Revision History
| Document No. | Issue | Date | Change Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| QA202501 | Rev. 1.0 | Feb/12/2025 | First Release |
Table of Contents
1. Scope
This document establishes the general principles for writing descriptions for the narration of image-based content and/or materials, including but not limited to photographs, illustrations, charts, graphic novels, picture books etc. All image descriptions shall accurately reflect the style, layout, and pictorial content of the source material. NLS Content Quality Assurance Section retains final authority over the proper application of image descriptions.
2. Reference Documents
2.1 Specifications
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
ANSI/NISO Z39.86-2002
Specifications for the Digital Talking Book
The document cited above is available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
25 West 43rd St., 4th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Tel: (212) 642-4900
Fax: (212) 398-0023
http://www.daisy.org/z3986/specifications/Z39-86-2002.html External
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
NLS Specification 1201
Narration
NLS Specification 1202
Digital Talking-Book Mastering
NLS Specification 1203
Digital Talking-Book Requirements
NLS Specification 1208
Preparation of Audio Files from Commercial Audiobooks
The documents cited above are available from:
Library of Congress
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
101 Independence Ave., S.E (mail stop #4960)
Washington, DC 20540-4960
www.loc.gov/nls/specs/
3. Requirements
Image-based content is classified into three broad categories based on its narrative/contextual significance:
Level 1: Minimal narrative impact (e.g., books with captions accompanying photographs, some of which require reader's notes to add context)
Level 2: Moderate narrative impact (e.g., books with photographs, diagrams, charts, etc. which require detailed reader's notes to effectively interpret and convey visual information)
Level 3: Major narrative impact (e.g., graphic novels, test-prep, and picture books which require comprehensive scripted descriptions to effectively tell the story)
Unless explicitly directed otherwise by NLS, all image descriptions must, at a minimum, adhere to the guidelines for the level 1 minimal narrative impact category. When the source material includes images requiring descriptions in the higher-impact categories, consult with NLS. Written directives outlining the required actions will be provided by NLS.
Submit a copy of any written directions issued by NLS alongside the corresponding book when delivering the material to the NLS Content Quality Assurance Section for review and approval.
When writing image descriptions, the target age group for the material shall be identified to ensure that the language used in the descriptions is age-appropriate and accessible.
3.1. Minimal Narrative Impact Image Descriptions
Supplementary descriptions shall be contained within a “Reader’s Note” according to the following script:
“Reader’s note: [Image description.] End of reader’s note.”
When an image has an existing caption, the caption shall be contained within the following script:
“Caption to [type of image]: [Caption.] End of Caption.”
Reader’s notes containing descriptions may be nested within captions. Reader’s notes may be added when there are no existing captions.
If the reader will not have a clear understanding of an image by the caption alone (or there is no caption) and the content will impact the narrative, a clear, concise depiction of the material should be added to describe the image. For example, an image of a letter, poster, or flyer, whose caption only identifies and dates it, shall include a reader’s note containing the text of the image.
3.2. Moderate Narrative Impact Image Descriptions
When the source material contains a significant number of images that are integral to the comprehension of the narrative, image descriptions shall be provided in order to ensure the highest level of accessibility possible These descriptions must ensure that essential details regarding the content, purpose, and key elements of the source material are conveyed in a manner that preserves its integrity and original intent. Descriptions shall prioritize the inclusion of information necessary for understanding the context, relationships, actions, or significant details depicted in an image. Extraneous details that do not support the narrative or enhance the reader's comprehension of the text may be omitted.
Supplementary descriptions shall be contained within reader’s notes according to the following script:
“Reader’s note: [Image description.] End of reader’s note.”
When appropriate to the layout of the source material multiple images may be described in one reader’s note.
3.3. Major Narrative Impact Image Description Scripts
When the source material consists primarily of images that are essential to the conveyance of the narrative, an image description script shall be developed to support the narration. The development of the image description script shall adhere to the following guidelines.
3.3.1. Reader’s note
A reader’s note shall be included at the beginning of the book, informing the reader that illustrations will be described as they appear.
3.3.2. Basis for Image Descriptions
The visual content of the source material shall serve as the foundation for the image description script. A comprehensive review of the source material is required to determine the tone, placement, and structure of the image descriptions. A written script that integrates the book's text with image descriptions is preferred to reduce the need for flipping between the source material and descriptions during narration.
Every production requires a customized approach. Specific challenges presented by the source material should be identified and addressed during the adaptation/writing process.
To honor the author’s intentions and achieve concise, effective storytelling, ground rules for the adaptation process must be established at the outset. The narrator and/or scriptwriter shall develop a detailed plan prior to writing a script for the project.
3.3.3. Script Writing, Editing, and Storytelling
Descriptive language should be evocative, conveying the mood and feel of the visual content. For example, "There are stars in the sky" (basic) may be improved as "Countless stars sparkle in the evening sky above" (more descriptive).
Short, concise sentences should be used to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.
Descriptions should strike a balance between over-explaining and under-explaining. The narration must neither get ahead of the listener nor lag behind.
The script should smoothly blend the original text with image descriptions to create a cohesive narrative.
Descriptive passages must be clearly distinguishable from the text written by the author. Narration techniques such as vocal shifts, tone adjustments, or changes in pacing should be used to avoid listener confusion.
The script may diverge from the visual page layout or dialogue balloon placement if necessary for clear and precise storytelling. The information contained within dialogue balloons may be broken up if necessary for narrative clarity.
The script shall be reviewed and refined before recording begins. Editing should focus on clarity, brevity, and appropriate word choice. Reading the script aloud during the revision process is encouraged to ensure that there is a natural flow when the text is spoken. .
3.3.4. Author/Illustrator Consultation
If uncertainties arise regarding pronunciations or particular visual elements in the original source material, efforts should be made to contact the author or illustrator for clarification. Guesswork is not acceptable.