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Talking books and Speech synthesizers

Tags: English

Talking books

About talking books

What are talking books?

A talking book is a recorded narrated version of a published book. It is intended for people with different types of reading impairments. You can listen to fiction, non-fiction and academic literature. 

Is there any difference between audiobooks and talking books?

Yes, there is a technical and a legal difference.

  • Talking books are intended for people with a disability that makes it difficult to read printed text. They are produced with public funds and in accordance with Section 17 of the Copyright act. 
  • An audiobook is a commercial product and can be borrowed or purchased by anyone.

Who can read talking books?

Anyone with a disability that makes it difficult to read printed text can get access to talking books.

What is a disability that can make it difficult to read printed text

Examples of different disabilities that can make it difficult to read printed text:

  • Reading and writing difficulties, dyslexia
  • Visual impairment
  • Physical impairment that makes it difficult to hold a book
  • Mental impairment
  • Cognitive functional disabilities, such as autism and ADHD
  • Anxiety and/or stress related difficulties
  • Temporary disability due to an injury or accident

Having a disability does not automatically give the right to access talking books and Legimus. There must be a direct link between the disability and the reading impairment.

If a disability can be resolved by, for example, using glasses or medicine it does not grant the right to use talking books.

Concentration difficulties is not a disability.

How do I read talking books?

You download the talking books from the digital library Legimus. You register for an account here at the library. Legimus is easy to use, but you are always welcome to contact us if you have questions.

Different ways of reading talking books:

You can read on your computer and on your phone or tablet. 

Reading alternatives

Many students choose to use the Legimus app to read on the go. The app is free of charge and available for Apple iOS and Android devices. 

With the app you can:

  • Navigate between headings and pages
  • Create bookmarks
  • Change reading speed
  • Change text size, colours and font

As a student with a Legimus account you can download a software digital player free of charge. EasyReader is available for both PC and Mac. Read more about EasyReader here.

With the software digital players you can:

  • Download books directly from Legimus
  • Create bookmarks
  • Adjust reading speed
  • Change text size, font and colours

 

On the Legimus.se you can listen to talking books through the web player.

Is your course book missing in Legimus?

If you can't find your course literature in Legimus, please contact the library. We can order a recording for you, as long as the book is mandatory course literature. It can take up to 12 weeks to record a book - make it a habit to go through your literature lists as soon as you get access to them.

Bibliotekarie

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Gustav Lindqvist
Contact:
+46 (0) 36 10 10 13

Co-owner

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Ylva Albertsson
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+46 (0) 36 10 18 30

Librarian

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Martina Castro Gutierrez
Contact:
+46 (0) 36-10 17 83