Announcements and Notices
Many Faces of BARD: December
The topic for the December 14, 2023, Many Faces of BARD program will be Using BARD Mobile for Android for Low-Vision Users. The demonstration will show how our low-vision users can navigate without speech. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. EST and last for one hour. This program will be recorded.
After the demonstration, NLS staff will take questions about the demonstration or anything else relating to BARD.
You can join the session by going to https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1615512734?pwd=ejN3RURaTmt0VDBDN0lKMVpWWXc4UT09
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.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting URL: https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1615512734?pwd=ejN3RURaTmt0VDBDN0lKMVpWWXc4UT09
Meeting ID: 161 551 2734
Passcode: 963725
Join by Telephone
Dial:
+1 646 828 7666 US (New York)
+1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)
Meeting ID: 161 551 2734
Quarterly Patron Corner, December 11
On Monday, December 11, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. EST, the NLS Patron Engagement Section will host the quarterly Patron Corner. The topic for this program is The Life Cycle of the Talking Book. The session will be 90 minutes and will feature the NLS Collections Division, which is responsible for all phases of book selection, production, and distribution.
Please join us at: https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1602528708?pwd=U0FWcDV0YS9VUXV2WUFsZUZHVDJiQT09
When you join this Zoom event, you will be in the waiting room until the program starts. When you enter the room, you will be muted. Please stay on mute unless you are called on. If you want to ask a question, you may raise your hand by pressing Alt Y on your computer or Star 9 on your phone. Once you are called on, press Alt A on your computer or Star 6 on your phone to unmute yourself.
This meeting will be recorded. If you do not wish to be recorded, we ask that you avoid speaking during the call. Also, please note that since we are using Zoom.gov for these sessions, if you choose to dial in, you must use the Zoom.gov phone numbers provided. The regular Zoom phone numbers will not allow access to the Zoom.gov IDs.
Zoom Meeting
Meeting URL: https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1602528708?pwd=U0FWcDV0YS9VUXV2WUFsZUZHVDJiQT09
Meeting ID: 160 252 8708
Passcode: 011626
Join by Telephone
Dial:
+1 646 828 7666 US (New York)
+1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)
Meeting ID: 160 252 8708
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.
Continued audio and braille production delays
NLS continues to experience book and magazine production delays that impact the timely upload of materials to BARD and the physical distribution of materials to patrons. The delays have been caused by ongoing problems with the new production and inventory control system that NLS began using last year. Producers are diligently working through the resulting backlog, with priority being given to new books added to the collection and bestsellers. We apologize for the impact these production delays are having on patrons, and assure you that we are working with all parties to reduce the backlog as quickly as possible.
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!
