed for possible addition to the collection by the NLS Collection Development team, and only those published in the past five years will be considered. Patrons making more complex requests, like those for multiple books or magazines, should direct them to their NLS Network Library. No personal information is collected on the Book Recommendation form, so NLS will not be able to contact patrons about their requests.
Events
The Many Faces of BARD
The PES offers The Many Faces of BARD online event the second Thursday of every month, at 7:00 p.m. eastern time. Each monthly event covers one aspect of BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download service) and is open to all. Learn more about the next and previous Many Faces of BARD events!
Quarterly Patron Corner
Quarterly Patron Corner, presented the second Monday of the third month of the quarter, shares specific information of interest to patrons regarding an announced topic. Learn more about the next and previous Quarterly Patron Corner events!
That All May eRead
In July 2024, the Patron Engagement Section launched a new monthly program called That All May eRead on Zoom. This program, scheduled monthly for the last Tuesday night of each month, focuses on using the NLS Braille eReaders. Each session begins with a brief demonstration of a feature or use case. The rest of the hour is spent answering patron questions about any aspect of the Zoomax or HumanWare Braille eReaders. Learn more about the That All May eRead program.
Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker
The online program, Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker, can assist patrons using the My Talking Books skill on their smart speaker. The program is held on the third Thursday of each month. Each session begins with a brief demonstration of a feature or use case. The rest of the hour is spent answering patron questions about any aspect of the skill. Learn more about Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker program.
For more on other NLS events, visit the events and exhibits page.