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Technology at GPL

Enhanced Vision - Merlin Ultra Full HD Video Magnifier

Merlin Ultra Desktop Electronic Magnifier

The Greenburgh Public Library is committed to providing accessible resources to all community members, including those with low vision. We are proud to offer the Merlin Ultra Desktop Electronic Magnifier, a cutting-edge assistive technology designed to enhance the reading and viewing experience for individuals with visual impairments.

Features

  • High-Definition Clarity: The Merlin Ultra provides superior image quality with full HD, ensuring text and images are displayed with incredible clarity and contrast.
  • Large Viewing Screen: The large display makes reading books, newspapers, and magazines more comfortable and accessible.
  • Adjustable Magnification: With magnification levels ranging from 1.9x to 104x, users can easily adjust the size of text and images to suit their needs.
  • Easy-to-Use Controls: Simple and intuitive controls make it easy to adjust magnification, contrast, and brightness, allowing for a personalized viewing experience.
  • Color Modes: Multiple color contrast modes, including true color, black on white, white on black, and more, help accommodate various visual preferences and conditions.
  • Auto-Focus: The auto-focus feature ensures that the text and images remain sharp and clear without the need for manual adjustments.

Benefits:

  • Enhanced Independence: The Merlin Ultra helps individuals with low vision read and view materials independently, promoting self-reliance and confidence.
  • Versatile Usage: Ideal for reading, writing, viewing photos, and even engaging in hobbies, the Merlin Ultra supports a wide range of activities.
  • Comfortable Viewing: Adjustable screen height and tilt options allow for ergonomic positioning, reducing strain during prolonged use.

How to Access:

  • The Merlin Ultra is available for use during library hours. Library staff are trained to provide assistance and demonstrations to help you get started. 

Viewing Modes

You can choose a viewing option by pressing the MODE button on the control panel. Each press will cycle through all 7 viewing options. The available viewing options are:

  • Full Color Image
  • Black and White Image
  • Enhanced Positive Image
  • Enhanced Negative Image
  • Color Select 1
  • Color Select 2
  • Color Select 3

Hearing Loop

Hearing Loop

A system, either using infrared technology or a copper induction loop, that transmits sound to individuals with hearing impairments during library events like lectures, book discussions, readings, and training sessions. If possible, call in advance to confirm that the induction loop system will be available and operational during your visit.

Other Technologies

Computer Accessibility Features

Computers at the Greenburgh Public Library have accessibility tools and features. Below are some of the features staff can enable on a computer during your session:

  • Narrator
    • A screen reader that reads aloud text on the screen and describes events.
  • Magnifier
    • A tool that enlarges parts of the screen for better visibility. It can be used in full-screen, lens, or docked mode.
  • High Contrast
    • Changes the color scheme to increase contrast, making text and images easier to distinguish.
  • Color Filters
    • Adjusts screen colors to help users with color blindness distinguish between colors. Filters include grayscale, inverted, and various color blindness modes.
  • Text Cursor Indicator
    • Makes the text cursor more visible by changing its size and color.
  • Pointer Size and Color
    • Customizes the mouse pointer's size and color to make it easier to see.
  • Speech Recognition
    • Allows users to control their computer and dictate text using voice commands, reducing the need for visual navigation.

Libby

  • Text-to-Speech (TTS): Supports VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android).
  • Adjustable Text Size and Font: Various sizes and dyslexia-friendly fonts.
  • Customizable Colors: Dark mode, sepia, and high-contrast options.
  • Navigation: Screen reader-friendly, with keyboard shortcuts.
  • Audiobooks: Adjustable playback speed, sleep timer.
  • Bookmarks and Highlights: Easy navigation and reference.

Hoopla

  • Screen Reader Support: Compatible with VoiceOver and TalkBack.
  • Text Adjustments: Adjustable size and dyslexia-friendly fonts.
  • Color Themes: Night mode and high-contrast.
  • Subtitles and Audio Descriptions: Closed captions, adjustable audiobook speed, sleep timer.
  • Navigation: Simplified, screen reader-friendly interface.

cloudLibrary

  • Screen Reader Compatibility: Fully supports VoiceOver and TalkBack.
  • Adjustable Text and Fonts: Customizable size and dyslexia-friendly options.
  • Color Customization: Night mode, high-contrast themes.
  • Audiobook Features: Adjustable playback speed, sleep timer, bookmarks.
  • User Interface: Intuitive and accessible design.

General Accessibility Features Across All Apps

  • Voice Commands: Integration with voice assistants for hands-free navigation.
  • Offline Access: Downloading options for offline reading or listening.
  • Syncing Across Devices: Seamless experience across multiple devices, retaining user settings and bookmarks.
  • Regular Updates: Commitment to regular updates to improve accessibility features based on user feedback.

Talking Book and Braille Library

Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL)

The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) is a free library service for eligible residents of upstate New York who are unable to use standard print materials due to a visual, physical or reading disability.

Materials are mailed to and from library patrons at their homes at no charge. Books can also be downloaded directly to a tablet or smartphone.

The TBBL collection includes print Braille books, and fiction and nonfiction audio and braille books, with over 70 magazine subscriptions available as well.

Applying for Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) Service

To borrow audio or braille books, you have to register with the Talking Book and Braille Library. Please fill out one of the applications below and return it to us.

Factors of Eligibility

You are eligible for this library service if you are a resident of upstate New York, of any age, and you have a physical disability that prevents you from reading print materials:

  • You can't see well enough to read conventional print. Specifically, you must:
    • Be legally blind, with vision in the better eye of 20/200 or less with correcting lenses, or:
    • Have a visual field no greater than 20 degrees in diameter, or:
    • Be unable to see well enough to focus long enough to read standard print, even with corrective lenses.

    OR:

  • You have a permanent or temporary physical limitation which prevents you from holding a book or turning its pages. Physical disabilities which may prevent the ability to read include:
    • multiple sclerosis,
    • stroke,
    • cerebral palsy,
    • severe arthritis,
    • paralysis,
    • a missing arm or hand,
    • lack of muscle coordination, and
    • prolonged weakness.

    OR:

  • You have a perceptual or reading disability: Persons certified by competent authority as having a perceptual or reading disability severe enough to prevent reading in the usual manner. For more information about eligible learning disabilities, see the NLS Factsheet Talking Books and Reading Disabilitiesexternal link icon

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