In addition to loaning talking book cartridges through the mail, the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTBL) offers patrons access to the Minnesota Braille and Audio Reading Download (MN BARD) website. MN BARD is maintained by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in Washington, D.C. MN BARD is often simply referred to as just “bard”.
MN BARD is an optional service that allows individuals and institutions with a fast Internet connection the ability to download digital talking books directly from the NLS 24/7.
Requirements for Using MN BARD
- A high-speed Internet service, such as DSL or cable.
- A computer connected to the Internet.
- An active email address.
- Ability to navigate the Web and complete online forms.
- Ability to download, unzip and transfer files from one location to another.
Playing downloaded talking books requires patrons to purchase either:
- A blank, NLS-designed talking book cartridge and cable package (see the Purchase Blank Cartridges and Cables section below); or,
- A USB flash drive (or memory stick) with at least 512MB capacity. Commercial retailers sell USB flash drives. Before transferring talking books to the flash drive be sure to remove all pre-installed software from the flash drive. Typically, one flash drive or one blank cartridge will be able to hold multiple books.
Applying for Access to MN BARD
To apply for MN BARD, patrons must:
- Be an active library user with the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library; and,
- Have a current address on file with the library.
Check with the library regarding eligibility questions before applying.
Apply for access to MN BARD online.
Please note the following when completing the online application:
- The application should use the eligible patron’s name, not his/her primary contact person.
- By default “Your library” should be set to “The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (Faribault, MN)”.
- The email address provided will be requested every time the user logs in to MN BARD.
- Applicants will be asked what type of player they will use for playing audio materials. Patrons who plan on using the free talking book player provided by the NLS should select the “NLS Talking Book Player” option. The other options are for commercially produced talking book players that individuals can purchase and use with NLS-produced talking books.
After applying, patrons will receive several email confirmations, which may take two business days to complete. The final email will include a username and a temporary password. This is a one-time use password. Users will be required to create a new password when they first log in. Passwords should be at least eight characters in length and contain at least one lower case letter and at least one number. Please complete the security question section so you can retrieve a lost password. If the security question section is not completed, users must contact the library to have their password reset.
BARD applicants registering NLS-authorized commercial players will receive an additional email from the player manufacturer with an authorization key to enable compatibility between their player and the MN BARD files.
MN BARD books and magazines are intended solely for the use of those who meet the eligibility criteria of the NLS. MN BARD patrons are required to agree to the NLS Download Agreement before they have access to MN BARD. This pledge states that “patrons may download materials from BARD solely for their personal use. Downloaded books and magazines may not be reproduced, transmitted, displayed, distributed, sold, or transferred under any circumstances.” User IDs and passwords may not be shared with anyone. An exception is made for NLS patrons who rely on a trusted personal assistant to access BARD. The NLS patron is responsible to ensure that the assistant complies with this pledge.
Commercial Digital Talking Book Players
In addition to the digital talking book players issued by the NLS, there are also several commercial players that individuals can purchase to play talking books and magazines downloaded from Minnesota Braille and Audio Reading Download (MN BARD). The following is a list of compatible players and links to their manufacturer’s websites:
- Humanware makes the Victor Reader Stream, the Apex BrailleNote/VoiceNote and the Victor Reader Stratus (also plays CDs).
- LevelStar, Inc. makes the Icon (no longer in their product catalog but still works with MN BARD).
- American Printing House for the Blind (APH) makes the Book Port Plus and the Braille Plus Mobile Manager (no longer in their product catalog but still works with MN BARD).
- HIMS makes the BookSense, the BookSense DS, the BookSense XT, Bookport DT and the Braille Sense OnHand.
- PlexTalk makes the PlexTalk PTN2 and the PlexTalk Pocket PTP1.
- Bones, Inc., makes the Milestone 212 and Milestone 312.
Please remember that BARD files will not play on a computer. Patrons must have an NLS or NLS-authorized player.
Purchase Blank Cartridges and Cables
The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library does not sell or loan blank talking book cartridges. The following is a list of companies and organizations that sell cartridges and cables which can be used with MN BARD downloads and NLS-produced talking book players:
Twin Ports Low Vision Center Duluth Lighthouse for the Blind
Mailing Address: 4505 W. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55807
Telephone: 1-800-422-0833 or 1-218-624-4828, extension 119
Fax: 218-624-4479
Email: info@lighthousefortheblind-duluth.org
Perkins Products
Mailing Address: 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Telephone: 1-617-972-7308
Fax: 617-926-2027
Email: PerkinsProducts@Perkins.org
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Mailing Address: 1839 Frankfort Avenue, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY 40206-0085
Telephone: 1-800-223-1839
Email: cs@aph.org
Howell Mobility Products
Mailing Address: 717 Louis Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48067-4603
Telephone: 1-248-548-1788
Fax (call first): 248-548-1788
Email: canes@howellmobility.com
Braille Institute’s Vistas Store
Mailing Address: 741 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Telephone: 1-323-663-1111, extension 1245
Fax: 323-663-0867
Independent Living Aids*
Mailing Address: 200 Robbins Lane, Jericho, NY 11753
Telephone: 1-800-537-2118
Fax: 516-937-3906
*Independent Living Aids only sell the USB cables, not blank talking book cartridges.
