[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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