The Ottawa Public Library (OPL), in partnership with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA), provides accessible collections to any customer who cannot read or access regular print material due to a print disability. Eligible customers have access to OPL’s DAISY audiobook collection, as well as the resources of the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA).
What is a DAISY audiobook (Digital Accessible Information System)?
DAISY format audiobooks can contain up to 30 hours of material on one CD, and are easier to navigate for customers with a print disability than other books on CD. DAISY audiobooks must be played on specific players or with free downloadable software (i.e AMIS). Customers with a print disability may also borrow a DAISY player from the Library, for a specific period of time. Consult the Accessible Collections page for more information.
Who is eligible to access this collection?
You are eligible to access the DAISY audiobook collection if you have a print disability (permanent or temporary) due to a visual impairment, physical disability and/or learning disability in accordance with the definition provided for "perceptual disability" in Section 32. (1) of the Canadian Copyright Act. You must also have a valid OPL card (resident or non-resident) registered in your name. Please speak to a Library staff member to change your library card status to allow borrowing of DAISY audiobooks.
The loan period for customers with this status is 6 weeks. Standard loan periods for EXPRESS, eBooks and eAudiobooks still apply (these items will not benefit from the 6-week loan period). Customers with this status are also exempt from late fees (except for EXPRESS collections).
Where can I find DAISY audiobooks?
Customers can browse the DAISY audiobook collection in person at the following branches: Main, Beaverbrook, St. Laurent, Elmvale Acres, Nepean Centrepointe, Orleans, Carlingwood, Greenboro, and Stittsville.
To search the DAISY audiobook collection in the catalogue and place a hold:
- Go to the advanced search in the catalogue
- Under Format select DAISY.
- When you find an item you would like, click on Place a Hold to sign in, choose your pickup location, and complete the hold request.
Customers who are confined to their home for more than 3 months because of age, illness or disability and cannot visit a Library branch or Bookmobile stop can request to have their Library materials delivered.
Contact Homebound Services for more information.