QUICK TIPS for BARD
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)
BARD is a free Braille and Audio Reading Download service for active Talking Book Patrons through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. More than 70,000 books and 90 magazine titles are available for patrons to download, and new materials are added daily.
What You Need to Get Started
· An active account with Illinois Talking Books and Braille Service.
· A computer with high-speed Internet access.
· An active email address.
· An NLS Digital Talking Book Machine issued to you from IL Talking Book Outreach Center, an Apple mobile device (an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch), or an independently purchased authorized player.
· A USB flash drive (thumb drive) or blank cartridge that has at least one gigabyte (1 GB) of storage. One can typically fit about thirty books on a 4 GB cartridge or flash drive.
How to Sign Up
Current TBBS patrons may fill out an online individual application with BARD, available by following the link at www.illinoistalkingbooks.org/bard. When filling out the application, make sure to select Mid Illinois Talking Book Center (East Peoria or Geneva) as your library.
Once you are approved for service, BARD will email you a username and temporary password for your account. When you log in and create a permanent password, you will be able to search and download audio and braille books using the BARD catalog.
Downloading from BARD
The downloading process is easy to learn, but varies depending on your device’s operating system, Internet browser, and use of assistive technology. For step by step instructions, please contact a Reader Advisor at the Illinois Talking Books Outreach Center for personal assistance at 1-800-426-0709. You may also view system specific instructions on the ITBOC website at www.illinoistalkingbooks.org/bard/bard-help.
BARD Mobile App for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire
BARD patrons may now download audio and Braille books directly to their iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices with the free BARD Mobile app, available through the iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon stores. Turn your smartphone or tablet into a personal, portable library!
If you do not already have a BARD account, use a computer to sign up for an account. The other side of this page includes information on signing up for BARD. Use the same email and password to log into the app. You only need to log in once.
Playing MP3 and WAV Files
Your Digital Talking Book Machine will also play mp3 and WAV audio files. Create a folder on your USB flash drive named audio+podcasts. (Be sure to use the + sign between the words audio and podcasts). Put your mp3 or WAV files in this folder. The audio files will then play in sequence based on their file names.
Assistance is Available Through:
Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center at 1-800-426-0709
www.illinoistalkingbooks.org/bard/bard-help
https://nlsbard.loc.gov/
Illinois State Library
Talking Book and Braille Service
300 S. Second Street
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 1-800-665-5576 Option 1
Illinois Talking Book
Outreach Center
125 Tower Drive
Burr Ridge, IL 60527-5783
Phone: 1-800-426-0709
Fax: 1-630-734-5055
www.illinoistalkingbooks.org