What Patrons are saying about BARD Downloads

Talking Books (TB) Plus surveyed Rhode Island participants of the NLS Download Pilot Project. The library asked members in this test group what they liked about the BARD program, the BARD digital books and the BARD machine. A few participants tested the BARD machine that was produced in limited numbers for beta testing. Other participants purchased their machines from sources outside of NLS. In all, TBPlus wanted to know about the BARD experience. Soon, NLS will be supplying network libraries across the country with their first shipment of machines so that more members can begin to access the digital books collection. Here’s what our members said.

“I can instantly download a book, no waiting necessary. I think the program is great and I love it.” –Richard C.

“I like having your own public library on your home computer. You can download and read a book at any time day or night. The website is very easy to navigate with combo boxes for either author’s name, title of the book, or by subject. In many cases books are on the website before they are in Talking Book Topics.” – Catherine G.

“I used to read some before…but now I find out I’m reading a lot more, at least 20 books a month.” – John C.

Damaged and Missing Tapes

The best way to report a problem with a Talking Book tape is by calling 401-574-9310. If the tape problem cannot be fixed over the phone, another copy of the title will be sent as soon as available. If instead the machine is the problem and it cannot be fixed over the phone, a replacement machine will be provided. Reporting problems with tapes will tell the library to stop circulating them if they are determined to be defective. When calling to report a problem with a tape, please provide your mailing address, a phone number to contact you, and your first and last name. After you call, if it is determined that the tape is damaged, place a rubber band around each damaged cassette. Place damaged items on top in the mailing container. To return a book that is missing tapes, place a note on top in the container. Please do not put any strings or rubber bands on the outside of the mailing containers.

Save the Box

When a talking book machine is sent to members, it is sent in a box with protective foam inside. Save this box and its contents as it should be used to return the machine when it is no longer needed. There is a plastic slip on the top of the box. Turn the card over inside the slip, seal it, and give the box with the machine in it to the mailman or the post office. Whether the machine that is on loan fails and a replacement is needed or the machine is no longer being used by the member it was loaned to, please reuse the box sent to the member to return the machine. It will save some trees and keep shipping supply expenses to a minimum.

Talking Times Newsletter Delivery Options

To receive email notices of when the Talking Times newsletter is published, send an email to tbplus@olis.ri.gov. Use the email address you want the notices sent to. In the Subject line of the email, write “email me newsletter notice”. In the body of the email, provide the member’s first and last name requesting the notice. A print or cassette version of the newsletter won’t be sent to you unless you specify that you want a print or cassette version. Email notices serve to announce publication of the latest issue of the Talking Times. The email notices and the online version of the Talking Times newsletters give immediate 24/7 access to information that takes longer to hear about through regular mail. To read the current or past issues of the newsletter electronically, visit TBPlus newsletter.