Daisy Talking Books - A Better Way to Read
What is a DAISY book?
DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) is a standardized audio format that offers those with print disabilities a better way to read a book. DAISY books offer many advantages over books on tape and commercial books on CD:
- DAISY books have a superior sound quality when compared to books on tape.
- An entire DAISY book is contained on one CD, eliminating the frustration of sorting and dealing with multiple CDs.
- DAISY books contain links between the text and narration which allow the reader to go to specific chapters, or pages, place bookmarks and use an index.
- When you have finished reading the DAISY player will remember where you left off and resume at that same point when you start reading again.
- Although DAISY books must be played on a DAISY player, DAISY players will also play regular CD books and music CDs.
Currently the Library utilizes the CNIB Library to bring in a rotating collection of new titles every few months. The Library currently has 5 DAISY players for loan along with a collection of approximately 150 titles (fiction and non-fiction).
Who can borrow a DAISY book and player?
DAISY books and players are available for any Library member with a print disability. People with a print disability are those who:
- cannot obtain access to information in a print format because they are blind or vision impaired
- have physical or perceptual disabilities which limit their ability to hold, manipulate or concentrate on information in a printed form
- cannot comprehend information in print format due to insufficient literacy or language skills
Are DAISY players easy to use?
Yes! DAISY players operate similarly to a CD or cassette player. The DAISY player comes in a kit which includes a CD of detailed instructions for use, as well as a handy, quick-reference guide. Ask at the Adult Reference Desk for a quick tutorial on how to use the equipment!
What is the loan period for DAISY materials?
The loan period for DAISY books is three weeks. The DAISY players are checked out for a six weeks loan period. Just like other library materials, DAISY books and players can be renewed and are also subject to overdue fines.
How do I know what books the Library has in DAISY format?
The library catalogue can be searched using “Daisy book” in the “Subject begins with” area of the catalogue search page. This will give you a listing of all DAISY books currently in the Library’s collection. Additionally, if you are looking for a particular Author or Title, simply enter this into the appropriate search box on the Library’s catalogue page and then look for [daisy book] listed alongside the titles displayed. Not finding what you want? Check with staff at the Adult Reference Desk. Requests can be made for specific titles not currently in our collection.
Call 780-459-1682 for more information about our DAISY collection.
