Talking Book Library
The Montana Talking Book Library (MTBL) offers alternative reading materials for eligible Montana residents who are unable to read standard print due to low vision, blindness, and physical and/or reading disabilities. If you know of anyone who could benefit from MTBL services, please go to our webpage and print an application for them to fill out and have certified. Public librarians are qualified to certify eligibility.
For general questions, please contact MTBL directly.
How is MTBL a resource for Public Librarians and their patrons?
The Montana Talking Book Library shares patrons with all Montana Public Libraries who serve residents with low vision, blindness, and physical and/or reading disabilities. MTBL works in partnership with the National Library Service (NLS) and Montana Public Libraries to provide free loaned digital library audio books and magazines delivered two ways: 1) Free door-to-door delivery of audio and Braille books, magazines, and players, and/or 2) Downloadable books and magazines for patrons who have high speed internet and an email account. Eligibility is determined based on National Library Service standards.
MTBL also has an annual Agreement with the Utah State Library to provide free Braille embossed library services to patrons of the Montana Talking Book Library.
MTBL does not provide Large Print books. To learn more about resources for Large Print books and textbooks, please go to the Other Resources page.
Public Library BARD Institution Account Goals
Each Public Library can sign up for a BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) Institution Account, and assign a representative to "demonstrate" downloading to eligible patrons. The purpose of a BARD Institution Account is to teach and demonstrate to individuals with print disabilities how to sign up for a BARD Individual Account, learn how to independently download their own materials from BARD to either a thumb drive, a digital cartridge, or an approved third party device purchased by the patron, unzip each downloaded item, and play it on their player. They can also play their downloaded materials on the MTBL free loaned player. Because the Public Library BARD Institution Accounts are for teaching and demonstrating purposes only, BARD offers only four books to download that are in the public domain. Once patrons are instructed on how to sign up for a BARD Individual Account, download materials, unzip an item and play it on their player, the Public Library has accomplished the goal of a BARD Institution "Demo" Account participant.
The BARD online collection currently contains over 55,400+ digital and braille downloadable books and magazines, Braille and Digital Musical scores and books, Instrument Instructions, and Foreign Language books (other than English) specially acquired and produced abroad.
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)
Instructions on how to apply for a BARD account:
BARD APPLICATION FOR INDIVIDUALS
BARD APPLICATION FOR INSTITUTIONS
BARD DEMONSTRATION ACCOUNTS FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Instructions on how to assist patrons on how to download BARD books at your library:
BARD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BARD DIRECTIONS FOR WINDOWS 7 IE8-9
Catalogs
Assist patrons on how to search, and order, books from the Montana Talking Book Library (MTBL) and the National Library Service (NLS) catalogs. Guide patrons on how to download BARD books and magazines directly from their catalog search results.
To access the MTBL Catalog, please open this link: MTBL ONLINE CATALOG
NLS offers a text-only version of their catalog, called Quick Search, for easy use with screen readers. To access the Quick Search Catalog, please open this link: NLS QUICK SEARCH
NLS offers a graphic version of their catalog, called Voyager. To access the Voyager Catalog, please open this link: NLS VOYAGER
