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.
Found: Digital talking-book distribution solution
Is it possible to have the best of both worlds? It is when it comes to digital talking-book distribution. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, ended the first phase of its distribution-system study last month by selecting an option that combines mass duplication and on-demand duplication of titles. The NLS Digital Long-Term Planning Group (DLTPG) supported this solution.
"Our top priority was finding an efficient distribution process that suits flash technology and is functional for NLS, network libraries, and patrons," says Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director. "After careful consideration of various options, it's clear that a mixed option is the most sensible solution. It should meet the needs of the entire network."
The study, conducted by ManTech Advanced Systems International, recommends that digital talking books be mass produced for the first two to three years. When duplication technology is able to support on-demand production, a hybrid system combining mass duplication and on-demand duplication will be introduced.
When the new system is fully implemented, high-circulation titles will be mass duplicated and shipped to libraries for local storage and loan. Less popular titles will be produced on demand and distributed from duplication centers. High-circulation titles will be weeded as their popularity wanes and will migrate to on-demand production to reduce storage build-up and make way for new titles.
According to Michael Moodie, NLS deputy director, the benefits of a hybrid solution far outnumbered those of other systems. "The shift of some distribution to duplication centers focuses staff resources on reader advisory services. It also reduces the number of cartridges required. These factors translate into cost savings for both NLS and regional libraries," says Moodie. "The only drawback of the hybrid is that it's more complex from an operational standpoint."
A winning combination
Choosing between the mass-duplication and hybrid options was a rigorous process. Each system's impact on NLS, network librarians, and patrons was closely considered. Extensive circulation data collected from nine libraries all varying in size, location, and information system used ensured that many factors affecting distribution were assessed. Each system was evaluated for such factors as cost efficiency, operational complexity, storage utilization, and quality of service.
ManTech presented its findings to the DLTPG comprising patrons, state and network librarians, and NLS staff to gauge whether the process would work well for all parties involved. Group members assessed the evaluation factors used to select the hybrid model and found them to be adequate. The committee also considered the grouping of titles for mass or on-demand duplication.
"The group ultimately accepted the final recommendations," said Jerry Ducrest, ManTech subcontractor. "They were receptive to the hybrid system as long as it is implemented correctly."
The new system will affect librarians minimally at first, as they continue to handle all distribution. Once the hybrid system is implemented, an estimated 20 percent of circulation would move from network library to on-demand-center responsibility. Impact also depends on how easily a library's existing circulation system interfaces with the new model. Patrons will continue to order books through their libraries without any noticeable impact.
Bridge to the future
The move to the hybrid model will be smooth, systematic, and gradual. An extensive transition plan will bridge NLS to the future process. The research-driven plan will be developed alongside system design during the second phase of the distribution study. The plan will address operational issues such as distributing players, balancing quantities of cassettes and digital talking books, and the designing of automated systems. The plan is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2006.
Eager to move forward, the DLTPG discussed key transition issues and goals in its recent meeting. Considerable attention was given to how digital talking-book players would be distributed during the first few years. The group discussed this issue at length and NLS will develop guidelines based on its input.
The DLTPG will continue to advise on the transition process in the coming year. "The Digital Long-Term Planning Group's input is very helpful in developing a transition plan that will be functional for the entire network," noted Moodie. "NLS will issue recommendations based on the committee's feedback."
Hybrid highlights
When the digital talking-books program rolls out in 2008, it will be via a mass duplication system. NLS will then introduce a hybrid model two to three years later, combining mass and on-demand duplication. Here is how it will work once implemented:
Mass duplication. High-circulation titles which account for about 20 percent of the total collection and nearly 80 percent of total circulation will be mass produced and distributed to libraries for storage and circulation to patrons.
Duplication-on-demand. Low-circulation titles comprising the balance of the collection yet only 20 percent of circulation will be duplicated on demand at distribution centers. Patrons will continue to place orders for books through their local library.
An update on digital talking-book features
Expectations are high for the proposed digital talking-book system soon to be introduced by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress. Librarians and patrons alike have shared their wish lists with NLS, and now the challenging task of implementing a system that balances expectations with the actualities of design and function is under way.
"NLS is making every effort to provide a program that works for all," says Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director. "In order to create this system, we must carefully weigh each desired feature against the basic needs of librarians and patrons, taking into account other factors such as cost and complexity as well."
The NLS Digital Long-Term Planning Group (DLTPG) made up of patrons, librarians, and engineers has considered a range of expectations and assumptions. One of the highest patron expectations is that the digital player will be smaller and lighter than the current analog cassette machine. The new machine won't be small enough to fit in a pocket or an average-sized purse, but NLS patrons will find the compact, lightweight machine a pleasant change from the current playback equipment.
"Most patrons are realistic," observes DLTPG member Kim Charlson, librarian at the Braille and Talking Book Library, Perkins School for the Blind. "They wish for a player that's small and lightweight, but they also understand it must be large enough to incorporate conveniently spaced control buttons, a speaker, and other accessible features that make it easy to use. Patrons will also find the cartridge easier to insert and remove from the player than a cassette and librarians will have a sturdy, robust medium that will play even after years of use. Users correctly assume that the digital talking-book cartridge will have enough surface area for braille and large-print labels."
Balancing act
In many ways, digital talking books will be preferable to cassette books, providing high-quality sound and navigation options. Most titles will fit on a single cartridge, and cartridges can play through to the end without being turned over like cassettes. The player will also mark a reader's place and start up in that spot when played again, even when readers switch from one book to another and back again. But there are some caveats. While 95 percent of books will fit on one cartridge, extremely large ones such as War and Peace will require multiple cartridges.
Librarians and patrons anticipate correctly that the human aspect of service will not change. "Patrons want someone they may call to connect them with what they need," says Charlson. "Librarians are excited about the new technology and wish to continue to provide a human touch in their service delivery." Librarians will be provided training to field calls, help patrons download books, and solve technical issues as they arise.
Patrons will see the first digital talking books and players in 2008. According to Michael Moodie, NLS deputy director, "Approximately 10 to 15 percent of patrons will receive players in the first year, and NLS will provide guidelines for distribution. We need to manufacture a small number of machines initially and continue to test them. Once we are sure that everything is fine, we can accelerate production. In the meantime, the cassette system will still be supported and available."
Twenty thousand digital titles will be available in 2008. Some will be on flash cartridges and all will be available for Internet download. For those who wish to have access to the collection before 2008, a significant number of the books will be available for download a year earlier. But the first digital talking books will not be on library shelves until near the time the machines are ready. This group will be only a small portion of the twenty thousand titles. After the hybrid distribution system that combines mass and on-demand production is phased in two to three years after the initial launch all digital talking-book titles will be available on flash-memory cartridges, some from libraries and others from the on-demand centers.
Digital Talking Book (DTB) Milestones
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:
To view the Strategic Business Plan on the Web visit:
www.loc.gov/nls/businessplan2003.html
The members of the Collection Development Advisory Group
wish to thank fellow patrons and librarians for their input
concerning the NLS program. Ideas and suggestions from
readers are key components in the success of the program and
are thoroughly discussed in the committee's deliberations.
Please continue to assist us by contacting committee
members or your cooperating braille or talking-book library
with your suggestions. The group will meet again at NLS on
May 16-19, 2006.
Representatives from consumer organizations:
American Council of the Blind
Blinded Veterans Association
National Federation of the Blind
Readers-at-large representatives:
Gail Walter
Northern Region includes: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.
David Stewart
Alice Ritchhart
Western Region includes: Alaska, Arizona, California,
Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New
Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah,
Washington, and Wyoming.
Fred Riggers
Librarians:
Midlands
Northern
Southern
Western
The following announcements 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.
2006 calendars. Listed below are organizations that produce
calendars in braille or print/braille.
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
- Braille datebook/calendar in a two-ring binder. Calendar
has tabbed pages of durable plastic. Catalog no.
1-07899-06, $53. Calendar insert and tabs only, catalog no.
1-07898-06, $13.
- APH InSights Art Calendar 8-1/2 by 11-inch
large-print/braille (36 point). Includes holidays and
moon phases. Features selected art from the APH juried
competition. English edition, catalog no. 5-18971-06,
$7.50.
Braille Institute Universal Media Services
- 8-3/4 by 11-inch large-print/braille (18 point) wall
monthly calendar. $5. Includes holidays and space for
braille notes.
Elizabeth Pierce Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired
- 5-1/2 by 8-1/2-inch braille desk calendar with two days per
page and dividers for each month, $40.99.
Lutheran Blind Mission
- 8-1/2 by 11-inch braille Scripture calendar. Features a
monthly verse from the Bible. Also available as a 8-1/2 by
14-inch large-print (21 point) edition. Free.
Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund
- 6-1/4 by 3-3/4-inch large-print/braille purse size,
spiral bound calendar. Includes a separate listing of major
holidays. Free.
National Braille Press
- 8-1/2 by 11-inch print/braille calendar with Dr. Seuss
motif, $12.99.
National Federation of the Blind
- 6 by 6-1/2-inch braille calendar. Features one page per
month, a personal-day page, and a listing of major
holidays. Free.
Society for the Blind, Inc.
- 5-1/2 by 8-1/2-inch braille desk calendar with clipboard
that shows two days per page. At the top of each page are
the day of the week, date, and month. Catalog no.
20-06-01, $55.95.
The following information is reprinted from Talking Book
Topics, January-February 2006.
Magazine of the Month selections for 2006
Two NLS programs offer readers samples of magazines not
otherwise available through network libraries. Subscribers
to Magazine of the Month and Young Adult Magazine of the
Month receive a different magazine on audiocassette each
month. For a free subscription to either program, contact
your cooperating talking-book library. Subscribers may
expect to receive some of the following:
Magazine of the Month
Alternates: Cat Fancy, Cosmopolitan en Espa ol, Field and
Stream, GQ, Home Business, Jane, Oprah, Popular Science,
Prevention, Quick and Easy Crochet, Realms of Fantasy, Sea
Classics
Young Adult Magazine of the Month
Alternates: BMX Plus, Grappling, J-14, Self, Slap, Teen
Beat, Teen Newsweek, Teen Times, Teen Voices, Twist, Vibe,
YM
Jean M. Moss
Digital Projects Coordinator
jemo@loc.gov
Fax: (202) 707-1690
Collection Development Advisory Group seeks advice
Otis Stephens
University of Tennessee
College of Law
1505 West Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996
ostephen@utk.edu
Clyde A. Compton
P.O. Box 267
Richland, VA 24641
cacompton@adelphia.net
Ever Lee Hairston
113 Greensward Lane
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4710
ehairston@camdencountry.com
ehairston@verizon.net
Midlands Region includes: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
P.O. Box 22
Goodland, KS 67735
gwmontezuma@yahoo.com
4000 Tunlaw Road, N.W., No.525
Washington, DC 20007
wendywolff@msn.com
,p>
Southern Region includes: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida,
Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina,
Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and
Virgin Islands.
125 Willow Pond Way
Brunswick, GA 31525
alice.ritchhart@earthlink.net
Springs of Royal Oaks
1800 North Cole Road, Apt. 1208
Boise, ID 83702-1312
Sharon Ruda
Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service
401 East Washington Street
Springfield, IL 62701-1207
(217) 782-9435; fax (217) 558-4723
sruda@ilsos.net
Catherine Rubin
Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
415 Park Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21201-3603
(410) 230-2424; fax (410) 333-2095
crubin@lbph.lib.md.us
Julie C. Harris
State of North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
1811 Capital Boulevard
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 733-4376; fax (919) 733-6910
jharris@library.dcr.state.nc.us
Christie Briggs
Montana Talking Book Library
1515 East Sixth Avenue
P.O. Box 201800
Helena, MT 59620-1800
(406) 444-2064; fax (406) 444-0266
cbriggs@state.mt.us
Children's/Young Adult Librarian:
Cindy Nugent
Blind and Physically Handicapped Services
Mississippi Library Commission
3881 Eastwood Drive
Jackson, MS 39211-6473
(601) 432-4116; fax (601) 432-4476
frizsell@mlc.lib.ms.us
Newsstand
P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, KY 40206-0085
(502) 895-2405
800-223-1839
info@aph.org
www.aph.org/products/index.html
Accepts orders by mail, telephone, or online.
741 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 906-3104
800-272-4553
press@brailleinstitute.org
www.universalmediaservices.org/PublicationsforSale/Calendar.htm
Accepts orders by telephone or online.
1170 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14209-0398
(716) 882-1025, ext. 240
(716) 882-5577 fax
Accepts prepaid orders by mail.
Library for the Blind
Attn: Lynne Borchelt
7550 Watson Road
St. Louis, MO 63119-4409
888-215-2455
blind.mission@blindmission.org
www.blindmission.org
Accepts requests by mail or telephone.
3500 North Elm Road
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 780-5097
(734) 668-1094 fax
Accepts requests by fax or telephone.
88 St. Stephen Street
Boston, MA 02115-4302
(617) 266-6160, ext. 20
800-548-7323
orders@nbp.org
www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/2006SEUSS.html
Accepts prepaid orders by mail, telephone, or online.
Materials Center
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314, ext. 2216
(410) 685-5653 fax
materials@nfb.org
Accepts requests by e-mail, fax, mail, or telephone.
Aids to Independence Store
2750 24th Street
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 452-8271, ext. 302
(916) 452-2622 fax
store@societyfortheblind.org
www.societyfortheblind.org
Accepts orders by e-mail, mail, or telephone.
- Creative Knitting
- Details
- Dog World
- Entrepreneur
- Fantasy and Science Fiction
- Jet
- Marie Claire
- National Geographic Traveler
- Natural Health
- Speedworld Magazine
- TV y Novelas
- Wild West
- Alternative Press
- American Snowmobiler
- Campus Life
- Cicada
- Guideposts Sweet 16
- Gumbo Teen Magazine
- Junior Baseball
- Listen: Celebrating Positive Choices
- Teen Ink
- Teen Voices
- Ride BMX
- Word Up
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