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G2S Project Code: 2024-NE-94793
State: Nebraska
Fiscal Year: 2024
Grantee
Nebraska Library Commission

Project Director
Director Name: Gabe Kramer
Director Phone: 402-471-6242
Director Email: gabe.kramer@nebraska.gov
General Information
Title: Talking Book and Braille Service
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: The Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) provides free audiobooks and audio magazines on digital cartridges and Braille to individuals with a visual or physical condition or a reading disability which limits use of regular print. Eligible individuals can also download books and magazines from BARD online. The Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service provided books and magazines in audio and in Braille to 2,678 Nebraskans with visual or physical impairment. In our in house studios, we also record and produce Audiobooks and audio magazines from either Nebraska or regional authors or about Nebraska and the Great Plains. The recordings form our Nebraska Collection are made available for loan to our patrons.
State Goal: Lifelong learning and cultural enrichment
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$595,736.30
$0.00
$0.00
$595,736.30
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Reading Program (Not Summer Reading)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Talking Book and Braille Service
Narrative: LSTA funds are used for salaries and benefits for the staff working on the activities described here. Talking books are provided by the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. Additional talking books and magazines are expertly recorded by the TBBS at recording studios located at the Nebraska Library Commission. Locally recorded books and magazines include those from Nebraska or regional authors or about Nebraska and the Great Plains. Special digital players are provided free of charge. Home entertainment videos offered participants audio description of the visual elements of movie and public television programs. Books, magazines, players, and videos were mailed to and from our library postage-free. Patrons may also utilize BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download). BARD is a website and mobile app that lets patrons of the Talking Book Libraries download Braille and audio books. NLS updates and maintains the main collection. TBBS has contributed a total of 155 book to BARD (53 in this FY). TBBS has also recorded 177 issues of local magazines. LSTA funds were also used to support programmatic costs. This includes the hiring of a new marketing and public relations coordinator. The TBBS is hoping to grow its patron base and summer reading program participation exponentially. It is too soon to to have any substantial data, but the initial findings look promising. LSTA funds were also used for a contract with the Utah State Library for Braille service to Nebraska readers. This service includes both the distribution of physical Braille and the distribution and service of the electronic Braille e-readers, which were developed by NLS.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Combined physical & digital


Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 125,104
Average number of items circulated / month: 10,425
Total number of ILL transactions: 2
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: Yes
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 271
Academic Libraries: 51
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 4
Special Libraries: 95
School Libraries: 890
Other: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Testimonials from Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) borrowers, family members, and friends continue to underscore the value and benefits of this service. TBBS staff maintain close contact with borrowers in order to best serve borrower reading interests.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Notable and encouraging are the developments that have been implemented in recent years and those that are anticipated in the near future. These technology supported enhancements are essential to providing devices that are easier to use and that allow for more accessible access to recorded books and other documents.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated staff are essential to providing effective services. It is also essential to have staff eager to explore new service approaches and technologies. Outreach is an essential activity to improve public awareness of the service.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
Yes
Explain:
The Library Commission's Talking Book and Braille Service expects to employ new technologies as they become available to better serve TBBS borrowers. Developments led by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped show leadership and innovation that will result in continued progress in service improvements.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
Priority will continue to be providing individualized and responsive services to borrowers, along with promotion to provide service to new borrowers that meet eligibility requirements.
Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: Yes
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: talking books, disabilities