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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).
When did the talking-book program come into existence?
Who is eligible for the program?
Who can certify people as eligible?
Are people with learning disabilities eligible?
Is the program available to people who are illiterate or someone learning English as a second language?
How long does it take for an individual to begin receiving service after submitting an application?
Can I get talking books from my public library?
Are there any costs to the borrower associated with using the program?
How are materials received from and returned to the library?
Why does there need to be a special player for talking books?
What is the difference between the standard cassette machine and the easy machine, and who would be better served using each?
Have you ever considered developing a smaller cassette machine?
Is there a special device to help people who are hearing impaired?
How are books selected?
Where are the books recorded?
Are books recorded by volunteers?
How can I become a reader/narrator?
Are magazines also available through the NLS program?
Do you have large-print books and other material?
I have heard that very few blind people can read braille. Is this true?
How long does it take to learn to read braille?
At what age can a child start using talking books?
Can people use the program if they are in a residential care facility or retirement home?
Are textbooks available?
Is there anything coming along that will be better than cassettes?
When did the talking-book program come into existence?
The talking-book program was established by an act of Congress in 1931 to serve blind adults. It was expanded in 1952 to include children, in 1962 to provide music materials, and again in 1966 to include individuals with other physical impairments that prevent the reading of standard print.
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Who is eligible for the program?
Any resident of the United States or American citizen living abroad who is unable to read or use standard print materials as a result of a temporary or permanent visual or physical limitation may receive service.
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Who can certify people as eligible?
- In cases of blindness, visual impairment, or physical limitations, eligibility can be certified by doctors of medicine; doctors of osteopathy; ophthalmologists; optometrists; registered nurses; therapists; and professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or private welfare agencies (e.g., social workers, caseworkers, counselors, rehabilitation teachers, and superintendents). In the absence of any of these, certification may be made by professional librarians or by any person whose competence under specific circumstances is acceptable to the Library of Congress.
- In the case of reading disability from organic dysfunction, eligibility must be certified by doctors of medicine or doctors of osteopathy, who may consult with colleagues in associated disciplines.
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Are people with learning disabilities eligible?
The definition of learning disabilities varies and may include not only reading disabilities and dyslexia, but also problems with spoken language, writing, or reasoning ability. Because the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) talking-book program is a service for blind and physically handicapped individuals, all applications must be based on a physical disability including applications accepted under the terms learning disabilities (the broader term), dyslexia, or reading disability. The certifying authority, as defined by the federal law governing the program (Public Law 89-522), must determine that the reading disability is severe enough to prevent reading standard print in a normal manner and the cause is physically based, that is, it is an organic dysfunction. The competent authority who certifies (signs) such applications must be medically able to judge whether the disability has a physical, or organic, basis. For more information about learning disabilities and our program, refer to the factsheet Talking Books and Reading Disabilities.
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Is the program available to people who are illiterate or someone learning English as a second language?
Individuals who do not have a visual or physical disability are not eligible to use the service. Public libraries are an excellent source of information about local literacy and English-language programs.
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How long does it take for an individual to begin receiving service after submitting an application?
The goal of network libraries is to send a cassette player and/or record player within three working days of receipt of a properly certified application. An initial shipment of books and catalogs is usually sent within an additional two working days.
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Can I get talking books from my public library?
Service is provided directly by a regional or subregional library of the NLS network. A list of libraries is available. Some public libraries do have small collections of NLS-produced talking books for eligible users. Check with the regional library in your state to determine if there is a talking-book collection at a public library near you.
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Are there any costs to the borrower associated with using the program?
No, this program is tax supported by federal, state, and, where appropriate, local government agencies. There is no cost to eligible readers.
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How are materials received from and returned to the library?
All books, magazines, catalogs, and equipment are sent to a reader as "Free Matter for the Blind" and may be returned the same way. There is no postage charge for returning the materials. Materials sent by a network library come with a removable address card that, when turned over and reinserted, will show the library's name and address for return mailing.
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Why does there need to be a special player for talking books?
Most ordinary cassettes play for sixty to ninety minutes. Using the special four-track, half-speed NLS format, a tape that would normally play only ninety minutes can play for six hours. The additional playing time helps save money on the number of cassettes and makes books easier to use. Also, the NLS format makes the books unusable by the public, a requirement under the U.S. copyright law that permits NLS free use of copyrighted material.
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What is the difference between the standard cassette machine and the easy machine, and who would be better served using each?
Most borrowers prefer the standard machine because it allows them to control the playback speed of cassette books and to review or skip over material. The easy cassette machine is designed for more automatic operation and eliminates the need to change sides; however, it lacks the versatility of the standard cassette player. It is provided to patrons who cannot manipulate the controls of the standard machine.
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Have you ever considered developing a smaller cassette machine?
NLS has seriously studied the possibility of developing smaller cassette players. The smaller units exhibited problems in the areas of ruggedness and usability for people with limited dexterity. Smaller machines that will play NLS tapes are available for purchase from several sources. NLS has produced a factsheet on sources for purchase of playback equipment.
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Is there a special device to help people who are hearing impaired?
Yes, an amplifier/headphone combination that will produce sounds up to 130 decibels is available for adults with severe hearing loss. A special application form is necessary and must be signed by a physician or licensed audiologist. The application has details about the possible need for a doctor's permission and what special precautions are necessary to prevent injury. This device is not intended for people with mild or moderate hearing loss; the use of standard headphones may sometimes help these people.
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How are books selected?
NLS selects the same types of books available through public libraries to be produced in braille or recorded formats. Titles are considered when favorably reviewed in nationally distributed publications or included in authoritative bibliographies. The object of selection is to provide standard classics and informational reading, along with popular recreational works that appeal to children, young adults, and older readers. Subjects such as science fiction, mysteries, romances, and westerns are represented, as are bestsellers, standard religious works, and some foreign-language materials. Generally, books of local or regional interest are produced by network libraries.
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Where are the books recorded?
The majority of NLS audio books are recorded by professional narrators in the studios of contractors, who bid each year on book production. These contractors are usually nonprofit organizations that also provide other products and services for blind and physically handicapped individuals. In addition, a small number of titles (about one hundred) are recorded in volunteer studios. NLS maintains a recording studio in its Washington, D.C., office in order to keep abreast of current recording technology. This studio also records approximately one hundred titles per year.
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Are books recorded by volunteers?
Only a few. About 7 percent of audio books produced for NLS each year are recorded in volunteer studios. One reason that this number is not larger is that it is very difficult to reach and maintain the quality standards for NLS books, so many volunteer studios choose to record books and magazines for their local area only. Other reasons are that volunteer studios tend to take much longer to record books, since volunteers seldom narrate every day, and that volunteer studios must usually accept only shorter books, since volunteers often cannot afford to commit to a long narration timeframe.
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How can I become a reader/narrator?
Many local libraries and agencies use volunteer readers to record materials for local use. You may link to a directory of such agencies, Sources of Custom-Produced Books: Braille, Audio Recordings, and Large Print (2001) or you may contact us to request a print copy. Production studios that are awarded NLS contracts recruit and hire paid professional narrators.
The e-mail address for the reference section is nlsref@loc.gov. The address, phone, and other contact information for NLS is on the contact page linked at the top of this and every page on our site.
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Are magazines also available through the NLS program?
Yes, magazines are available in braille and audio formats. Criteria for the selection of periodicals are the same as for books, with the added consideration of whether the periodicals reflect current thinking in the various fields represented, have high interest and demand, are representative in their points of view, and provide recreational as well as informational reading.
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Do you have large-print books and other material?
NLS does not produce large-print recreational reading material. Large-print materials are available from many public libraries and bookstores. You may link to our listing of major large-print publishers and other sources, or you may contact us to request a print copy. All catalogs, bibliographies, and bimonthly magazines sent to patrons to help them select books are available in large print as one of several format options. In addition, some network libraries have large-print collections.
The e-mail address for the reference section is nlsref@loc.gov. The address, phone, and other contact information for NLS is on the contact page linked at the top of this and every page on our site.
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I have heard that very few blind people can read braille. Is this true?
Blindness and visual impairment most often occur later in life. In such a situation, learning braille is usually not practical. Generally, elderly people lack the tactile sensitivity required to learn braille. For persons who have been unable to read print from an early age, however, braille is a very important key to literacy. Among this population, the use of braille is very common.
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How long does it take to learn to read braille?
When a child learns braille, the learning rate is similar to that for print. When an adult learns braille, generally a year or more is necessary for a fluent speed to develop.
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At what age can a child start using talking books?
There is no set minimum age. Books for very young children usually contain more illustrations than text and are therefore not part of the program. Materials in the collection begin at the preschool level, and NLS provides a parents guide circular that lists other sources of audio materials for preschool children. Children who are blind, visually impaired, and physically handicapped develop an interest in reading the same way nondisabled children do: that is, by being read to by an adult before being old enough to read on their own. At the public library, parents can find many nonprint materials to explore with young blind children, e.g., large print; audiotapes of stories, nursery rhymes, and songs; and videos.
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Can people use the program if they are in a residential care facility or retirement home?
Yes, they may receive direct individual service in care of the facility, or if the establishment has a deposit collection, individuals may use these materials without going through the process of signing up to receive individual service. Direct service is always available, and this option can ensure that readers receive materials that they specifically want to read.
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Are textbooks available?
Textbooks are not included in the NLS talking-book and braille program. Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D), a private, nonprofit organization, provides recorded educational books and related library services to people with print disabilities. Prospective borrowers must register with RFB&D.Textbooks in large print may be purchased from American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and Library Reproduction Service. Textbooks in braille may be purchased from APH and the National Braille Association (NBA). The addresses are as follows: American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
800-223-1839
Library Reproduction Service
14214 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90061
800-255-5002
National Braille Association
Braille Materials Production Center
Three Townline Circle
Rochester, NY 14623-2513
(716) 427-8260
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
800-221-4792
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Is there anything coming along that will be better than cassettes?
NLS does not project any technology developing in the near future that will be better than cassettes. However, there is a long-term trend toward the use of a variety of media employing digital technology. NLS is leading an effort to develop a national digital standard for talking books. Such a standard would need to precede development of any new digital technologies.
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