Announcements and Notices

Topic for January’s Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker program

The topic for the Thursday, January 16, 2025, Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker program will be Searching for Books with the Smart Speaker. The program will start with a presentation about ways to search and will include a demonstration. After the presentation, we will answer questions about searching or anything else relating to use of the My Talking Books skill on Alexa-enabled smart speakers.

The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. NLS will record this program. These meetings are not hosted by the Florida Braille and Talking Book Library, however, they are hosted by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress, for all users.
The session can be joined by going to:

https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1609900155?pwd=CD2P51ENrnPJzgYgwoSXGNNjjjNSXW.1

Remember that the meeting is recorded. Do not speak if you do not wish to be on the recording. If you wish to speak, you may request to do so by raising your hand. On a PC, press Alt Y to toggle raising and lowering your hand; on a Mac, press Option Y; and if dialing in via telephone, press Star 9. To mute or unmute yourself on a PC, press Alt A; on a Mac, press Command-Shift A; and on a telephone, press Star 6. If you choose to dial in to the call, use the telephone numbers provided below. The Zoom.gov ID will not work with standard Zoom.us.
The complete Zoom invitation is below.

Join Zoom Meeting
One tap mobile: US: +16692545252,,1609900155# or +16469641167,,1609900155#
Meeting URL: https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1609900155?pwd=CD2P51ENrnPJzgYgwoSXGNNjjjNSXW.1  
Meeting ID:  160 990 0155
Passcode: 7323464
Join by Telephone
Dial:
+1 646 828 7666 US (New York)
+1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)
Meeting ID:  160 990 0155
International numbers

That All May eRead, January 2025

On January 28, the That All May eRead online program will be Navigating Books and Articles with NLS Braille eReaders. There will be a short presentation, and then we will take questions regarding the presentation or anything else about the eReaders.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. eastern time, Tuesday, January 28, 2025, and will last for one hour. The meeting will be recorded.

These meetings are not hosted by the Florida Braille and Talking Book Library, however, they are hosted by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress, for all users.

To access the meeting, go to https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1611220054?pwd=EEjuik1LbfUIFbTHteBkxcYLYMVfax.1
The complete Zoom information is located below.

Remember that the meeting is recorded. Do not speak if you do not wish to be on the recording. If you wish to speak, you may request to do so by raising your hand. On a PC, press Alt Y to toggle raising and lowering your hand; on a Mac, press Option Y; and if dialing in via telephone, press Star 9. To mute or unmute yourself on a PC, press Alt A; on a Mac, press Command-Shift A; and on a telephone, press Star 6. If you choose to dial in to the call, use the telephone numbers provided below. The Zoom.gov ID will not work with standard Zoom.us.
To access past programs, go to https://www.loc.gov/nls/news-and-updates/that-all-may-eread.

Join Zoom Meeting
One tap mobile: US: +16692545252,,1611220054# or +16468287666,,1611220054#
Meeting URL https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1611220054?pwd=EEjuik1LbfUIFbTHteBkxcYLYMVfax.1
Meeting ID:  161 122 0054
Passcode: 7323646
Join by Telephone
Dial:
+1 646 828 7666 US (New York)
+1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)
Meeting ID: 161 122 0054
International numbers

NLS: Braille on Demand: Get 5 each month to keep

You may request up to 5 titles per month with the updated Braille on Demand program from NLS, these are books you can keep!
The form to request a braille-on-demand book can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NLSbrailleondemand.
Patrons may complete the form themselves or contact their network library for assistance. They may also contact NLS Reference at nlsref@loc.gov for assistance in completing the form.

Longer Book Descriptions

NLS is now using publisher-provided book descriptions for new titles added to the collection in Braille Book Review, Talking Book Topics, and on BARD and in the catalog.
These publisher descriptions are longer and present richer, more detailed book descriptions to NLS patrons that is routinely used by other libraries and book providers. These descriptions provide more insight into book topics and will make it easier for patrons to identify and search titles of interest.

New Improved NLS Catalog

Finding your next great read is easier than ever with the new NLS Catalog search features! NLS Catalog boasts a new, clean design and advanced search functionality, direct links to BARD from catalog listings for quick downloads, and for the first time, patrons can directly request books to add to our collection! Patrons will also find links to contact a librarian and other resources to get the most out of NLS. Start exploring the catalog here: https://nlscatalog.loc.gov.

Get NLS News in your Inbox!

Want to get the latest news and updates from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled? NLS’s Patron Engagement Section now hosts an announce-only listserv that will include announcements about NLS programs, services, and products that might be of interest to patrons. New announcements will be posted to the list few times a week. If you are interested in signing up for this listserv, please send your name and email address to the Patron Engagement Section at NLSPES@loc.gov. You will be able to unsubscribe yourself from the list at any time. So email NLSPES@loc.gov now!

Getting Help Downloading

Technology is wonderful when it works. However, when something goes wrong, sometimes it can seem as though it takes forever to get the right help.

Email NLSDownload@loc.gov for immediate help straight from the experts. Be sure to include the email address you use for BARD/BARD Express and specific details about what device you are using, and what error messages you are getting. You cannot give too much information!