Book recall: RC 59669
The recorded cassette title Portrait (RC 59669) by Iain Pears was released in error and has been recalled. This title will be released under a new book number at a later date.
Changed CDAG information
Contact information for three members of the Collection Development Advisory Group committee has changed since the publication of the January-February 2006 issues of Braille Book Review and Talking Book Topics. The revised information is provided below.
National Federation of the Blind
Ever Lee Hairston
113 Greensward Lane
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4710
ehairston@verizon.net
Midland Reader-at-Large
Gail Walter
217 Pine
Halstead, KS 67056
gwmontezuma@yahoo.com
Children's/Young Adult Librarian
Cindy Nugent
Blind and Physically Handicapped Services
Mississippi Library Commission
3881 Eastwood Drive
Jackson, MS 39211-6473
frizsell@mlc.lib.ms.us
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.
Talent behind the digital talking-book machine
Spotlight on Humanware's design team
When it comes to digital talking-book design, only the best will do. That is why the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, has recruited some of the best minds in accessible technology for the task. Among them is the team from industry leader HumanWare, which supports prime contractor Battelle on a range of activities.
HumanWare brings seventeen years of experience in accessible technology to the NLS digital project. An innovator in the field of talking books, the company has developed four versions of digital talking-book players in that time. This knowledge is helping NLS build the best digital talking-book machine for its patrons and librarians.
"With HumanWare's experience behind the digital talking-book project, we have a head start in building a device that will significantly enhance the way our patrons experience reading and access print information," says Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director.
HumanWare's responsibilities are twofold. They are designing the user interface and developing the software needed to operate the machine. They also coordinate the usability testing associated with this project.
Three industry veterans lead the HumanWare team. Gilles Pepin, president and CEO of HumanWare's Canadian subsidiary, provides technical direction and design consultation. Pepin holds a master's degree in electrical engineering with a specialization in digital speech coding and has thirty years of experience in speech technology. Alain Par‚, deputy program manager for the NLS project, oversees all activities of HumanWare and its subcontractors, the National Federation of the Blind and the University of Wisconsin's Trace Center. Dominic Labb‚ leads a software development team of six in creating the framework needed to run the player. A software specialist for more than ten years, Labb‚ manages software development for HumanWare's entire line of digital talking-book players.
Interfacing with users
HumanWare is leading the effort to design the player's user interface, which includes selection of controls such as play, stop, and volume as well as navigation features. The user interface must be designed for easy usage by readers of varying age and skill levels. Features must interact harmoniously with each other to provide an enjoyable reading experience. To ensure this, interface designs are examined in a series of eight patron usability tests.
Three test rounds have been completed to date. The first test identified requirements, including those of patrons, librarians, and repair personnel. Feedback from this test went toward the design of initial models. The next two rounds tested versions of the user interface on simple prototypes. The results were helpful in refining hardware and software design. HumanWare is currently supporting Battelle as they gear up for the fourth test, which will focus on the player's audio characteristics. The audio quality of the player is a high priority for engineers. They will assess all variables that affect audio quality, including speaker size and sound levels and the size, shape, and configuration of the player's shell.
The remaining usability studies will focus on testing stages of prototypes that each more closely resembles the final product. The final test will use prototypes incorporating the exact components including the player shell, controls, and processor that will be used in the final version.
"User testing has been very beneficial in showing how patrons interact with players and finding out which features do and do not work for them," notes Michael Moodie, NLS deputy director. "Each test has afforded some excellent insight into how we can refine the machine to better suit patron needs."
Par‚ agrees that these tests yield a "goldmine of information" that is critical to building a successful product. Rigorous, repeated testing is particularly valuable to the digital player because of the high standards and complex specifications it must meet. In fact, during the design of the NLS player, HumanWare will have gathered more usability feedback from end-users than it did for any other product it has developed.
"Our highest priority is satisfying users," adds Par‚. "We're spending a lot of time and effort to make sure that happens. Ultimately, it's important to build a very reliable product that will stand the test of time."
Building smart software
The digital talking-book player will be a smart machine. The "brain" lies in its software. Building "brain cells" is where HumanWare's software development team comes in. In addition to the user-interface design, HumanWare is charged with creating the player's software, based on input from patrons and librarians.
The player's functions including controls such as play, rewind, fast-forward, volume, tone, and speed adjustment will all be implemented through computer software. HumanWare's challenge is to write software that will run rapidly and reliably on a portable player. Engineers also must develop software support systems for maintenance and upgrades to the player.
Like NLS, HumanWare is excited about the possibilities the new system holds for patrons. "Digital talking-book technology is a powerful system that will enhance patrons' access to information," says Pepin.
Design of basic digital talking-book player solidified
New year. New milestone. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, recently completed the third in a series of eight planned usability tests of the digital talking-book (DTB) system. The study results confirmed the suitability of the overall design of the basic talking-book machine, including the cartridge and insertion method. The approved design will undergo minor revisions and tests to fine tune the system.
"The test conclusions represent a major advancement in our digital transition," says Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director. "Extensive work has gone into developing and testing a basic player that is suitable for all users. We're pleased with the outcome and believe that our patrons will also appreciate it."
Primary goals of the study were to validate basic and advanced player designs and user interfaces as well as the cartridge design, insertion method, mailing container, and label. NLS also collected patron feedback on the user guide and key physical features of the player.
Seventy-one patrons of various ages and abilities participated in the assessment. Library personnel were also interviewed on how effectively the player and cartridge models met their needs.
For diverse input, the recent usability tests were spread across three cities Cleveland, Ohio; Watertown, Massachusetts; and Madison, Wisconsin. The National Federation of the Blind managed tests at the Cleveland Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and the Talking Book Library of the Perkins School for the Blind. Additional on-site studies were conducted at retirement centers in the Cleveland and Boston areas. The Trace Research and Development Center of the University of Wisconsin at Madison administered tests at its facilities and at nearby retirement communities.
Users performed common tasks on three working models of the player. Each model had versions that featured two different methods for inserting the cartridge. Primary controls such as play, stop, and rewind and secondary controls for speed and navigation were tested. Also examined were player size and appearance, power cord storage, retractable handle, and placement of the headphone jack.
Tests were structured for patrons with both basic and advanced reading skills and simulated environments in which they would first use a new player receiving operating guidance only from a user manual or personal assistance from a friend or family member.
According to Michael Moodie, NLS deputy director, the assessments were extensive for a reason. "Users were asked to test many different aspects of the DTB system because the design is still being refined. Key decisions are being made as needed. The more patron and librarian input we receive, the more effective our solutions will be."
Functional feedback
Patrons were comfortable with the basic player's modern design and its user interface including the distinction between primary and secondary controls. However, many were challenged by some of the advanced player's navigation features.
Although patrons could operate both cartridge-insertion methods, they indicated that the one featuring a slot in the center of the front edge was preferable. This model also allowed significantly smaller player size. Most appreciated the retractable handle, but some had difficulty finding and pulling it out. Power-cord storage was found to be effective. Patrons approved of a simplified sleep button and suggested improving the accessibility of the cartridge mailing container.
The verdict is in
Based on patron and librarian feedback, engineers recommended ways to fine-tune the DTB system. NLS evaluated this information and accepted the modified design of the basic player. However, additional refining and testing is needed before the machine will be fully suited to patron needs. NLS wishes to further reduce player size without diminishing button size and spacing, cord storage, or audio quality and wants to improve the operation of the fast-forward and rewind functions. NLS did not approve the advanced player concept model, citing the need for further testing to refine its features and functions.
Another key outcome was NLS's selection of the center-insertion method for the cartridge. This option allows for cartridges to be inserted into the player much like a debit card would be inserted into an automated teller machine. Additionally, NLS approved the proposed cartridge design, shape, and label concepts. Labels will feature increased information in braille as well as title and author segments in thirty-six point type for maximum legibility.
"We're pleased that so much has been settled in the design," Moodie says, "and we are confident we can quickly solve the few remaining issues."
A look ahead
DTB engineers will continue to be busy in 2006. Over the next few months, their primary focus will be implementing the latest refinements to both the basic and advanced players. The modified players will then undergo follow-up usability tests at the Connecticut and Virginia regional libraries with eligible NLS staff. Patrons will check refinements to player user interfaces and hardware, including the basic machine's fast-forward and rewind functions. When the two players' overall designs are settled, the design team will shift its focus to software development and testing.
Other aspects of the overall DTB program will also be addressed. Development will continue on the Web download project, a digital archive, and the DTB distribution system.
"We made great gains in 2005 and we anticipate 2006 will be another productive year," concludes Cylke. "We're looking forward to the work ahead, which will drive us even closer to completing the digital conversion project."
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:
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
Go to the NLS Home Page