By Catherine A.  Durivage, Library Program Director

(Editor’s Note:  Ms. Durivage presented this item at the NFB of Minnesota Annual Convention on October 26, 2013.)

Hello, my name is Catherine Durivage.  I am the Library Director at the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library.  Thank you for extending an invitation to me to speak at your annual conference again this year. 

As many of you know the federal government was partially shutdown for 17 days earlier this month initially affecting access to various NLS (National Library Service) websites, including BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download).  However, within a few days, access was restored so BARD users could start downloading books again.  Of course, during the shutdown, no new books were added, but since October 18 when NLS staff returned to work, hundreds of new books and magazines have been added. 

The library did remain open during the shutdown, but we did receive a number of calls about whether or not we were open.  While some of our funding comes from the federal government, our budgets were not directly affected by the shutdown.  I know this was good news to all of you as it was for my staff. 

Speaking of BARD, the most exciting news of recent is the introduction of the BARD Mobile app for Apple devices.  I personally think it is a wonderful app right out of the gate.  So far in Minnesota, 115 people have registered 158 Apple devices.  Across the country there are over 5,500 people with over 7,300 registered Apple devices using the BARD Mobile app.

To use the BARD Mobile app you must have an Apple device running iOS software version 4.3 or later and you must have registered for a BARD account. 

Up to five devices are allowed per BARD account, but you do not need to register iOS devices like you do commercial talking book players. 

No synchronization across devices is possible at this time, though this could be a future enhancement. 

You need to possess a basic understanding of VoiceOver.  There is a user guide built into the app.  There are other apps and websites you can use to learn about its features and operation.  These are highlighted in the user guide. 

 

VoiceOver can be turned on or off by clicking the home button rapidly 3 times.  You must first set it up in Setting->General->Accessibility->Triple Click->VoiceOver-ON.

If you have a cellular service make sure is set to on in the BARD app when Wi-Fi is not available and you want to download a title.  The default is Wi-Fi only. 

 

If you find that audio books stop playing when you close the app go to BARD settings and change the Background Playback option to on. 

There is no sleep option.  You can use a clock app to set a timer.  All iOS devices come with a clock app. 

We suggest that you turn off the VoiceOver speech (the audible voice) when reading braille.

You will need a refreshable braille device with Bluetooth in order to read braille titles. 

              

Things are automatic in the app.  BARD Mobile automatically unzips books when it reaches about 85% of the download.  BARD mobile will contact BARD again to verify user information.  If you receive an unable to read message, contact the library. 

It is not possible to logout of the app.  You can go into your user account settings and erase your login information if you plan on sharing devices. 

Downloads from BARD mobile and a computer are the same size. 

Wish List – Cannot search directly from the BARD app, but you can search BARD proper.  Once NLS beefs up search features, you will be able to search BARD directly in the app. 

An app for Android devices is at least six months out.  NLS is working with Google to work on the accessibility issues.

Overall, I think the app is great.  I hope those of you that are using it agree.  Of course, there will be future enhancements, but the app is off to a great start. 

We still receive inquiries about when locally-produced content will be available on BARD.  NLS is conducting a pilot test now and hopefully sometime next year, titles produced by regional libraries will be available to download from BARD. 

Last year when I spoke, I mentioned that cassette magazines would be transitioning to digital cartridges.  Well, that transition is over.  All NLS-produced audio magazines are now available on cartridges or BARD.  I would say the biggest challenge with this transition has been getting people to return their magazine cartridges including cartridges that contain Talking Book Topics.  This is a change from cassette magazines and one that longtime users of the program are having difficulty remembering.  Generally, a good rule to remember is that if there is a reversible mailing label included with shipped materials, you need to return it.  The only exception would be print catalogs.  Print catalogs do not need to be returned.  If you fail to return audio magazines in a timely manner, all your subscriptions will be placed on hold.  We have been sending postcards or contacting patrons with overdue magazines, but this is very time consuming, so it would help us out if you would remember to return audio magazines. 

If you are a BARD user and want to no longer receive magazine cartridges, contact the library so we can cancel your subscriptions.  Remember, there are no due dates with BARD titles.  Yeah!

We loan out a number of audio magazines that are produced by other regional libraries.  We are in the process of re-evaluating how we send these digital audio magazines directly to our patrons.  Currently it is one issue per cartridge.  We are looking at producing one cartridge for each magazine subscriber that contains all the available audio magazines received in a given month.  We are waiting for some enhancements from our library software vendor before we can pursue this further. 

Last year, Karen Keninger, director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, presented to Congress a report on this service.  NLS was directed to:

1. Take a close look at the future of its legacy programs, and
2. Conduct a detailed study of the entire mix of products and services examining how changing demographics are influencing the customer base and new technologies offering new and different service alternatives. 

According to the report, there are over 800,000 reader accounts and over 367,000 individual patrons actively use this service.  Sixty-three percent of NLS patrons are 60 years or older and 85% of patrons still use traditional formats and specialized talking book players. 

NLS outlined in the report the following patron-focused priorities:

1. Maintain the highest quality standards possible for all NLS products and services.
2. Enhance the reading experience for all NLS patrons by leveraging current and future technologies to improve the reading and delivery systems.
3. Expand the scope and quantity of titles available in alternative formats throughout the NLS system.
4. Take a leading role in positioning braille as a viable, practical, and achievable literacy medium for all blind Americans.
5. Increase the number of eligible individuals participating in the program.

In the year since the report was commissioned, NLS held a Braille Summit at the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library.  We are still waiting for a report from this summit.  They conducted a nationwide patron survey and they have contracted with other commercial audio publishers to make even more titles available. 

The report, released this past September, is available to the public on the NLS website, www.loc.gov/nls. 

This past January, the Faribault Lions Club contacted us about partnering again to raise funds for our large-print collection.  Over $5,500 has been raised so far.  We have purchased almost 300 new large books since May and will continue to expand our offerings of new titles. 

Last year I also spoke about continued activities with our partner, State Services for the Blind.  A couple of weeks ago, staff from Audio Services in the Communication Center visited the library to brainstorm ideas on how we communicate to others about this service.  A number of fantastic ideas were shared including using more social media and targeting outreach to service agencies and organizations that serve eligible patrons.  Staff from both agencies appreciated having an opportunity to meet each other. 

If you haven’t visited our new website, you are encouraged to do so.  We continue to update content.  We now have pages devoted to audio and braille books, magazines, descriptive videos, MN BARD, equipment and music.  To find out what’s available visit www.mnbtbl.org. 

It has been a pleasure being here today.  If there is time, I’ll entertain questions.

Thank you.