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Flexible Schedule
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Sacramento, CA 95814
Do you have a passion for storytelling? Have a strong read-aloud voice? Be a part of the Talking Book revolution! Overview Audio or "Talking" book, narrators record pre-selected books about California or by California authors to bring alive the printed word to those who are blind or otherwise print-disabled. Key Responsibilities: Read the assigned book in advance of the recording process. Prior to the first audio recording session and in consultation with narration program coordinator, review, plan, and prepare the reading material, i.e. decide which illustrations to describe, find information sources for pronunciations of names, words or symbols, and review announcements, footnotes, glossaries, etc. Have fun 'becoming the book' in both fiction and nonfiction works. Work closely with session monitor and audio reviewer to turn any constructive criticism into a consistent performance. Qualifications: A love of reading and excellent command of the English language, other languages and accent expertise a plus. Ability to work independently and as a team. Professionally trained voice not required but must have good breath control and a voice which can vary in pitch. Willingness to audition and ability to pass the audition. Ability to tolerate working inside a small sound booth while a team member monitors recording from other side of large window, with the exception of remote, home narration. Training, Coaching, and Support Provided: Following a successful audition, you will be trained to use the equipment, and informed of library audio recording standards. You will also be introduced to staff and volunteers with whom you will be working and have access to them as needed. Location Commitment: Studio volunteer opportunities occur either on site at Braille and Talking Book Library Headquarters, 900 N Street in Sacramento across from the State Capitol. Remote home-narration is available depending on a volunteer's skills and experience. Remote narrators must furnish their own software and equipment. Time Commitment: 2-3 hours or more per week, or 4-8 hours or more per month through completion of at least one Talking Book. Volunteer shifts occur during business hours, Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Length of Commitment: Time will vary with the length and complexity of the book being prepared, but an average book will usually take a few or several months. Progress is usually made at the rate of 10-30 pages per hour. *Willingness to volunteer as either audio Book Monitor or Audio Book Reviewer at various times is optional but appreciated. Reimbursement of parking costs for on-site BTBL volunteer shifts available upon request. Benefits of Volunteering: Enhance the collection of accessible books for Californians unable to read conventional print. Meet talented and dedicated people who share similar interests. Gain experience translatable into other voiceover work. Leave a legacy with your voice to be archived for decades to come! Staff Contact: btbl@library.ca.gov Toll free: 800-952-5666
Date Posted: 2024-11-15
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Flexible Schedule
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Sacramento, CA 95814
Love to read a good book? Are you a natural wordsmith with an ear for details? Join us as a Talking Book behind-the-scenes reviewer mastermind! Overview As part of the California Braille and Talking Book Library studio team, the Reviewer examines audio or "Talking Book" recorded audio files in process over the course of a book's narration cycle, noting pronunciation, text omissions, other hiccups, and other technical errors. Delivers notes to original narration team for revisions to audio books about California or by California authors created for the blind otherwise print disabled. Key Responsibilities Audibly review digital book file from start to finish and/or in sections, referring to print copy for guidance. Maintain error log for use by narration team. Familiarize oneself with library audio production standards to ensure quality. Provide constructive criticism through invaluable feedback for improvements to recording by narration team. Qualifications: A love of reading and excellent command of the English language. Ability to work independently and as a team. Able to work on a computer and learn how to use specific software; Knowledge of how digital audio recording works is a plus, but not required. Training and Support Provided: You will be trained to use the equipment and informed of library standards. You will also be introduced to staff and volunteers with whom you will be working and have access to them as needed. Location of Commitment: Initially all reviewer volunteer opportunities occur on site at BTBL Headquarters, 900 N Street in Sacramento across from the State Capitol. Remote home-reviewing is available depending on a volunteer's skills and experience. Time Commitment: 2-3 hours or more per week, or 4-8 hours or more per month through completion of at least one Talking Book. On-site library volunteer shifts occur during business hours, Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Length of Commitment: For consistency, reviewer should complete entire book once begun. Pace of book completion will depend on the pace of the book narration team (progress is usually made by the team at the rate of 10-30 pages per hour). Time will vary with the length and complexity of the book being prepared, but average book will usually take a few to several months. Reviewer may have more than one book project going at one time. *Willingness to volunteer as either audio Book Narrator or Audio Book Monitor at various times is optional but appreciated. Reimbursement of parking costs for on-site BTBL volunteer shifts available upon request. Benefits of Volunteering: Enhance the collection of accessible books for Californians unable to read conventional print in California and nationwide. Opportunity to learn or increase computer skills. Meet talented and dedicated people who share similar interests. Gain translatable audio production experience. Staff Contact: btbl@library.ca.gov Toll free: 800-952-5666
Date Posted: 2024-11-15
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Flexible Schedule
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Sacramento, CA 95814
Are you mechanically minded with a desire to help blind and otherwise print disabled Californians? Join us as a digital talking book machine Tech volunteer! Overview Digital talking book machines (DTBMs) are used by our patrons to listen to accessible audiobooks. We are currently piloting a "speakerless" DTMB program and need some help getting the parts installed. The volunteer would inform BTBL staff if supplies required for speakerless machines' parts installation (ex: Torx screwdrivers, pry tools) needed to be replenished. They would also need to follow NLS safety guidelines after being trained by staff. This would be a short-term project as there are only 100 sets to install at this time. They may be asked to assist with opening DTBMs returned from incarcerated BTBL patrons to check if they are already speakerless. Key Responsibilities The proposed volunteer would be responsible for installing specialized parts inside BTBL's digital talking book machines (DTBM) under staff supervision. The volunteer would also be responsible for removing speakers from DTBMs in order to install the shims and their mounting accessories. Learns and follows National Library Service safety guidelines for working with DTBMs. Qualifications: Willingness to learn Ability to follow safety procedures Interest in accessibility Experience with electronics and/or appliance repair is helpful but not required Location of Commitment: This is an in-person, on-site volunteer opportunity at the 900 N St location of the California State Library. Length of Commitment: Volunteer shifts are available during business hours on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Reimbursement of parking costs for on-site BTBL volunteer shifts available upon request. 1-3 months or longer Benefits of Volunteering: Gain hands-on experience with National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) specialized equipment and services furnished to eligible residents in Northern California Applications will only be accepted through the Volunteer Match website. Staff Contact: btbl@library.ca.gov Toll free: 800-952-5666
Date Posted: 2024-11-07
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Flexible Schedule
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Sacramento, CA 95814
Do you love a good audio book? Do you think apps and software are cool? Be the glue that helps to cement the Talking Book revolution! Overview The audio or "Talking Book" monitor operates audio recording software and monitors volunteer narrators to produce clear and artistic audio books about California or by California authors for blind and otherwise print-disabled library patrons in California and nationwide. Key Responsibilities Operate recording software and equipment in cooperation with narrators as part of library narration team. Work cooperatively with the narrator and studio coordinator to determine the narration delivery approach and style. Follow along and provide appropriate feedback to ensure the text is spoken exactly as it is written and follows the mood and style of the book. Qualifications: Able to work on a computer and learn how to use specific software. Knowledge of how digital audio recording works is a plus, but not required. Excellent command of English language and pronunciation. Ability to work independently and as a team. ยท Ability to work in an enclosed room while a team member reads inside a smaller sound booth on other side of large window. Training and Support Provided: Following training for recording software, you will use recording equipment, and be informed of library audio recording standards. You will also be introduced to staff and volunteers with whom you will be working and have access to them as needed. Location Commitment: All studio volunteer Monitor opportunities occur on site at, 900 N Street in Sacramento across from the State Capitol. Time Commitment: 2-3 hours or more per week, or 4-8 hours or more per month through completion of at least one Talking Book. Volunteer shifts occur during business hours, Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Length of Commitment: Time will vary with the length and complexity of the book being prepared, but an average book will usually take a few to several months. Progress is usually made at the rate of 10-30 pages per hour. * Willingness to volunteer as either audio Book Narrator or Audio Book Reviewer at various times is optional but appreciated. Reimbursement of parking costs for on-site BTBL volunteer shifts available upon request Benefits of Volunteering: Enhance the collection of accessible books for Californians unable to read conventional print in California and nationwide. Opportunity to learn or increase computer skills. Meet talented and dedicated people who share similar interests. Gain translatable audio production experience. Staff Contact: btbl@library.ca.gov Toll free 1-800-952-5666
Date Posted: 2024-11-15
