A review of talking book technology has been conducted. This review concludes that present talking book technology in the form of analog cassettes and flexible discs is, today, the most viable for the program. The overall trend of audio technology toward digitization continues, and will likely some day be practical for use in talking book programs at the patron level. Today, for example, the compact disc is becoming the dominant audio technology at the consumer level. Traditionally, the talking book program has benefitted from the economies of established consumer technology. However, in terms of flexibility, ease of use, and economy, the compact disc and other digital technologies are not now suitable. Research in audio compression has the potential to benefit a digital implementation of the talking book program. An overview of this technology concludes this report. (Author)