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Structure Audiobooks
Do you enjoy a fun challenge?
Do you enjoy physically handling books?
Can you use a computer?
The Audio Services section of the Communication Center at State Services for the Blind is looking for volunteers to help us set up the digital structure of the audiobooks we record. Learn how to set digital markers for the sections commonly found in books – parts, chapters, subsections, pages, etc. This allows our customers to quickly navigate the audiobook and go directly to the section they want. This position involves up to 3 hours per week at our University Avenue location in St. Paul. Please contact Jami at 651-539-1421 or jami.snodie@state.mn.us for more information.
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Produce Braille
The Braille Unit at SSB has an ongoing need for volunteers who have National Library Service (NLS) certification in braille. They can also use volunteers who do not know braille for other important tasks.
Braille Transcription
A volunteer must have or be working on certification as a braille transcriber by the National Library Service in Washington, D.C. The training for certification takes about a year to complete; it is available in many local areas. Upon certification, additional training is available in transcribing textbooks. Volunteers use computers, either their own or one provided by SSB, to produce braille in their homes. At least one braille volume of about 70 pages must be transcribed each month.
Tactile Graphics
Tactile graphics (raised pictures, maps, or diagrams that can be felt rather than seen) volunteers assist in producing the illustrations that are used in many types of braille books. Graphics are prepared by tracing, freehand drawing, or by using a computer design program. Training is provided and the time commitment varies with the project being worked on. It is not necessary to be familiar with braille.
Proofreading Assistant/Copy Reader
A proofreading assistant/copy reader works as a team with a braille proofreader; the volunteer will read print material aloud while the proofreader checks the braille copy for accuracy. Volunteers read for approximately three hours at a time, with frequent breaks. It is not necessary to be familiar with braille, and no reading test is required.
How to Apply
For more information and an application, fill out the volunteer services form.
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Volunteer Readers Needed
Do you love to read?
Are you interested in the news of the day?
Do you have an interest in broadcasting?
Radio Talking Book (RTB) is a free news and information service that broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listeners across Minnesota and the nation. We broadcast daily newspapers, current magazines and periodicals, and a wide variety of books to appeal to a diverse range of interests. The recordings are archived on the organization's website and on the app, Minnesota Radio Talking Book, so that people can more easily access their local newspaper. These recordings are created every day, so a solid roster of volunteers is crucial to keeping this free and important service up and running!
Volunteer readers are asked to commit to one session per month—sessions last a few hours each and there is flexibility for you to select days that work with your schedule.
St. Cloud
Radio Talking Book is looking for volunteers in the St. Cloud area to read local newspapers for blind and low vision listeners across the region.
Please contact Rita Woeste, woeste2273@gmail.com, 320-293-2273 for more information about this exciting volunteer opportunity.
Duluth
Radio Talking Book is looking for volunteers in the Duluth area to read local newspapers for blind and low vision listeners across the region.
Please contact Michelle Juntunen, michjunt@gmail.com, 218-390-7323 for more information about this exciting volunteer opportunity.
