[nabs-l] overdrive and public library access

[Ashley Bramlett via nabs-l]

Hi all,

Well, I have a library card and may soon find out what I can use.

It seems to me we get minimal access at university libraries; like only  one pc with jaws and most databases are not real accessible.
But, at public libraries, we cannot even use the pcs.

This has bothered me for some time as an active citizen.
Do you access your public library?
Now, I realize we cannot read print.
But, with jaws, we can use the e audiobooks and evideos.

So questions.

1. does your library have jaws, zoomtext, or any software for the vi population?
2. Most libraries use overdrive for e resource material. This means ebooks, e-audiobooks, and evideos. Is overdrive accessible? If you used it for an e audiobook, how is it divided up? by chapter? I’m sure its not as much as our daisy books.

3. If you’ve gone to a library to  get books that you might read via your own CCTV, magnifier, or with a reader, were the staff helpful?

Also, anyone want to comment on what electronic resources they found accessible at public libraries using your own equipment like a laptop?
Our libraries have free wireless access so I’m sure this is pretty standard elsewhere. So, you could bring your own equipment in  and search the databases. I’m wondering if encyclopedias like Gale Reference library or Grolier online are usable. My hunch would be yes, but have not tried. I plan to though as I would like to do some research on historical famous composers and women soon.

Thanks.
Ashley