Recorded Books: Public Library Collections

Why purchase recorded books when your public library allows you to check out books on tape or CD Rom for free? And if you do want to own a personal selection of recorded books why not try them out before deciding? 

Due to the ever increasing use of tape and CD players in cars, walkmans, and at home, the demand for recorded books in audio book format has sky rocketed. Government regulations have also forced public libraries to increase their stock of recorded books in order to cater to the visually impaired. Recorded books allow the blind access to a world of knowledge never before available. But don’t worry. Checking out recorded books won’t decrease availability for the blind. There are vast selections of audio books on the library’s shelves to meet everyone’s demands. 

Another great thing about checking out recorded books from the public library is their rigorous screening process. You are sure to get the best recorded books available. Most public libraries take into account the following criteria when selecting their recorded books:

· Authority and competency of producer
· Artistic Merit
· Reputation of the reader
· Quality of interpretation
· Ease of understanding
· Technical quality
· Sound quality 
· Packaging
· Cost

Information on the screening of recorded books for public library usage can be found at: www.tempe.gov/library/admin/colldev.htm 

So postpone your decision of whether or not to purchase those recorded books you so eagerly want until you do some research. First check out these recorded books for free from your local public library. 

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