Alternative Formats Library Scanning Systems ATANET Working Group

Alternative Formats & Library Scanning Systems

ATANET • Working Group – Recommendations – SAAS decision • Funding proposal • Library Scanning for Students – Adem • Zoom-ex V’s Intel reader for self service 2

Equal access to information • Working group on transcription/alt formats for VI/Blind users – Recommended – DSA funds adaption outside of university control (Books, journals, NOT PPT, or course notes) • Outcome – Will not fund any transcription costs, but will pay for readers!! 3

ECU Funding • Proposal – To document our transcription services and highlight good practice for other HE institution to use • Who (“draft”) – University of Dundee – University of St Andrews – University of Stirling – University of Strathclyde 4

Library Scanning systems • Considering investing in a chargeable self scan system for students – Front runner is “Adem” • Benefits – Can RFID auto tag books – Take a copy of what current students are scanning for disabled users. (Copyright legislation issues) – Output PDF image, but can OCR 5

Self Service Zoom-ex (£ 1750 +Vat) Intel Reader (£ 649 +vat, was £ 1200) • Requires PC/laptop but portable • Scanning in easy as legs act as reference • High Accuracy • Very Quick to process and OCR individual pages • Basic CCTV • VI market • All in one unit + Briefcase size stand( moveable) • Scanning without stand less accurate • Good accuracy with stand • Slow to process and OCR • TXT, DAISY format • No CCTV • VI & Dyslexic market 6

Self Service – Way forward discussion • Loan zoom-ex out with a netbook – Student identifies which parts of material are in-accessible • Reasonable ? , Anticipatory ? • Other technology? • Dundee’s Planned solution(TBC) – Standard document templates for teaching material – Run conversion unit as a social enterprise with student volunteers (transcribe + another business job (accountant, Web, Sales, etc. )) – For ever book we purchase confirm an accessible version exists and to store in “dark” library (not tried yet, Librarians very cautious and unsure) 7