[Nfbmo] Fw: PRELAUNCH TESTING OF THE DIGITAL TALKING-BOOK SYSTEM

Gary Wunder gwunder at earthlink.net
Fri Apr 10 16:05:38 UTC 2009


Folks, I think you will find this of significant interest.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Smith, Richard 
To: WOLFNER_LIBRARY at LISTSERV.SOS.MO.GOV 
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 10:26 AM
Subject: PRELAUNCH TESTING OF THE DIGITAL TALKING-BOOK SYSTEM


Dear Wolfner Library Readers,

 

Wolfner Library will participate starting late April/early May 2009 in the prelaunch testing of the digital talking book system. Here is an excerpt for the latest NLS FLASH publication http://www.loc.gov/nls/newsletters/flash/index.html

 

PATRONS AND LIBRARIES TO PARTICIPATE IN PRELAUNCH TESTING OF THE DIGITAL TALKING-BOOK SYSTEM

FIRST PHASE OF DIGITAL SYSTEM ROLLOUT

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, has entered the first phase of the rollout of digital talking books! This spring, NLS will administer a much-anticipated national prelaunch test of the digital talking-book system to make certain there are no unforeseen challenges before mass production begins. This prelaunch will enable NLS and network staff to evaluate players, book cartridges, and mailing containers in normal usage mode. Input from network libraries, machine-lending agencies, and patrons will help to ensure a smooth and successful digital transition.

WHERE WILL THE TESTING OCCUR?

Slated for April, the prelaunch testing will begin when NLS distributes 5,000 digital talking-book players to eight regional libraries across the country and to JBI International (formerly Jewish Braille Institute). The libraries will then send the machines to selected patrons for use in their homes. 

The selected libraries will distribute the players and book cartridges to their most active readers. Patron and library staff participation in the prelaunch test will allow the players and books to be used in a wide variety of settings. This real-world use of the system will help further identify any serious latent problems.

All other regional and subregional libraries, four machine-lending agencies, and three consumer organizations will each receive one standard player and one advanced player for testing. 

WHAT TYPE OF BOOKS WILL BE INCLUDED? 

The NLS Collection Development Section identified 54 digital talking-book (DB) titles-fiction and nonfiction-for patrons to read using the digital talking-book machines during the prelaunch test. Each of the eight libraries participating in the test will receive multiple copies of all 54 titles, and all other network libraries will receive one DB title, one blank cartridge, a patch cord for downloading books, and at a later point, and two copies of each of the 54 titles.

The prelaunch test will also allow NLS to evaluate the mailing containers and tracking systems, which will help ensure an effective distribution and collection process. The expanded NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) will also be tested during the final weeks of the prelaunch.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR REPORTING RESULTS? 

Feedback from prelaunch testing will be handled by an independent expert consultant, who has developed a process for reporting and collecting data on any issues that may arise concerning the players, cartridges, or mailing containers. The consultant will analyze the data to identify any trends or patterns that should be investigated prior to mass production.

NLS will determine whether any modifications will be required before instructing Shinano Kenshi Corporation of Japan, the contractor hired to manufacture the digital talking-book players, to begin full production. The players will be produced at an initial rate of 26,000 players per month for four months and then 20,000 per month.

NETWORK TO RECEIVE TRAINING TOOLS FOR DIGITAL SYSTEM AND BRAILLE AND AUDIO READING DOWNLOAD (BARD)

Recently the Library of Congress awarded SI International a contract to develop training techniques and materials to prepare NLS network libraries for acquainting patrons with the digital talking-book system. Currently SI International, in collaboration with the NLS Network Division, is developing an online training site, complete with instructional tools, for using the digital system for beta testing during the prelaunch evaluation. Feedback will be collected, analyzed, and incorporated before the training site is launched. The contractor is also preparing training materials for using BARD. 

********************

On another note, NLS has announced the elimination of the 30 download limit of the BARD system as of May 1, 2009. Wolfner Library leads the nation with over 280 Wolfner library users registered for downloading NLS digital talking book over the Internet via BARD. 

The NLS digital talking book will have the capacity to play BARD download books on both a blank NLS cartridge and standard USB drive. Wolfner Library currently has a limited number of third party vendor players to loan to eligible Wolfner Library patrons -- the Victor Reader Stream. Requirements for a Stream player for loan from Wolfner Library to download books from BARD are:

·         You must be a Wolfner Library patron in good standing.

·         You must have a high-speed Internet connection or regular access to one.

·         You must have a working e-mail address and knowledge of how to use it, including handling attachments.

·         You must have a reasonable knowledge of how to use the web, fill out forms online, download large items, and unzip files.

·         You must have a working knowledge of file management; that is, you must be able to create folders to put your books in, and locate the proper folders from which to extract your books.

·         You must download a minimum of 2 NLS books or magazines a month.

·         You must be comfortable using small electronic devices such as TV remotes or cell phones.  

Please call or email your reader advisor if you meet the above qualifications and are interested in borrowing a Victor Reader Stream for use with the BARD program.

Thanks,

 

Richard J. Smith, Director

Wolfner Library

Missouri State Library 
P.O. Box 387 
Jefferson City, MO  65102 

Phone:  573-522-2767

In Missouri: 800-392-2614
Fax:  573-526-2985 

Email: richard.smith at sos.mo.gov

Web Site: http://www.sos.mo.gov/wolfner/

 

Not sure what to read next? Find a good book by listening to an audio bibliography at http://www.sos.mo.gov/wolfner/adult.asp

 



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