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Equipment

Our library gives patrons digital talking book players to use with digital talking books from the National Library Service (NLS). These players let patrons listen to the audio books we send through the mail. The players are easy to use, and library staff can help patrons learn how to operate them.

Available Playback Machines

Digital Standard Player (DS-1):

  • This machine plays NLS (ANSI/NISO Z39.86:2002) digital talking books.
  • It also plays DAISY 2.02 digital talking books.
  • It can also plays AMR-WB+, MP3, and WAV audio files.
  • The player has eight controls
  • It has a control that lets readers speed up or slow down the playback speed without changing the pitch.
  • It is portable
  • It has a rechargeable battery and an electrical cord.
  • It has built-in audio instructions for using the digital player.
  • It has a bookshelf feature for navigating a digital cartridge.

Digital Advanced Player (DA-1):

  • This machine plays NLS (ANSI/NISO Z39.86:2002) digital talking books.
  • It also plays DAISY 2.02 digital talking books
  • It can also play AMR-WB+, MP3, and WAV audio files.
  • The player has thirteen controls. There is a row of controls for saving bookmarks and moving through the structured levels of a book.
  • It has a control that lets readers speed up or slow down the playback speed without changing the pitch.
  • It is portable.
  • It is equipped with a rechargeable battery and an electrical cord.
  • It has built-in audio instructions for using the digital player.
  • It has a bookshelf feature for navigating a digital cartridge.

Braille e-Reader:

  • The NLS has begun a pilot program to send patrons braille e-Readers. Patrons should already know how to read braille.
  • Braille e-Readers can be used to read digital braille books provided by the NLS.
  • Patrons should contact the library for more information.

 

Accessories

We have some equipment that we can send to patrons to help them operate their players. You can contact the library to request one of the following accessories for your digital talking book player.

Breath switch:

  • The breath switch controls the Play/Stop function of the digital player. These are the only functions that this accessory controls.
  • It is meant for patrons who are confined to a bed or have little or no dexterity.
  • We also send a USB adaptor to connect the breath switch to the player.

Digital talking book cartridge cable:

  • The digital talking book cartridge cable is three feet long with a standard USB type A plug on one end and a USB type A socket and plastic molding on the other. It conforms to the shape of a digital cartridge.
  • It connects a digital talking book cartridge to a USB port on a personal computer. It is meant to help patrons using BARD.

Headphones:

  • Headphones are only sent to readers who need them for reading talking books where speakers are not allowed. Headphones may be necessary in places like nursing homes, schools, and hospitals.

High volume player:

  • High volume players can be sent to patrons with a significant hearing loss.
  • Patrons will need to fill out a separate application to receive this device. The sound is boosted to a level that can cause permanent hearing loss to people with normal hearing.
  • Please contact the ABLE Library to apply for this player. We can help patrons with this process.

Pillow speaker

  • Pillow speakers are sent to patrons who are confined to bed.
  • They can be used with any digital player.
  • It is placed under the reader’s pillow and is normally heard only by the reader.