Alternative Format Collections
Alternative formats for all users
Playaway
Playaway is a small device similar to an MP3 player, which is preloaded with one audiobook, runs on one AAA battery, and provides navigation features such as fast forward/rewind, advance/rewind one track, adjust playback speed and bookmarks the last place the device was stopped. Like audiobooks on CD, Playaways are created by the publisher and the book is read aloud by a professional narrator, an actor, or the author. To find Playaways in the Vision catalogue, combine “and playaway” with an author, title, or keyword.
Audiobooks on CD
Audiobooks on CD are books read aloud by a professional narrator, an actor, or the author. Audiobooks on CD can be searched in the Vision catalogue by combining an author, title, or keyword and selecting the “audiobooks” radio button. Note: you will also retrieve audiobooks in Playaway format with this search. To eliminate Playaways from your search results, include “not playaway” in your search.
Large print
Large print books are printed in 16 point, or larger font. To find large print books in the Vision catalogue, combine “and large print” with an author, title, or keyword.
Braille and print/braille.
Braille is a system made up of raised dots combined to represent letters, words, and, ultimately, text. Print/braille books combine standard print with braille to make the same text enjoyable by users who read braille and users who read standard print. NBPLS has a small collection of braille and print/braille books. To find braille and print/braille books in the Vision catalogue, combine author, title, or keyword with “braille” or “print/braille.” Users wishing to access larger collections of braille texts are encouraged to register with the CNIB Library or BAnQ (SQLA).
Described video
Described videos are movies with audio descriptions of scenes, actions, and characters. DVD and VHS formats are available and play on a standard player. NBPLS has a small collection. To find a described video in the Vision catalogue, enter “described video”. Additional described videos are available through the CNIB Library to registered users.
Restricted alternative formats
Restricted alternative formats are available to qualifying NBPLS patrons through the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) through the Service québécois du livre adapté (SQLA).
- CNIB: The CNIB Library provides people who are blind, have low vision, or have a print disability with access to English and French resources. Resources provided by CNIB include DAISY CD audiobooks and online resources, such as daily newspapers and current popular magazines. Details on registration requirements and more information on CNIB Library are available from the CNIB Library website: http://www.cnib.ca/en/services/library/Default.aspx or by calling 1-800-268-8818
- BAnQ (SQLA): Service québécois du livre adapté (SQLA) provides people with print disabilities with access to French resources. Audiobooks on tape and CD, braille books, music and multiple media works are available through SQLA. Details on the registration requirements and more information on SQLA are available from the SQLA website: http://www.banq.qc.ca/sqla/index.html?language_id=1 or by calling 1-877-289-3819.