Become familiar with the NJ Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC):
Check out the TBBC’s website and read the following about the TBBC from Youth & Young Adult Services Librarian Liz Burns: Information about TBBC’s youth services offerings:
"TBBC provides materials for anyone who cannot read a traditional print book for any physical reason. That means blind; low vision (even with glasses, standard type, such as is found in a newspaper, is too small); physical (which means cannot hold a book or turn the pages for an extended period of time); and, in certain circumstances, reading disabilities. More on who is qualified. More on when someone with reading disabilities qualifies.
The books we provide are Braille and audiobooks, that are produced by the National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (NLS) . They are produced outside of copyright, which means that authors and publishers aren’t paid for our copies; and, that we have to be careful about who has access to the materials. It means it’s for those who need the book rather than want the book. Because of this, our books are not the ones you’d find at the local public library or bookstore, or even looking in WorldCat.org. If you think a certain book doesn’t exist in audio because it’s not at Amazon? Think again and check out our website. To protect the copyright holders and the purpose of this being for people who are qualified, our audiobooks play on a machine that we lend to people, called the Digital Talking Book Machine. Audiobooks are digital, and either are preloaded on a flashdrive cartridge that is sent thru the mail or can be downloaded onto a flashdrive. (The patron needs an email and password to apply for the download service). Braille may also be downloaded.
At TBBC, our work focuses on two areas: being the librarian for the children using our services. For example – Readers Advisory. Except, it’s all on the phone or email; materials are delivered via the mail or downloaded; and, of course, it’s a matter of finding the item on Braille or audiobook. We also have a summer reading program but, because we have one location for the entire state, it’s a by-mail program.
The other focus is outreach, promoting our services and letting people know about us as a resource. (And yes – this is all free). So, that means a lot of exhibits at fairs and conferences.
By bullet point, here are the primary services:
· Braille, large print, and audiobooks
· For audiobooks: a digital talking book machine to listen to the audiobooks
· Many of the Braille and audiobooks may be downloaded via the Internet
· Braille and audio magazines (also may be available to download)
· By mail summer reading program
· Story hours (both at TBBC or at public libraries)
· Exhibits, at places like Transition Fairs
· This brochure is outdated, but it has the basics.
Level 3 Excersise:
Blog about what you’ve learned about TBBC. Are their services something you were familiar with? Could this be useful to you on the job? Have you ever used their services for your patrons? Curious about their library and what it looks like? Want a tour? Then be sure to check out level 4!
