The BC provincial DAISY book collection consists of approximately 400 titles, with 800 items, available to BC public library users with print disabilities at 30 participating public libraries. The collection is also available to all BC public library patrons via Interlibrary Loan (ILL). The collection is intended to supplement such materials at local public libraries.

What is a DAISY book?

DAISY (digital accessible information system), is a means of creating digital “talking books” for people who wish to hear and navigate material presented in an audible format, due to a disability that prevents them from reading print. DAISY books allow the user to easily navigate, for example, from chapter to chapter in a novel.

Do patrons need any special equipment or software to listen to a DAISY book?

To use a DAISY book, a special, portable, DAISY player (similar to a CD player) is needed, or software that allows listening to and navigating within a DAISY book on a computer. Information about purchasing DAISY players or downloading software to use with a computer is available on the CNIB web site at: http://www.cnib.ca/en/services/products/daisy/players/ . Players cost approximately $300-$500. The CNIB or some public libraries may also be able to loan DAISY players to their borrowers.

What is in this collection?

The collection consists of: fiction, including general fiction, mysteries, romances, short stories, westerns and a few popular children’s titles; and non-fiction, including biographies, travel stories, history, animal stories and more. There is an emphasis on BC and Canadian authors and topics.

Is there a catalogue of titles?

Search the provincial DAISY collection online catalogue.

Please see the search tips for exploring the LLB DAISY Book Collection.

Who can use this collection?

To be eligible to borrow DAISY books from this collection, users must be registered at their local public library as eligible borrowers due to a visual or perceptual disability, in accordance with the Canadian Copyright Act. This may include blindness or visual impairment, learning disabilities such as dyslexia, or physical conditions that make holding a book or reading print difficult.

A patron can place an Interlibrary Loan Request for any titles in this collection that are not available locally. It may take from a week or two to several months for a request to be filled, depending on demand for a title.

Where else can patrons get audiobooks or other non-print materials?

• Check with the local public library to find out what type of audiobooks or other non-print materials are available. These may include: audiobooks in MP3, DAISY, audiocassette, CD or downloadable formats; described or closed captioned DVDs or videos; and musical sound recordings in a variety of formats.
• Adult and young adult patrons who are blind or have a visual impairment can register directly with the CNIB Library: to receive DAISY books through the mail; to gain access to downloadable audiobooks or other information sources such as magazines; or to borrow Braille or print-Braille materials.
• Ask the local public library staff to submit on their behalf an Interlibrary Loan request for titles from the BC Public Library InterLINK audiobook collection. Specify which format is wanted: MP3, DAISY or audiocassettes For more information see: http://www.interlinklibraries.ca/audiobooks/overview.htm

Last update: December 14, 2011