Braille Book Review and Talking Book Topics
The following information is reprinted from two issues of NLS Flash, a newsletter created to bring current information on NLS progress in digital technology to patrons, library staff, and other interested individuals.
Flash, August 2006, volume 2, issue 9
Digital project contracts require a coordinator to monitor all angles
A challenging project such as the digital transition undertaken by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, requires multiple levels of expertise in order to succeed. NLS has assembled top talent across technical specialties in addition to its own digital team. With the number of contractors involved in a project of this magnitude, NLS relies on its digital contracts coordinator, Alice Baker, to keep the lines of communication open.
"Building a digital talking-book system requires specific technical and engineering expertise. For that reason, we have contracted various experts in the field of accessible technology to assist in transitioning to a digital collection," says Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director. "It's important that NLS work closely with contractors to ensure that projects proceed on schedule and meet goals."
Battelle, a leading technology innovation firm, has been contracted to manage the design and development of the digital talking-book player and media. Battelle has subcontracted with HumanWare, innovators in digital talking-book technology, to support them in designing the DTB player's software as well as coordinating usability tests associated with the digital project. Battelle also turned to the University of Wisconsin's Trace Research and Development Center for their expertise in accessibility issues specific to physically handicapped people. The National Federation of the Blind is another subcontractor involved in user needs and product usability testing. Their expertise in the field of assistive-technology product development has proven very useful in the design process.
ManTech Advanced Systems International, another member of the NLS contractor team, has focused on the development of strategic plans related to distributing DTBs. The company conducted a distribution system study examining the best means of circulating digital talking books. The study concluded that a hybrid system of mass production and duplication on demand would work best gradually implemented.
To complement NLS's talented engineering department, NLS summoned Dr. Donald L. Pieper out of retirement. As the research and development director at the global, broad-based healthcare company Abbott Laboratories, Pieper oversaw the development and production of an innovative glucose monitoring system known as FreeStyle and FreeStyle Flash. Now NLS is relying on his expertise for a variety of technical issues, including how to transition the DTB player from design to mass production.
While each contractor and subcontractor works on separate pieces of the digital project, their work is of equal importance to the overall goal of developing a top-quality digital talking-book system.
Keeping the trains running
With so much work compressed into a short period of time, it is important to keep projects running on schedule so that NLS meets its 2008 goal. Baker oversees and coordinates contractor assignments. Her job is to ensure that they plan adequately, deliver high-quality work, and meet deadlines. Often, she facilitates the flow of information between various project teams enabling projects to move smoothly, dovetailing where necessary.
"I get contractors the information they need and I help them prioritize. But much of my work involves coordinating decisions and ensuring that things get done," notes Baker. "It's gratifying work because it's helping to build a digital talking-book system that will satisfy the information and recreational needs of many thousands of blind and physically handicapped readers for many years."
Keeping track of the various activities assigned to contractors and subcontractors and monitoring their workflow requires multitasking and organizational skill. It also involves a strategic understanding of the digital project's various, interrelated pieces and what is needed to move them forward. With a law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law, advanced courses in information sciences, and a wealth of contract management experience, Baker has the skill and determination to bring the project to fruition.
The successful completion of the digital talking-book system ultimately comes down to teamwork between NLS and its contractors. The digital contract coordinator works hard to maintain strong working relationships between NLS and its outside experts.
Laying the groundwork
In addition to coordinating current efforts, the digital contracts coordinator must also lay the groundwork for future work. Currently, Baker and her colleagues are in the process of coordinating the writing of two requests for proposals (RFPs) to obtain contractors to manufacture the digital talking-book player and the cartridge.
The process involves identifying the right skills for the job and requires considerations from major concepts to minute details in constructing the RFP. Various teams are working together to write the draft, including staff from Battelle, the NLS digital team, the Library of Congress's contracting office, and the Office of General Counsel. Battelle must ensure that its designs for the player and cartridge are conveyed fully and exactly, and that all the issues involved in manufacturing the design are factored into the request.
"As we think about a new technology and moving toward the future, we need to exercise caution and do plenty of research to make sure that we find good craftsmen to build the digital system, " says Baker.
Flash, September 2006, volume 2, issue 10
NLS completes preliminary design review of player, cartridge, and mailing containers
Good design is often the result of good planning and evaluation. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, has gone to great lengths to ensure its designs for the digital talking-book player and cartridge and their mailing containers are fully functional when built. One major component of this ongoing effort is the preliminary design review, during which NLS evaluates all design components to be sure that they meet the requirements for usability, portability, and durability. This review is necessary before the testing and analysis of functional prototypes can begin. During the June 2006 review, NLS approved all system designs and granted permission to move forward with functional prototypes.
"NLS is pleased to have successfully completed the preliminary design review," says NLS director Frank Kurt Cylke. "This is an exciting development that indicates the design process is on target and that we are prepared to develop functional prototypes, advancing NLS closer to realizing a fully digitized talking-book program in 2008."
Design review The review team included NLS staff and representatives from Battelle and HumanWare. Throughout the review process, all worked to ensure that designs translate into functional prototypes that operate correctly and are user-friendly.
To that end, NLS examined a variety of issues during the review, such as usability. The team evaluated cartridge design for ease of handling and insertion and they assessed the adequacy of the print/braille labeling. Tactility and shape of the player's buttons, and other markings were also examined.
When analyzing designs for the mailing containers, the team demanded plans that would allow for the production of prototypes capable of withstanding extreme temperature and other adverse conditions caused by shipping, weather, and other uncontrolled situations.
The preliminary design review follows multiple rounds of user needs testing, patron usability testing, and refinements to the DTB system.
NLS digital contracts coordinator Alice Baker is pleased that the review was successful and that the designs were satisfactory and on target. "All the hard work and months of effort have yielded a design that can be built and tested with confidence."
Moving forward
With the design review complete, NLS moves forward with the next stage of the process: production of functional prototypes. Battelle is currently charged with the task of manufacturing prototypes for 50 players, 90 cartridges, and 150 cartridge containers.
During this multiple-phase process, engineers will finalize the design drawings and build the prototypes. At the same time, they will test player circuit boards, USB connectors, and speaker components to determine which will work best.
To assess durability, prototypes will be tested in simulated real-world scenarios. They will be dropped from varying heights onto a range of surfaces, scratched, spilled on, and subjected to temperature extremes—all to ensure that the equipment will be able to withstand daily wear and tear when they come off the production line. Other prototypes will be treated more gently, tested in the less extreme conditions of patrons' homes.
NLS expects to receive the first prototypes in September, but the pre-production stage of the design process does not commence until November, when—after more usability testing—NLS will be fully prepared to conduct the critical final design review. This is the last review prior to building preproduction prototypes.
Roadmap to functional prototypes Contractor's checklist
NLS progress review
Following a review of ongoing digital efforts the inspector general, Library of Congress, issued the remarks below on August 23, 2006.
Our survey revealed that NLS is effectively managing its plans to:
Start 1/12/04--Finish 10/1/08 The following ongoing projects, set to conclude in 2008, are shown with start dates in parentheses.
For information on the NLS digital project contact:
Jean M. Moss
Digital Projects Coordinator
jemo@loc.gov
Fax: (202) 707-1690
To view the Strategic Business Plan on the Web visit: www.loc.gov/nls/businessplan2003.html
To view the Flash newsletters on the Web visit: www.loc.gov/nls/newsletters/flash/archive.html
The following announcement may be of interest to readers. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped reserves the right to publish announcements selectively, as space permits. Items mentioned, however, are not part of the NLS program, and their listing does not imply endorsement.
Internet access by telephone
InternetSpeech, Inc., offers a subscription service to individuals who may wish to access the Internet by phone, without a computer. Users may surf and browse web sites, search by key words, send and receive e-mail, and conduct e-commerce through the use of an interactive voice technology. Rates vary from $14 to $23 per month according to the program selected, with a one-time $20 set-up fee. To learn more, call 877-312-4638 or (408) j532-8460, or visit www.internetspeech.com.
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