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<p class=MsoNormal>Hello everyone,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal> As
you can see from the message below, we need your help and support. There
is a hearing regarding the Google Settlement in New York this coming Thursday,
February 18. We need as many people as possible to come and show support
during this hearing. Dr. Maurer will be testifying. The hearing
itself will most likely last 4 hours—possibly longer. Due to court etiquette
we will not be able to leave when Dr. Maurer is done testifying. We will
have to stay for the entire hearing, or until there is a break.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal> There will be transportation leaving from the National
Center very early in the morning on Thursday—most likely between 4:30 and
5 AM. I will be sure to give out more details about transportation as
they become available. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>If you can attend this hearing,
please let Pat Miller and me know. Please let Pat know if you will need
transportation from the center. Please do not forget to let me know you
are planning to attend; I want to keep a list. You can reach me at
410-235-3073 or <a href="mailto:president@nfbmd.org">president@nfbmd.org</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Please do not reply to this message
as it will go to everyone on the email list.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'> Please
read the message below for further information, important security restrictions
for the Federal Courthouse, and information on the settlement itself and its
importance to us. If you have any questions, please let me know.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>I hope many of you can make it to
this important hearing!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Melissa<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Dear Federationists,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Your participation is needed in an important hearing this
coming week.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>On Thursday, February 18, at 10 a.m., a hearing will be
held in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York,
regarding the proposed settlement agreement in The Authors Guild, Inc., et. al.
v. Google, Inc., case. The proposed agreement has significant language to
ensure that any electronic book distribution done by Google includes equal
access for individuals with print disabilities. The hearing is important
because it will determine if the settlement agreement will be accepted by the
court.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>During the hearing, Marc Maurer, President of the National
Federation of the Blind, will speak in favor of the proposed settlement
language ensuring accessibility to Google's significant collection of
electronic books.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>It is extremely important that we have a large crowd of
blind individuals on hand to provide a visible showing of support for the
accessibility provisions of this landmark settlement agreement. Therefore, the
NFB is organizing a group of supportive observers to sit through the hearing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>The remainder of this message provides important details
about participating in this gathering, as well as background on the settlement
agreement.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>The hearing will be held at: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>United States District Court<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Southern District of New York<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Daniel Patrick Moynihan <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>United States Courthouse<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>500 Pearl Street<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>New York, NY 10007-1312 <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Tel: (212) 805-0136<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><a href="http://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/site_manhattan.php">http://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/site_manhattan.php</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>The hearing is scheduled to take place in Courtroom
23B. While the hearing begins at 10 a.m., it is important that those
wishing to participate arrive at the courthouse as early as possible,
preferably when the courthouse doors first open<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Court Security Officers will open the courthouse doors at
8:00 a.m. and those planning to participate should be aware of the high
security standards in federal courthouse buildings. The courthouse Website
notes, "Please allow extra time to pass through the security screening.
Cell phones, tape recorders and cameras are prohibited inside the
courthouse." As a result we encourage every person planning to participate
to bring as little as possible with you to the hearing. Those bringing cell
phones to the courthouse will need to leave them at the security station and
will be able to retrieve them upon leaving the building.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>It is critical for all participants to keep in mind that
proper etiquette of the court suggests that all observers should remain in their
seats through the entire hearing or until a formal break is called.
Therefore, those wishing to participate should be prepared for the hearing to
last a number of hours. Although we are just observing the proceedings, all are
strongly urged to dress appropriately for the court (i.e. professional dress is
recommended). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>After clearing security at the courthouse, please proceed
to courtroom 23B. Mark Riccobono is coordinating the NFB group for this
hearing. When you arrive at the courtroom, Mr. Riccobono or his designee
will advise you about next steps (it is possible that some of our group may
need to go to the overflow room). Please be sure to show up as early as
possible so our group can get good position for available seating in the main
courtroom (remember courthouse doors open at 8 a.m.).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>If you are planning to attend this hearing, please send
an e-mail to Pat Miller <<a href="mailto:pmiller@nfb.org">pmiller@nfb.org</a>>
so we can get a sense of the size of the group we expect. Alternatively,
you can call Mrs. Miller at (410) 659-9314 extension 2369.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Finally, below is an overview of important points about
the settlement as background to the importance of this hearing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>The Authors Guild, Inc., et. al. v. Google, Inc.
Proposed Settlement Agreement<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Overview <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Google, in partnership with leading libraries has been
creating a massive electronic books database of millions of titles. The
settlement of the suit against Google, if approved, will resolve lawsuits
brought on behalf of a broad class of authors and publishers against Google for
copyright infringement allegations in connection with the Google Book
Project. The agreement will significantly expand online access to works
through Google Book Search from the collections of major U.S. libraries and
will also enhance the ability of authors and publishers to distribute their
content in digital form. All of the services that will result from this
settlement for the public will be accessible to all blind and print-disabled
persons, although Google will have up to five years after the settlement is
finally approved to deliver access. What this settlement will do is
expand by millions of volumes the number of books that blind and other
print-disabled readers will have available to them to purchase, check out from
certain participating libraries or read at public libraries.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>After final approval, the settlement will authorize
Google to do the following:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>* Continue to scan in-copyright
books<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>* Develop an electronic books
database<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>* Provide responses to searches
in the database (already accessible)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>* For books in the database that
are no longer commercially available for sale and for commercially available
books whose authors choose to participate, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> * Sell
individual books to consumers in digital form; and <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> * Sell
institutional subscriptions to the books database to schools, corporations and
other institutions<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>* With respect to libraries, the
settlement will authorize Google to provide public and higher education
libraries with free access to the books database and special terminals will be
provided free to every public library in the country.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>How will the Agreement Affect the Blind and Others with
Print Disabilities?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>· The
Agreement expressly authorizes Google to provide the material it offers users
“in a manner that accommodates users with Print Disabilities so that such
users have a substantially similar user experience as users without Print
Disabilities.” A user with a Print Disability under the agreement
is one who is “unable to read or use standard printed material due to
blindness, visual disability, physical limitations, organic function, or
dyslexia.” The material covered includes material provided by
Google through institutional subscriptions, public access services, and
consumer purchases, as well as the material Google displays as snippets, book
previews, and the pages in front of and behind the books (such as the table of
contents and index).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>· Google
expresses its intention within the agreement to make digital copies of the
books accessible to users with Print Disabilities so that such users have a
substantially similar user experience as users without Print
Disabilities. To the extent Google is unable to do so, Google will
reasonably cooperate to enable such access to books through an Alternative
Accommodated Service Provider.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>· The
Agreement also places upon Google the obligation to offer the books in an accessible
format at no greater cost to users with Print Disabilities.
Specifically, Google must use commercially reasonable efforts to enable an
“accommodated service” to users of Google’s institutional
subscriptions, public access services, consumer purchases and other revenue
models. An “accommodated service” means a service that offers
the text of books and inserts in the form of electronic text used in
conjunction with screen enlargement, voice output, and refreshable Braille displays
(or at Google’s option and with the Registry’s approval, other
technologies to reasonably accommodate Print Disabilities) at no greater charge
than the charge to view Books in a similar manner to users without a Print
Disability.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>· For
Institutional Subscription users with Print Disabilities, Google must offer an
Accommodated Service for all books in the Institutional Subscription Database
for which Google’s automated OCR system is successful. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>·
Further, Google must not unreasonably withhold its consent to a request from a
Fully Participating library to work with particular third-party contractors to
provide access to the full text of the Books and Inserts as described under
“Accommodated Service” and to improve the quality of such Books
(e.g. OCR quality and structure extraction) for the purpose of providing such
access.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>· If
within 5 years from the Effective Date of the Agreement Google has not
complied, or ceases to comply, with its obligation to offer an accommodated
service, upon notice by the Fully Participating Libraries, Google must use
commercially reasonable efforts to identify and work with an alternative
provider to readily provide copies of Books and Inserts requested by the
alternative provider solely for the purpose of making those books accessible to
users with Print Disabilities.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>How will Users with Print Disabilities’ who use the
Services of Google’s Partner Libraries be Affected?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>* Libraries that have
Digitization Agreements with Google are authorized to permit users with Print
Disabilities to borrow digital copies of the library’s collection.
The digital copy must be accessible when used in conjunction with screen
enlargement, voice output, or refreshable Braille displays. Certified
users must agree to refrain from using, reproducing or distributing the book in
an unlawful manner and the library must maintain data about its provision of
“special access” to certified users.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> From: Riccobono, Mark <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 4:58 PM<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>To: Carl Jacobson (office@nfbny.org); nfbnj@yahoo.com;
Jim A (president@nfbp.org); president@nfbmd.org<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Subject: Court Hearing on Google Books Settlement<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Importance: High<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Dear State Presidents,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>As you know, we are organizing a group of people to be present
in support of the Google books settlement hearing on Thursday, February 17, in
New York City. This is a brief message to you as the leaders in nearby
affiliates and is not meant to be an official message to the troops.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>I am pulling together all of the details on this matter
at this moment and will be sending you greater details, including a message you
can send out to your troops, this evening.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>In short, we will want to begin gathering people at the
federal courthouse in New York at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 17. The
hearing does not begin until 10 a.m. but it will be important to have our
friends there and in the courthouse earlier. We are going to need to be
clear with the troops that we are there to show support and will have to be on our
top behavior as we will be inside the federal courthouse. As you can
imagine, the courthouse has extensive security rules--including no cell
phones--so people will need to come with as little as possible. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>I only began working on coordinating this group an hour
ago so I need a little time to get you all of the details but they are coming
very soon.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>In case any of you wish to reach me, at any time, my cell
phone number is 410-935-4019.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Yours in the movement,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Mark <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Mark A. Riccobono, MSEd<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Executive Director, Jernigan Institute<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Baltimore, Maryland 21230<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Phone: (410) 659-9314 ext. 2357<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Fax: (410) 659-5129<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Email: <a href="mailto:mriccobono@nfb.org">mriccobono@nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Web: <a href="http://www.nfb.org">www.nfb.org</a> <<a
href="http://www.nfb.org/">http://www.nfb.org/</a>>|<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p>
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