Jane Karp writes “The National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped (NLS), a division of the
Library of Congress, is at a crucial juncture in the
project of switching the format of talking books and
their playback equipment from 4-track cassette tapes
to digital flash memory cartridges. Cassettes were
first introduced to the system in 1970, superseding
vinyl records. While the media has lasted a long
time, it is now pitifully obsolete.
Jane Karp writes “The National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped (NLS), a division of the
Library of Congress, is at a crucial juncture in the
project of switching the format of talking books and
their playback equipment from 4-track cassette tapes
to digital flash memory cartridges. Cassettes were
first introduced to the system in 1970, superseding
vinyl records. While the media has lasted a long
time, it is now pitifully obsolete.It is becoming increasingly difficult for network libraries to purchase blank cassettes and adequate duplication equipment. NLS has spent almost 15 years researching and developing the next Talking Book format. The USB flash cartridge books and players were chosen rather than CDs or commercial MP3 players because: * CDs cannot have braille labels on them, are difficult for people with limited dexterity, and are not robust enough to go through the mail multiple times >* Many commercial MP3 players are not accessible without vision, most would not be able to hold a product that supports a braille label, and all are too small/limiting for people with physical disabilities and/or limited dexterity. What just happened: The House Committee of Appropriations just announced that it is recommended less than half of the requested funds by NLS to move forward with this project. NLS estimates the cost to transition is $76.4 million over a four-year period ($19.1 million for each of the next four years). The House Committee has only included $7.5 million for this project in the bill, which passed the committee yesterday. What this might mean: Fewer Digital Talking Book players and cartridges will be produced. Network libraries and their patrons will have limited and/or greatly delayed access to the new technology and many patrons will be stuck on waiting lists for years before they can get one of the new players. Network libraries will be stuck with supporting and marketing cassette tapes and heavy yellow 4-track cassette players for much longer.”
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