NLS braille ereader software update
February 2024: NLS has sent an email notifying ereader users of a software update that requires logging into the BARD site. Some users may have difficulties resulting from the fact that their BARD accounts have become inactive. For assistance with this issue, please call 800-248-6701.
New BARD download limits
Beginning February 6, 2024, NLS patrons will be allowed to download no more than 250 books and magazines from BARD in any rolling thirty-day period. This includes both audio and braille titles. It does not matter which platform or combination of platforms are used to download the books and magazines. You may download no more than 250 books and magazines in any rolling thirty-day period regardless of the format or the BARD interface used.
The authorization limit is calculated by adding up the number of “unique titles” downloaded. This means you can download the same title on additional devices in the same thirty-day period without that download counting against the authorization limit.
NLS ALERT: Book and Magazine 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.
Each recurring program has a page where you can find the archive of recorded sessions, as well as information about the session coming up. Use the links below to visit each NLS Patron Engagement program page.
The National Library Service (NLS) has launched a Spanish-language website to help connect Spanish speakers to a large and growing collection of Spanish books and magazines. Readers with low vision or blindness, or a disability that prevents them from using regular print materials can find information about NLS, apply for service, as well as find various resources and library materials in Spanish with ease. Take a look and share with your favorite Spanish-language readers: https://www.loc.gov/nls/es/
Active GLS patrons can now request and receive up to five hard-copy braille titles per month, which are theirs to keep. Any braille book available on BARD is eligible to be produced in hard copy by this program. Books are mailed directly to the patron.
Complete the NLS Braille On Demand Request Form to place your order. If you need help completing the form, call GLS at 1-800-248-6701 toll free, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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.
Due to the ongoing worldwide paper shortage and significant increases in printing costs, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled will no longer print large print issues of Talking Book Topics (TBT).
New issues and back issues of TBT will be available online in HTML and PDF format at www.loc.gov/nls/tbt. TBT in HTML contains direct links to BARD for downloading or adding books to wish lists, and TBT in PDF contains printable order forms for mailing.
TBT in audio will also be available on cartridge and on BARD and BARD Mobile.
If you have additional questions or would like assistance accessing Talking Book Topics in the other available formats, please call us at 1-800-248-6701 or email us at gls@georgialibraries.org.
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