[Blind-rollers] Downloading Digital Talking Books from NLS

[David Andrews]

>
>The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
>Handicapped, NLS, here in the U.S. is now expanding its pilot
>download program.  Below is information on what is required, what
>you do, and what will happen.  Basically, if you have a NLS-capable
>player, the Victor Stream at this point, you can register with NLS,
>and get an authorization key from Humanware.
> 
>This will allow you to download, and play NLS digital talking books
>to the Stream.  You of course need a high speed internet connection,
>and an active e-mail account.
> 
>I have participated in the NLS initial pilot download project for
>almost a year now, and I have to say the books, and convenience are
>great.  If you have a Victor Reader Stream, I think you will love
>this.

Further, there are approximately 7000
books on the download site.  they are a mix of current, and older
books.  There are also magazine issues for things like Analog,
People, U.S. News and World Report, Bon Apetit, Discover, Money,
Consumer Reports, Sound and Vision, Smart Computing, and others.
 


> 
>Dave
> 
>
>__Prerequisites for participation in the expanded Download Pilot__
> 
>A patron wishing to participate in the expanded Download Pilot
>should:
> 
> *    Be an active patron of a cooperating network library
> 
> *    Have access to a player capable of playing NLS-produced
>digital
>talking books
> 
> *    Have high-speed Internet service such as DSL or cable 
> 
> *    Have access to a computer connected to the Internet for
>downloading
>and
>      unzipping books and/or magazines
> 
> *    Have access to an active e-mail address
> 
>
>__The application process__
> 
>Patrons interested in participating in the expanded Download Pilot
>should be
>directed to the online application page which can be found at
>www.nlstalkingbooks.org/dtb. This page provides basic information
>about the
>service and a link to the application form. 
>Once the form is submitted to NLS, the following actions will
>occur:
> 
> *    The applicant will immediately receive an e-mail confirming
>that NLS
>has
>      received the application.
> 
> *    The data on the form will be verified against the CMLS
>database to
>ensure that
>      the applicant is an active patron of a cooperating network
>library and
>that all
>      data is accurate.
> 
> *    If all supplied information can be verified:
> 
>       *       The patron will receive a second e-mail relaying the
>approval
>of the 
>               account request and that additional information will
>follow.
>A third e-mail will
>               include a username, password, and instructions for
>participation and
>               obtaining help.
> 
>       *       The network library will receive an e-mail
>notification that
>the patron was
>               accepted for participation in the expanded Download
>Pilot.
>For every
>               accepted patron, the library should add the code 
>DDB9" to
>the CMLS
>               record for that patron.
> 
>       *       An e-mail will be sent to the third-party
>manufacturer (if
>applicable) with
>               authorization to enable the patron's player.  This
>authorization will most
>               likely take the form of the manufacturer sending an
>e-mail to
>the patron with
>               the authorization key as an attachment.
> 
> *    If it is found that the patron is not an active NLS patron or
>if any
>data supplied
>      by the patron does not match the CMLS record, the following
>will
>occur:
> 
>  *       The patron will receive a second e-mail notification
>stating
>that active status
>                could not be verified.  This e-mail will advise the
>patron
>  to contact the local  network library.
> 
>   *     The network library will receive an e-mail notification
>that
>an individual in its
>               service area has applied for the expanded Download
>Pilot but
>was not
>               accepted for participation.  If the patron was not
>accepted
>because of an
>               inconsistency in the data supplied by the patron and
>the data
>in the CMLS
>               record, this e-mail will include a comment advising
>the
>library of the inconsistent data.
> 
>
>__Technical support__
> 
>Refer inquiries about the operation of the player to the
>third-party
>manufacturer.  NLS will provide technical support for the expanded
>Download
>Pilot. Participants in the expanded Download Pilot will have access
>to
>extensive online help information.  They will also be invited to
>join a
>listserv where they can receive help from other participants. 
>Libraries should refer all technical support questions related to
>the
>expanded Download Pilot to the web site's help page at
>www.nlstalkingbooks.org/dtb/support.html. In addition to the
>extensive help
>information, this page will provide instructions for recovering a
>lost
>password and contact information for obtaining additional help. 
>The e-mail
>address for help is nlsdownload at loc.gov.  
> 
>____________________