These policies govern the circulation of Talking Book Services materials and equipment. Registered readers accept responsibility for using materials with reasonable care and for returning them to the library.
Borrowers may return materials through mailing and are expected to use the same mailing containers in which books and digital players were mailed. Pre-addressed postage-free mailing labels are attached to the cartridge mailing containers. Registered readers must notify the library when there is a change of address or phone numbers, a desire to cancel or suspend service, or a need to transfer service to another state. Borrowers may not lend library materials or equipment to other persons. Only South Carolinians who are unable to use standard printed materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations are eligible for services.
Digital Players
Digital players are loaned to eligible borrowers using the recorded collection of the South Carolina State Library. Individuals are assigned one player. When readers are not borrowing from the recorded collection, equipment (working or non-working) must be returned and is recalled. Please retain mailing boxes for the players and the pre-paid return address card. Institutions are eligible for one player, and are encouraged to enroll residents for their own personal accounts. Please feel free to contact Talking Books regarding our institutional policies.
Digital Books
All patrons will start with two digital book cartridges when beginning service. A maximum of four cartridges may be considered based on usage and mailing situations. The loan period is 90 days. No overdue fines are imposed. Overdue notices are sent every 3 months. Renewals may be requested once. Those patrons not in good standing are subject to limitations imposed at the discretion of the Director of Talking Book Services.
Equipment Accessories
Patrons are allowed one set of over-the-ear headphones upon registration, if needed. If headphones stop working we can replace them upon receipt of the non-working pair. Patrons incarcerated in correctional facilities will receive one pair of headphones upon registration but will not receive replacements under any circumstances.
Large Print Books
Patrons can borrow a maximum of six large print books at a time. The loan period is four weeks. No overdue fines are imposed but overdue notices are sent. Renewals may be requested. Large print books are not available for loan to those incarcerated in correctional facilities.
Described Videos
A maximum of two Descriptive DVDs may be checked out to an individual patron at one time. Institutions, incarcerated persons, and persons who are not blind or visually impaired may not borrow described movies. Only registered blind and visually impaired persons may borrow videos. Videos are loaned for one week from the day they arrive at the home of the borrower.