Comments from Susan Fridie (12/02/98) regarding books on audio tape

Books on audio tape has become big business. I have been researching web
sites with audiobooks for my own use (like to "read" in the car). There are
many companies, each with thousands of books available for rental or
purchase. They are not cheap - for most people they would be a luxury item,
pricewise. Whereas "print-disabled" people (visually impaired or physically
unable to turn pages) are eligible for FREE talking books via the Library of
Congress, which has tens-of-thousands of titles available, and growing! Lots
of people think that it's only available to blind people and don't know that
physically disabled people are eligible too. 

    http://lcweb.loc.gov/nls/nls.html

There's a one-page form you get your doctor to fill out saying that you're
print-disabled. Once you're approved you order books through your state's
library, though it's all coordinated through Washington somehow. 

Here are some other audiobook sites (also commercial).

AudioNet
    http://www.audionet.com/books/

Audiobook Unlimited
    http://www.audiobooksunlimited.com/rental.htm

Lost Treasure Online
    http://www.losttreasure.com/outlet/books/browseAudiotape.html

Blackstone Audio
    http://www.blackstoneaudio.com/html/order.html

Audiobooks Online
    http://www.audiobooksonline.com/

Recorded Books
    http://www.recordedbooks.com/rental.asp

Talking Book World
    http://www.talkingbooks.com/

Taped Editions
    http://www.tapededitions.com/

Village StoryTapes
    http://www.vstapes.com/

These are all places that do rentals - because that's what I'm interested in.
There are others that just sell. I've only checked out a few of these - so
this is not an endorsement. 

Susan

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People with Disabilities Employment Program Information Bulletin
Volume 1-4 - June, 1997 - Talking Books

Did you know? Blind and visually, physically, or learning impaired persons
can still read for pleasure or information. This is done through the Talking
Books Program in which groups such as the Library of Congress & American
Foundation for the Blind produce audio versions of existing written material.
Some books are narrated or acted out by celebrities. 

How it works - Federal and state programs providing talking books are free.
Some programs require completion of an application with medical certification
of the disability, but others can be directly accessed. Everyone can access a
talking books program through the national Library for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped as follows: 

    call the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at 800/424-9100 

    provide the information requested (name and location) 

    they forward the information to the nearest library offering the talking
    books service 

    the local library will contact you within two weeks

Also check out:

http://scfn.thpl.lib.fl.us/thpl/special_libraries/talking_book/facts_available_equipment.htm