Library Adds New Book Ordering System for Readers with Disabilities

Library Adds New Book Ordering System for Readers with Disabilities

60,000 Titles Now a Phone Call Away 24/7

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) now offers for individuals whose disabilities prevent reading standard print materials a quick, easy way to locate audio and large print books or described videos - even without access to a computer. With LBPH's Vo-PAC (Voice-Activated Public Access Catalog), a new automated book ordering system, any registered reader needs only a telephone and a password to browse over 60,000 titles and then place requests for items.

Vo-PAC complements LBPH's OPAC, an Online Public Access Catalog, through which computer users already search the collection and place requests.

Readers may order books by contacting LBPH staff 9-to-5 Monday through Friday, but Vo-PAC and OPAC customers also have the option of ordering selections independently and with complete privacy anytime day or night. Borrowers can choose books by author, title, subject, narrator or series.

LBPH serves readers with visual and physical disabilities in 36 counties in Western Pennsylvania. There is no charge for this library service. Materials are sent to and from readers free by mail.

Vo-PAC represents the Library's commitment to offering the best and most versatile service available to customers. Other LBPH services include InfoEyes, a multi-state virtual reference service available via the Internet, and Mobile LBPH, an outreach program that carries staff and information throughout the western half of Pennsylvania.

Vo-PAC is funded by LSTA (Library Services Technology Act) through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Pennsylvania Department of Education. Vo-PAC will be provided to residents of Eastern Pennsylvania soon.

For details on Vo-PAC or OPAC, or to find out more about LBPH services, call (800) 242-0586 or contact lbph@carnegielibrary.org.

About Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: "Free to the People" since 1895

Through its Main Library and network of neighborhood locations, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh serves the dynamic and diverse information needs of people living in Western Pennsylvania. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is a community anchor and gateway to literature, culture, music, history, business and technology.

www.carnegielibrary.org

Source: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

CONTACT: Lane Maggio Cigna, Communications Manager of Carnegie Library
of Pittsburgh, +1-412-578-2458, or +1-412-480-4007; or Kathleen Rega Kappel of
the Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, +1-412-687-2440

Web site: http://www.carnegielibrary.org/

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