Telling the World about Talking Books
Activities to promote the Library Commission’s Talking Book and
Braille Service included:
• Radio stations aired public service
announcements produced by the Library of Congress.
• A news release concerning the 50th
anniversary of the Talking Book and Braille Service generated
newspaper articles, including a feature story in the Hastings
Tribune.
• Nebraska public libraries
distributed posters throughout their communities to encourage
qualifying individuals to pick up talking book application
forms at their public library. These posters, along with
application forms, are provided free to any Nebraska library.
• A direct mailing of coupons and
coupon caddies to Nebraska optometrists and ophthalmologists,
physical and occupational therapists, and librarians helped get
the word out about services for individuals who qualify for
talking books.
Library staff and board members are
encouraged to use these tools to reach out to this potential
customer group. For more information see the Library Commission
Web site, <nlc.nebraska.gov>, search on Talking Books,
or contact Dave Oertli, Nebraska Library Commission Talking
Book and Braille Service Director, 402-471-4005, 800-742-7691,
e-mail: Dave Oertli.
The studios of the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille
Service were converted to
digital audio to improve the sound quality and functionality of
books and magazines recorded in Nebraska. Fifty-two books were
recorded in the studios from July 1, 2002 through June 30,
2004. Since tape recorders currently in use are more than
fourteen years old, this upgrade will reduce staff and
volunteer production and service time. Borrowers will continue
to use the same players they have now. New features will become
available as digital players are introduced. In the future,
customers will have the option of linking directly from the
table of contents to a specific article or linking to
footnotes. For more information contact Bill Ainsley, Nebraska
Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service Studio
Manager, 402-471-3246, 800-742-7691, e-mail: Bill Ainsley.
Talking Book Studios Converted to Digital
