From: patt@squid.tram.com (Patt Bromberger)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Merger: Recording for the Blind & Computerized Books For the Blind
Summary: Electronic Books
Keywords: Electronic Books
Date: 31 Aug 92 20:49:53 GMT
Reply-To: patt@squid.tram.com (Patt Bromberger)
Organization: Tramway Unix Systems
X-Fidonet: None

Index Number: 24085

This information uploaded with the permission of:
Mr. John Churchill
Vice President, Production
Recording for the Blind
Princeton, New Jersey USA

                         WE'RE JOINING FORCES

Effective October 1, 1991, Recording for the Blind (RFB) and
Computerized Books for the Blind (CBFB) are one organization.  As a
consumer of either one or both of these services, you may have a few
questions about this "merger."  In this brochure we have tried to
anticipate some of the basic, operational questions you might have.
This is a busy and exciting time at RFB!  We look forward to
welcoming our new consumers, and to providing a new dimension of
service to our present borrowers.

Q.   What is RFB?

A.   Recording for the Blind is the only national nonprofit
     organization that provides free taped educational books,
     library services and other educational resources to individuals
     who cannot read standard print because of a visual, physical or
     perceptual disability.  Its 78,000 volume master tape library,
     located in Princeton, New Jersey, is the largest educational
     resource of its kind in the world.  Approximately 3,000 books a
     year are recorded by trained and highly qualified volunteers
     working in 31 recording studios across the country.

Q.   What is CBFB?

A.   George Kerscher began Computerized Books for the Blind in 1988.
     His organization provides books and manuals on computer
     diskette.  Computer adaptive equipment then allows for fast,
     flexible and easy review of the material.  Located on the
     campus of The University of Montana in Missoula, CBFB's four-
     person staff has produced more than 200 titles and distributed
     over 6,500 copies of computerized books.

Q.   Why join forces?

A.   RFB was interested in electronic text as early as 1984.  P.C.'s
     were only in limited use then, and the time was not right to
     pursue the technology.  In March, 1991, RFB began a pilot
     program in electronic text (E-Text), producing two in-house
     publications on floppy disk.  A recent survey indicating that
     67% of RFB borrowers use computers further supports our entry
     into the field.  Joining forces with CBFB accelerates this
     process.

     For CBFB, this merger means it will return to its original
     mission as a research and development operation, while
     improving the process by which it produces electronic books.
     As RFB's Research and Development department, the staff will
     spend considerably less time on sales, membership development,
     fundraising, product distribution, and general administration.

Q.   What does this mean to me as an RFB borrower/CBFB member?

A.   For RFB borrowers, it initially means access to an additional
     200-plus titles currently available.  Down the road, we
     anticipate producing professional and academic journals,
     periodicals, manuals, reference materials and other educational
     resources in E-text.

     If you are a member of CBFB, you will automatically have access
     to the more than 78,000 titles in RFB's master tape library
     beginning on October 1, 1991.  You may also use the
     bibliographic and subject reference services available through
     our Library Services department, and you may take advantage of
     our recording service to request that we record a book which is
     not otherwise available in an accessible format.  (CBFB
     members:  please refer to "A Guide to Using Recording for the
     Blind's Services" in filename rfbguide.rfb on this disk).

     Please note:  eligibility requirements for both RFB and CBFB
     are identical.

Q.   Will I have to pay another registration fee?

A.   No.  If you are currently a member of CBFB, your membership
     will be automatically transferred to RFB on October 1, 1991.

Q.   Is there a charge for the books?

A.   Audio books on cassette are provided free on loan for up to one
     year.
     Computerized books on diskette must be purchased and they are
     yours to keep.

Q.   What is the average cost of a computerized book?

A.   Books average $15 - $20 per title.  Some books, such as The
     American Heritage Dictionary, which is on eight diskettes will
     cost more.  Charges cover only the costs of production and
     distribution.

Q.   Must I pay for a book in advance?

A.   No.  We will bill you when we send you the book.

Q.   How do I order books from the collection?

A.   Before October 1, 1991:

     Order cassettes or diskettes the same way you always have.

     On or after October 1, 1991:

     If you are an RFB borrower, follow the same procedure you
     always followed to order cassettes.  If you want to order a
     diskette, place the order with a customer service
     representative and when you receive the book, return the
     invoice with payment as indicated.

     If you were a CBFB member, call 1-800-221-4792.  Tell the
     representative that you are CBFB member calling RFB for the
     first time to place an order.  The representative will let you
     know your new identification number and take you order.

Q.   Once I place an order, how long before I receive the cassettes
     or diskettes?

A.   RFB fills 98% of the orders it receives within 48 hours.
     Unless otherwise specified, books are mailed "Free Matter for
     the Blind or Handicapped."  If you wish faster mail service,
     you may request this when you place your order, and we will
     bill you for the UPS or first class charges.

Q.   Does this mean that all books now available in recorded format
     will suddenly be available in E-text or vice-versa?

A.   Unfortunately, no.  In recognition of the fact that only one
     out of every ten published books is transcribed into any
     accessible medium, we will not produce duplicate inventory.

Q.   When I place an order for an existing book, will I be able to
     specify whether I want the book on cassette or diskette?

A.   Not at this time.

Q.   Will I be able to request that a new book be produced in either
     recorded or electronic format?

A.   Yes and no.  There are several considerations in determining
     whether a textbook is best produced in electronic or recorded
     format.  As a general rule, staff will make that determination.
     Whenever possible, however, we will attempt to produce new
     texts in the format you request, particularly if there is a
     large demand for a specific title in a specific format.  As the
     technology and our E-text production improves, we will be able
     to be more responsive.

Q.   What kind of equipment do I need to use diskette or cassettes?

A.   For diskettes you will need an IBM compatible, MacIntosh or
     Apple personal computer.  The materials are in standard ASCII
     files stored on 5.25" or 3.5" floppy disks.  From a
     computerized book, you can use any combination of
     electronically produced braille, speech, large print or
     specialized display modes.

     Recorded books require a cassette machine that will play four-
     track cassettes at 15/16 ips (inches per second).  Commercial
     tape recorders and playback machines do not meet these
     specifications.  Since RFB does not provide playback equipment,
     you will need to borrow or purchase the machine from another
     source.  RFB can refer you to several of these sources.

Q.   Whom do I call if I have more questions or want to place an
     order?

A.   Call RFB at 1-800-221-4792 to place an order or find out more
     about our services.  If you have questions about hardware or
     software, call our Technical Hotline at 406-243-2899.

Q.   OK.  Tell me again.  When does this go into effect?

A.   On October 1, 1991, all orders and inquiries for computerized
     books and books on audiocassette should come to RFB.

--
Patricia Ann Bromberger                     -       patt@squid.tram.com
Tramway Unix Systems
"Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty." (Anne Herbert)