How do I use Bookshare on the NLS Digital Advanced Player 2 (DA2)?

The Bookshare Mode on the DA2 lets you search, browse, download, and manage Bookshare titles directly on the device. Before you begin, connect your DA2 to Wi-Fi and ensure you have an active Bookshare account. You’ll also need to type on the device to log in and search, which this article covers below.

Log in to Bookshare

1. Press and hold the Info button until you hear “entering menu.”
2. Press the Right arrow until you reach Bookshare, then press the Info button to select it.
3. Activate the “Login” option with the Info button.
4. Type your email address, then your password (see Typing text on the DA2, below).
5. If your information is correct, the DA2 will say “Login successful.”

You can also log in by importing a configuration file from a computer instead of typing your credentials on the device. For instructions, see the DA2 user guide (link to come).

Typing text on the DA2

You’ll enter Text Input Mode automatically any time you need to type, such as logging in or searching for a title. You can type using the buttons on the DA2, or by connecting a USB keyboard.

Typing with the DA2 buttons

When you enter Text Input Mode, the DA2 will tell you how to use the buttons. Here’s what each one does:

• Up or Down arrow: move through the current list of characters one at a time. Press and hold to jump five characters at a time.
• Bookmark: switch between character lists (lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols). When typing an email address, a list of common domains and extensions appears after the symbols.
• Sleep: insert the character at the current position.
• Play/Stop: review what you’ve typed. The DA2 reads it back, then spells it.
• Rewind: delete the previous character.
• Fast-forward: delete the next character.
• Left or Right arrow: review and edit typed text.
• Info: confirm typed text.
• Mode: cancel text input.

You can also turn on Key Describer for Text Input Mode to learn what each button does: press the Power button once quickly to turn it on, press buttons to hear what they do, then press Power again to exit.

Typing with a USB keyboard

• Connect the USB cord or dongle to the USB-A port on the right side of the DA2.
• If the keyboard is supported, the DA2 will say “USB keyboard connected.”
• Type your text, then press Enter on the keyboard or the Info button on the DA2 to confirm.
• Disconnect the keyboard when you’re done.

Typing with a Bluetooth keyboard

You can also type using a Bluetooth keyboard. For pairing and setup instructions, see the DA2 user guide (link to come).

Find and download a book

Once you’re logged in, you can jump straight to Bookshare from any other Mode using the first step below.

1. Press the Mode button until you reach Bookshare.
2. Use the Left or Right arrow to browse options such as Most Recent, Browse Categories, or Title Search, then press Info to select one.
3. If prompted, type your search using Text Input Mode (see above).
4. Use the Left or Right arrow to move through the list of titles, then press Info to select the one you want.
5. Choose Download, then press Info to confirm.

NOTE: At any point, press the Up arrow to go back to the previous level.

For the full list of Bookshare features and account options on the DA2, such as managing your login or checking download progress, review the user guide (link to come).