[booksandbeyond] Nls Libraries prepare for the distribution of new Talking Books and Players

From: "Nancy Lynn" <freespirit52@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Mikes Other Mess" <Mikesmess2@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Missouri List" <Missouri-l@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:28:47 -0500

> The Library of Congress, USA
> Wednesday, April 11, 2007
> Network Libraries Prepare for Distribution of Digital Talking Books and
> Players
> By NLS Press Release
> National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
> For Immediate Release: April 11, 2007
> Contact: Robert E. Fistick
> 202) 707-9279 or
> rfis@xxxxxxx
> NETWORK LIBRARIES PREPARE FOR DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL TALKING BOOKS AND
> PLAYERS Digital Transition Advisory Committee meets to discuss
> distribution issues affecting NLS patrons
> WASHINGTON, DC-As the 2008 launch date for digital talking books and
> players nears, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
> Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, is preparing its library network
> for the transition. As part of this effort, the Digital Transition
> Advisory Committee met on January 30-31 to discuss recent implementation
> developments. NLS established the group, which succeeds the Digital
> Long-Term Planning Group, to inform staff about transition progress and
> distribution plan updates.
> "NLS wants to ensure its network libraries have all the resources
> necessary for a successful digital conversion," says NLS director Frank
> Kurt Cylke. "The recent meeting provided us an invaluable opportunity to
> update committee members on current distribution plans as well as
> address and prepare for challenges libraries may face as they begin
> circulating digital audiobooks and players."
> During the meeting, the group considered a variety of issues, including:
> book and player distribution; digital-book shelving and duplication;
> circulation system modifications; machine monitoring issues; and, copy
> allotment. Following presentations on the current transition budget, the
> digital transition timetable, and the status of digital talking-book
> development, the committee examined how budget resources might affect
> libraries and the distribution of digital books and players.
> In particular, as result of technology and cost-related factors, NLS has
> altered its short-term distribution plans for digital audiobooks.
> Instead of implementing a hybrid model-mass producing popular titles
> while duplicating less-read titles on an as-needed basis-NLS has opted
> to mass duplicate all book titles. Hybrid distribution is not yet cost
> effective because the technology required for duplication-on-demand is
> still under development. It would also require libraries to update their
> circulation systems to accommodate duplication-on-demand centers.
> However, NLS plans to adopt a hybrid system once full implementation is
> achieved because it will be more economical in the long-run. Full
> implementation is expected to occur three to five years after the launch
> date.
> Because funding and technology-related factors will affect player
> distribution throughout the transition, it will be important to keep
> libraries apprised of changes throughout the process. As a result, the
> Digital Transition Advisory Committee also explored various
> communication methods to update network libraries on
> distribution-related issues. These included Webinars, reading services,
> PowerPoint presentations, notices advising libraries on how many digital
> machines they will receive, and a communication plan to supplement the
> Flash newsletter.
> With the completion of the first Digital Transition Advisory Committee
> meeting, NLS is well equipped to move forward with two
> distribution-related projects. During the upcoming pre-launch test,
> patrons selected by eight regional libraries will test current
> prototypes of the digital talking books and players. NLS will also
> examine digital copy allotment of older book titles in a separate
> project.
> More than 23 million copies of recorded and braille books and magazines
> were circulated to a readership of 799,718 in 2004. The International
> Union Catalog provides access to 423,500 titles (19 million copies).
> Audiobook readers borrow an average of 31 books and magazines a year.
> Braille readers average 20 books and magazines a year.
> An overview of the NLS digital talking-book project may be found in
> Current Strategic Business Plan for the Implementation of Digital
> Systems at
> www.loc.gov/nls/businessplan2006.html.
> For enrollment information, visit
> www.loc.gov/nls
> or call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323).
> html
> 
>

[booksandbeyond] Nls Libraries prepare for the distribution of new Talking Books and Players

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