Digital Talking Books and Players Have Arrived
A new era is beginning for readers with visual and physical disabilities. Digital talking books and players are now arriving at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH). This new format will eventually replace the outdated analog audiocassette books and players used since the 1970s. The digital books and players are being distributed by the Library as they are produced.
The new digital system has many advantages. Slightly larger than a credit card, the digital talking book is a flash cartridge that provides a clearer sound quality. An entire book can fit on one cartridge (for most of the collection) and will play without flipping sides. The format is very reliable since the cartridge has no breakable moving parts.
Smaller and lighter than the audiocassette machine, the digital player is more portable. It also has enhanced navigation features for the reader to jump to various sections. Consumer testers appreciated its sound quality, tone, volume responsiveness and variable speed capability as well as its index and bookmark features.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently ran a story about the Digital Transition. You may access the article through the following link: www.post-gazette.com .
To learn more, call LBPH at 800.242.0586 or e-mail lbph@carnegielibrary.org . You may also visit the LBPH Web site at www.carnegielibrary.org/lbph .
Community Events
Thursday, November 19
Book Discussion: Stuart Woods' Chiefs
Join us as we discuss Stuart Woods’ first novel, the award-winning Chiefs. Beginning in the winter of 1920, it tells the story of three police chiefs and the death of a boy in small-town Georgia.
Carnegie Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
4724 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh.
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. To register call 800-242-0586
or email lbph@carnegielibrary.org .