BARD

All audio book and magazine titles added to the Talking Book Service collection are in digital format.  The digital books are available on a cartridge and can also be downloaded from BARD, an online database.  Listen to a short overview of BARD and BARD Mobile. Active TBS users must create an account in order to search and download books from BARD.

• Search BARD:  More than 96,000 book titles and magazine issues to download

• BARD Application Instructions: Who’s eligible to use BARD

• BARD Application: Apply for an individual BARD account

• BARD Application: Apply for an institutional BARD account

• BARD Instructions: Download instructions and much more!

• BARD mobile app for Android devices

• BARD mobile app for iOS devices

• BARD Mobile Instructions: Videos to help you make the most of both the Android and Apple apps

• BARD Frequently Asked Questions: A good overview of how to do almost anything in BARD

• iOS app podcast

Purchased players:

Purchased players are available that will play titles on cartridge or downloaded from BARD.  Some players allow the user to perform other tasks or access other resources such as Learning Ally. This list, maintained by the National Library Service, lists many models, their functionalities, prices, and manufacturer information. Users must register a purchased player and upload software before it will play the digital titles.

BARD Supplies:

NLS compatible cartridges and extension cables can be purchased from several sources.  The Talking Book Service does not sell cartridges to users, but will loan one 4GB cartridge and an extension cable to users registered for BARD..