[Njabs-talk] Digital Talking-Books Systems
Quintina M. Singleton
qmsingleton at comcast.net
Mon Apr 13 12:58:34 UTC 2009
For Your Information!
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/
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