Is the Digital Talking Book Program meeting librarian and patron expectations?

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to fill the gap in current research on the United States National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped program by surveying NLS librarians, using social informatics as the theoretical base. A 31-question survey was distributed to 111 library professionals. The questions addressed the Digital Talking Book Program, the Digital Talking Book Player, patrons, adaptive/assistive technologies, the impact of the 2008–2009 recession, and the Local Recordings program. NLS librarians and their patrons were satisfied with the player; however, both groups feel that it needs to be upgraded. Future research should survey NLS patrons and non-users of the NLS program.

Voices of Strength: A Survey of Librarians Working with Chronic Illnesses or Conditions

“…The recent literature on the intersection of disabilities and libraries is rich with research on inclusive, accessible services to library patrons with disabilities (O'Sullivan & Alexander, 2020;Pionke, 2017;Pontoriero & Zippo-Mazur, 2019;Rose, 2018) and the importance of educating staff about accommodating library users who are disabled (Kowalsky & Woodruff, 2017). Fewer studies focus on librarians who have disabilities or chronic conditions and the impact these conditions have on their work lives and career progression.…”

The impact of digital books on marketing communications

“…The digital and knowledge economy have brought about a world in which wealth and power increasingly depend on information technology, intellectual property and control over information flows (Simmons, 2008;Ozuem and Lancaster, 2014;Rose 2018). In one sense, such an economy provides an extension of democratisation through the spread of ideas and resources; whilst in another context it contributes to a 'digital divide' (DD) between those with wide access to digital products and knowledge and individuals who do not (Wijetuga, 2014;Epstein, et al, 2011;Li et al 2013).…”