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What is BARD? | How do I register? | How do I download books or magazines from BARD?
Can I store more than one book on the same cartridge, or flash drive?
How do I get to the books and magazines? | What machines will play the downloaded books and magazines?
What do I use to store the book or magazine? | What kind of Flash drive do I use?
Where can I get help?
What is BARD?
BARD is a free Braille and Audio Download service for active Talking Book Patrons with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The BARD web site offers over 21,000 books and over 40 magazine titles are available, and more books are added weekly.
How do I register?
Go to Application Instructions to apply for a BARD login. You must be an active Talking Book Patron, and have an email address.
How do I get to the books and magazines?
Go to BARD LogIn to browse and download books and magazines—you must have received your BARD login to access this site—or browse and link through the main BARD NLS catalog. You will also need high-speed Internet access for downloading.
What machines will play the downloaded books and magazines?
You cannot play downloaded BARD materials on your computer; you must use an authorized player.
If you have received your NLS Digital Talking Book Machine (DTBM), either the Standard or the Advanced model, you can play BARD downloads on it.
There are also currently 5 commercial machines that are able to play BARD downloads. We do not sell or loan these but can provide you the names of these devices, as follows: APH Braille Plus Mobile Manager. HIMS BookSense, Humanware Victor Reader Stream, LevelStar Icon, and PLEXTALK Pocket PTP1
What do I use to store the book or magazine?
When using the NLS Digital Book Player you may store the book or magazine on a NLS-Flash blank cartridge or a USB flash drive. If using a commercial machine, check the documentation for what type of storage media is used.
What kind of Flash drive do I use?
Blank NLS digital cartridge
Flash drive
- Also called jump drive, thumb drive
- Fits in USB port on the side of the NLS machine
- Some brands work better than others; look for those without built-in U3 software. Brands we have found to work include: Dane Elec, Verbatim, Lexar, Sony, PNY, Kingston
- Look for 1G to 8G of memory; those with more memory may not work
- Advantage: Available locally at most discount, electronic, or department stores; can be found for $10-$15; available in larger sizes that hold more books
Can I store more than one book on the same cartridge, or flash drive?
Yes, you can access the Bookshelf feature on your NLS Digital Book Player by pressing and holding the Play/Stop key until it says “Bookshelf,” then using the FF and RW keys to move forward and backward between titles. When you reach the title you want, press Play.
How do I download books or magazines from BARD?
Downloading from BARD does require some basic computer skills, including navigating the Web, filling out online forms, downloading, unzipping, and transferring files. If you have experience with these processes downloading from BARD is not difficult.
Since computer software and configuration vary widely, as well as any screen readers or other assistive technologies you may be using, TBS staff can offer limited download support, but we have supplied a link on, “How to Download Books from BARD Using Window XP”. However, you may fine it helpful to use your usual local technical supports, such as friend or family member, or other knowledgeable sources.
Where can I get help?
- BARD-specific questions may be answered by the BARD online instructions and FAQs at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/support.html, or If not, you may contact NLS at NLSDownload@loc.gov.
- Specific questions about your commercial machine may be answered by your machine’s user guide or information provided on the manufacturer’s website.
- For specific questions about the NLS Digital Talking Book Machine you can contact us at:
New Hampshire State Library Talking Book Services
117 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301
Telephone: (603) 271-3429, or Toll Free in NH (800) 491-4200.
Email: talking@dcr.nh.gov
Web: www.nh.gov/nhsl/talking_books
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