[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "On%20the%20NLS%20BARD%20DA2%20player%2C%20we%20recently%20received%20an%20update%20that%20permits%20us%20to%20use%20Bookshare%20on%20the%20DA2%20player.%20How%20do%20I%20access%20that%20functionality%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I searched extensively, but I found **no official sources** yet confirming that the NLS DA2 player has been updated to *natively support Bookshare books*. What I found instead is extensive guidance about the DA2\u2019s built-in *NLS BARD service*, which is distinct from Bookshare. Below I\u2019ll summarize:\n\n---\n\n## What *is* supported on the DA2\n\n- The DA2 includes full functionality for NLS\u2019s BARD service: you can connect via Wi-Fi, log in, browse, search, download books and magazines directly from BARD onto the player. ([loc.gov](https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/equipment-for-nls-materials/da2-user-guide/?utm_source=openai))  \n- You can also import a \u201cBARD configuration file\u201d from a USB drive with your BARD email and password if you prefer not to enter credentials manually on the device. ([loc.gov](https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/equipment-for-nls-materials/da2-user-guide/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What about Bookshare\n\nBookshare is a separate service \u2014 it provides accessible ebooks (audio and text formats) under a different membership and licensing model. At this time:\n\n- I found no indications that Bookshare is integrated into the DA2 player through firmware or a menu option.\n- The DA2 user guide (latest version from NLS) describes BARD, cartridges, USB content, but makes **no mention** of accessing Bookshare books directly from DA2. ([loc.gov](https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/equipment-for-nls-materials/da2-user-guide/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Bookshare\u2019s own support pages reference using their apps, browser, or compatible partner apps/devices \u2014 but DA2 is *not* listed among those. ([bookshare.org](https://www.bookshare.org/help-and-learning-articles/how-to-read-bookshare-books?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Possible reasons and next steps\n\nIf you received an update message saying Bookshare is now usable on the DA2, it\u2019s possible one of these is true:\n\n1. **Beta or pilot update**: Perhaps a firmware or software version is in limited release, and documentation has not yet been updated publicly.\n\n2. **Miscommunication**: Maybe \u201cBookshare support\u201d was conflated with \u201caccess to BARD\u201d or a different DA2 model. Could also be referring to using the DA2 as a USB-audio device or using external apps that support Bookshare.\n\n3. **Companion software route**: You might be able to download Bookshare books via a computer or another device and then transfer them (via USB or via converting formats) into a format the DA2 can read. But that would involve manual steps, and likely only audio versions compatible with DA2\u2019s supported formats (DAISY audio, etc.).\n\n---\n\n## What you should do\n\nTo clarify and (if possible) enable Bookshare on your DA2, try these steps:\n\n1. **Check the firmware/software version**  \n   On the DA2: go into *Settings \u2192 About*, and note the version. Then contact NLS (via your regional network library) to ask if that version includes Bookshare support.\n\n2. **Review official documentation**  \n   Revisit the DA2 User Guide (National Library Service website) to see if a Bookshare-related mode has been added. As of the latest user guide (several months old), no Bookshare mode was described. ([loc.gov](https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/equipment-for-nls-materials/da2-user-guide/?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Ask NLS or your network library directly**  \n   Since you got an update, the network library can confirm:  \n   \u2022 Whether Bookshare books can now be accessed natively on DA2.  \n   \u2022 If yes, what credentials or configuration file you need.  \n   \u2022 If no, what workaround may exist (for example, reading Bookshare on a tablet or PC and then sending those files in compatible formats to DA2, if allowed under copyright/licensing).\n\n4. **Look for changelogs or firmware release notes**  \n   If there is a firmware update that enabled Bookshare, there should be release notes documenting that. Check the NLS website, or requests to your library, for a document \u201cDA2 Firmware version X.Y \u2013 What's New\u201d.\n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can try to check whether there\u2019s any very recent firmware (past month or so) that added Bookshare support that simply hasn't been documented widely yet. Would you prefer I try that?"
    }
]