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NLS Factsheets

Background

Books and magazines loaned free by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, are available in recorded format on audiocassette. Cassette recordings require specially designed playback equipment (see Part I), which is loaned free to eligible individuals and institutions. Special accessories (see Part II ) are also loaned free. Cassette machines play at either 15/16 inches per second (ips) or the commercial standard 1-7/8 ips.

To obtain any of the equipment and accessories described below, individuals or institutions must first be registered for the Library of Congress talking-book program. An application for the free library service may be received from the Reference Section, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20542 or an application may be downloaded from www.loc.gov/nls. All equipment and accessories are provided by the cooperating regional library serving eligible readers in their state of residence for as long as the reader is actively involved in the program.

Part I. Available Playback Machines

Cassette Machine

• plays audiocassettes at 15/16 ips and 1-7/8 ips, 2-track and 4-track
• is portable
• is equipped with a rechargeable battery and an electrical cord
• includes a variable speed control that permits speeding up or slowing down playback speed
• has ten controls
• instructions for using the cassette machine

Easy Cassette Machine

• plays 4-track audiocassettes at only 15/16 ips
• not equipped with a battery and must be plugged into an electrical outlet
• does not include a variable speed control
• automatically changes tracks automatically rewinds cassettes
• may be unsatisfactory unless visual or physical disability makes use of standard cassette machine difficult. Please contact your cooperating library to discuss the suitability of the Easy Cassette Machine.

Part II. Special Accessories for Playback Machines

Amplifier

• is for individuals with a significant hearing loss
• requires a separate application with medical certification; the sound is boosted to a level that can cause permanent hearing loss to persons with normal hearing. Please contact your cooperating library about the application procedure for obtaining this accessory.

Breath Switch

• is for individuals with little or no use of their extremities
• must be used with remote control unit

Extension Levers

• are for individuals who have difficulty manipulating the key controls on a standard cassette machine
• attaches to the key controls of the cassette machine

Headphones

• are issued only to readers who require them for reading talking books where are not permitted, as in nursing homes and hospitals.

Pillow Speaker

• is for individuals who are confined to a bed
• may be used with any playback machine
• is placed under the reader's pillow and is normally heard only by the reader

Remote Control Unit

• is for individuals confined to a bed or with difficulty in mobility
• turns playback equipment on and off but will not control other functions such as volume and speed
• fits all playback equipment described in Part I
• requires a separate application. Please contact your cooperating library about the application procedure for obtaining this accessory.

Solar Panel Battery Charger

• is for readers who do not have access to electricity. Please contact your cooperating library about the procedure for obtaining this accessory.

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Individuals and institutions who wish to purchase their playback machines, who desire special features not included with NLS-provided machines, or who are ineligible for the free loan of NLS-provided equipment may request Facts: Sources for Purchase of Cassette Players and Player-Recorders Compatible with Recorded Materials Produced by the National Library Service (NLS) from the Reference Section.

Since mid-October 2001, delivery by the United States Postal Service to the address below has been sporadic. For faster service, fax (202) 707-0712, or e-mail nlsref@loc.gov, or telephone (202) 707-5100, to request publications. Though substantial delays may result, requests can be mailed to:

Reference Section
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542-4960

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Posted on 2008-11-20