Materials
OLBPD patrons can expect to borrow audio or braille books such as they might find in print at a local public library. The OLBPD library collection includes braille books and audio or talking books on cassette or digital cartridge. OLBPD also lends described VHS videos and DVD’s, and Playaway pre-loaded digital audio books. OLBPD does not lend large print books. Cleveland Public Library houses a large print collection. Check with your local public library for books in large print.
Equipment and Accessories
OLBPD works in partnership with the State Library of Ohio Talking Book Program. The State Library of Ohio Talking Book Program acts as the machine lending agency loaning equipment and accessories to eligible participants for the State of Ohio. Equipment available includes digital talking book machines and recorded cassette machines as well as accessories for cassette machines which include headphone, extension lever, amplifier, breath switch, and digital player headphone and flash drive adapters.
Downloading Books
OHIO-BARD (OHIO Braille and Audio Recordings Download) allows OLBPD patrons to download talking books directly to a personal computer which can then be transferred to a flash memory drive and played on their digital talking book machine. In order to use OHIO-BARD, patrons will need access to a personal computer with a high-speed Internet connection, an e-mail address, a 1GB or larger flash memory drive (not provided by OLBPD), and knowledge of navigating the Web, filling out online forms, downloading large items and unzipping files. The Internet address for OHIO-BARD is https://nlsbard.loc.gov/oh. Patrons can register for OHIO-BARD by selecting the “BARD Application Instructions” link and following it to the “Link for BARD application.” Password and login instructions will be sent via e-mail within one to two business days.
Web-Braille is an Internet, web-based service that provides, in an electronic format, many braille books, some music scores, and all braille magazines produced by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). Web-Braille files are in contracted braille ASCII format, and may be read online or downloaded for viewing offline or embossing with a braille display, braille-aware notetaker, or braille embosser. To register for Web-Braille, eligible program users must first OLBPD and provide the library with an e-mail address and a six-to-eight-character password. When the subscription is activated, the new subscriber will receive access instructions by e-mail.
Selecting Materials
Catalogs and special booklists, updated regularly, keep readers informed about new books. "Talking Book Topics" and "Braille Book Review" are bimonthly publications that inform patrons of new acquisitions and related library services. Patrons who do not wish to select books can have the library select for them based on subject interests.We send these updates to readers in large print, braille, or on cassette. Messages and requests are taken 24 hours a day on a toll-free telephone line: 1-800-362-1262.
The OLBPD online public access catalog (OPAC) allows readers who have a computer with Internet access to search OLBPD’s collection of books, place reserves, make service requests, update their reading interest and patron information, and much more. In order to make requests and service changes, patrons will need a user name and password provided by OLBPD. Simply contact OLBPD for your user name and password that can be used immediately. The OLBPD OPAC is located at http://www.klas.com/talkingbooks/ohio.
Reference Services
OLBPD has information resources related to blindness and disabilities. Residents throughout the state are encouraged to contact OLBPD for reference assistance on these topics. OLBPD also participates with KnowItNow24x7 (www.knowitnow.org), and can be contacted directly for reference and service requests using the following instant messaging chat names: olbpd@cpl.org for AOL; olbpd@live.com for MSN; olbpd@yahoo.com for Yahoo.
Outreach Services
OLBPD patrons receive the “OLBPD Dimensions” newsletter that features announcements, resources, and service updates. OLBPD also hosts a yearly program called Family Fun and Learning Day, where patrons and friends are invited to visit OLBPD for a full day of programs of interest, learn and try adaptive technology, and speak to staff about their service. OLBPD also offers small deposit collections of braille and talking books for loan or demonstrations for public libraries and schools. OLBPD is also available to provide talks about our library service to public service agencies or other groups who serve people that could benefit from OLBPD library service. OLBPD provides applications and display posters about our service upon request.
Volunteering
OLBPD currently has a great need for volunteers to help us inspect returned cassette books. Volunteers are also needed throughout the year to help with addressing newsletters and special mailings mailed to patrons. Training is provided. For more information about volunteering, please contact OLBPD.