Ky.gov
Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

Collection Development Policy

​​​​KTBL Collection Development Policy (updated 11/2026)

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) provides the Kentucky Talking Book Library (KTBL) with the majority of our collection, in both audio and braille formats. This collection follows the NLS Collection Building Policy, available at loc.gov/nls/. Patrons may submit requests for the NLS to produce titles in braille or audio.

The Kentucky Talking Book Library provides additional materials by producing audiobooks of local interest.  Kentucky-produced books will be uploaded to the NLS, making them available to any registered patron. The KTBL maintains archival copies of titles produced by our recording studio. ​


Selection

To be selected for recording by the KTBL studio a book should:

  1. Have at least at least 2 favorable reviews published in reputable sources.
  2. Have a Kentucky connection:
    • be written by a Kentucky author
    • be about the people, places, history or culture of Kentucky
    • have a regional connection to Appalachia or border states
    • ​be a topic of particular interest to Kentucky readers
  3. Be written by a popular author, be considered for a literary award or be a genre or subject of interest to patrons based on circulation statistics of similar items.
  4. Appear in a style that lends itself to being easily recorded and understood in audio format.

The KTBL will evaluate each locally produced legacy format title based on our current collection development policy and the title circulation history to determine whether to convert it to new formats.

 Patron suggestions are welcome but are subject to the collection development policy.


Materials Not Recorded

Certain types of materials are deliberately not recorded by the KTBL studio. These include materials that:

  1. Have already been produced by the NLS or another network library.
  2. Rely heavily on visual elements.
  3. Have limited subject interest.
  4. Are autobiographical, political or religious tracts expounding a personal viewpoint.
  5. Are vanity press or self-published works.
  6. Are textbooks, academic, or non-fiction likely to become dated.
  7. Are known to be written entirely or primarily by generative AI.

 Exceptions may be made with the majority vote of KTBL Librarians, who agree that the writing quality, subject matter, and patron appeal of a particular title justifies recording the book. 

​

Reconsideration of Materials

Reconsideration of KTBL studio recorded materials:

  1. Because our materials are only accessible to users of the National Library Service program, you must be a member of the Kentucky Talking Book Library to initiate a reconsideration request.
  2. If a KTBL patron believes a specific locally recorded title does not meet the collection development criteria they may request reconsideration of that title by completing the Materials Reconsideration Form, available by contacting the Kentucky Talking Book Library.
  3. A title will only be reviewed for reconsideration once in a three-year period.  No more than one reconsideration request at a time can be submitted by a person for review.
  4. During the reconsideration process the title will remain in circulation.
  5. A written response to the reconsideration request will be emailed or sent via USPS to the person making the request. 


Gifts and Donations of Materials

The KTBL does not accept gifts of braille, large print or audio material for circulation. Occasionally, the KTBL may accept donations of print books, e-books or digital audio books for use in our studio during the digital talking book creation process. All gift materials must meet the criteria of this collection development policy. The KTBL reserves the right to dispose of donated materials.​


Weeding and Deaccessioning

  1. The KTBL will weed the braille collection according to the NLS XESS program to remain within its space constraints. 
  2. Damaged or incomplete braille titles will be weeded.
  3. Locally produced legacy format titles found to no longer meet the collection development policy selection criteria or to be poor recording quality may be withdrawn or not converted from legacy to new formats.  ​


Contact Information​

Kentucky Talking Book Library
PO Box 537
Frankfort KY 40602

800.372.2968

KTBL.Mail@ky.gov

We are available to assist you 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Eastern Time Zone) Monday-Friday.​​​




​


​