South Carolina State Library

Questions and Answers
How do I volunteer?
	Volunteer opportunities are designed to match a volunteer's skills, interests and schedule. Volunteers develop their own schedules, based on the library's operating hours, for weekly or monthly commitments and for one-time projects. All work is done on site at the library. Please contact the library for more information.
Who may use the service?
	Persons who are unable to read or use standard printed materials due to blindness, low vision, missing arms or hands, lack of muscle coordination, prolonged weakness, or physically based reading disabilities (such as dyslexia) are eligible. An application with disability certification is required.
What types of books are included in the collection?
	Books are selected on the basis of their appeal to a wide range of interests. The collection is similar to that found in an average public library.
How do library users identify titles?
	Patrons receive through the mail bimonthly and annual catalogs listing new cassette and Braille titles. A list of new Large Print titles is updated on the Talking Book Services web site. An online searchable catalog containing local titles is available, along with a catalog listing national and international titles (click on the Search the Catalog link) at the top of the page.
How are the books sent and how long may they be kept?
	Books are sent postage free, through regular U.S. mail, and are returned in the same manner. All have pre-addressed postage free mailing cards for easy return. The loan period is 30 days. Renewals may be requested. There are no overdue fines.
Why won't talking books play on regular cassette players?
	Talking books have a nonstandard cassette format that permits four tracks per cassette. A normal C-90 cassette tape can hold almost six hours of narration. Home stereo equipment is designed to play commercially produced 2- track tapes.
How does one get a 4-track cassette player?
	All registered readers receive free loan of 4-track players. Equipment is recalled when a registered reader cancels service. Players may be purchased from select manufacturers if desired. Contact the library for a listing, or see NLS' publication Sources for Purchase of Cassette Players.
What happens if borrowed equipment stops working?
	Do not attempt to repair library equipment. A replacement is sent in exchange for the inoperable player. Please contact the library.
Are users of the service limited to one format?
	No. Users determine which format (cassettes, Braille, or large print) is wanted.
Are talking books available on CD?
	For nearly 30 years, the primary format for talking books has been cassette. Extensive research revealed many reasons why compact discs (CDs) would not be the ideal choice for National Library Service (NLS) digital talking books. The medium must be resistant to damage both in the mail and in the hands of users. Also, the medium must be low in cost and able to accommodate a print/Braille label. For these reasons NLS has chosen the USB (Universal Serial Bus) Flash Drive for the circulation of digital talking books (DTBs). In 2008 NLS will begin to replace its existing cassette-based talking book system with a new system based on digital talking books. For more information, please visit FLASH: a monthly bulletin about NLS digital books and magazines
Is the Bible available on tape?
	Yes. It is available for loan. Also, a free standard speed recorded version is available, with proper certification, from: Aurora Ministries, P.O. Box 621, Bradenton FL 34206 or call 941-748-3031. The library submits requests for registered readers.
Is listening music available?
	No. Only music scores, music magazines and books about music and musicians are available (large print, Braille and recorded formats). The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Music Section, (1-800-424-8567) provides music resources. Contact your local public library for listening music.
Are videotapes included in the collection?
	Descriptive videos are available. Narrators carefully describe visual elements (action, characters, locations, and costumes). There is no dialogue or sound effects interference. Only blind and low vision registered patrons may borrow videos. Contact the library for more information. The loan period is 5 days from the date of receipt of a video/movie.
How does the textbook service work?
	Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (20 Roszel Road, Princeton, NJ 08540) provides recorded textbooks on CD. A special player is required. Call 1-866-732-3585 or connect to www.rfbd.org for an application and to learn about membership fees.
Are Braille books available?
	Yes. They are sent directly to a patron's home address through the same postage-free procedures as used with talking books. Bimontly and annual catalogs list new titles, and the entire collection is searchable through the National Library Service online catalog. Also, an online resource, Web-Braille provides grade 2 Braille books for downloading or online use via the Internet. A Web-Braille id and user password are required. Contact the library.
What about magazines on tape?
	A variety of popular free recorded and Braille magazines such as Southern Living, Consumer Reports, Ebony, Money, Newsweek, Sandlapper, etc. are offered. Contact the library for a complete list.
What about newspapers on tape?
	Recorded newspapers are not available. The Education Radio for the Blind Network operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Programming includes readings of articles and features from statewide newspapers. A special radio receiver is required. Contact the S.C. Commission for the Blind at 800-922-2222 or 803-898-8700. Proof of eligibility is required.
What about people who are able to see, but simply cannot read. Are they eligible for talking books?
	No. Contact your public library for referral to a local area literacy association.

Many S.C. State Library programs, resources and services are supported in whole or in part by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Talking Book Services

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