The April issue of the American Printing House for the Blind is now available online. You can read it here: http://www.aph.org/advisory/2009adv04.html
The issue features a cool DVD about "Denver the Guide Dog"! Check it out!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Say-MAGic demonstration on Tek Talk March 30
From the Accessible World News Wire at listservice@mail.accessibleworld.org:
Say-MAGic - An Exciting New Product Launched at CSUN 2009
For some time it has been possible to talk to the computer using a natural voice while at the same time receiving speech feedback from it, allowing a blind person to control the computer without using the keyboard. But low vision users (or people with dyslexia and language challenges who need enhanced visual display support) have not been able to benefit from this technology. Now they can with Say-MAGic. Linking Dragon NaturallySpeaking from Nuance and MAGic from Freedom Scientific together, Say-MAGic provides a fantastic range of facilities for users of display management technology who wish to control the computer with the voice. This product was very well received at the CSUN 2009 conference in Los Angeles!
Brian Hartgen, Product Development Manager of T&T Consultancy, will give a live demonstration of the product within Tek Talk on 30 March 2009. In addition, Ed Rosenthal from Next Generation Technologies Incorporated (who has vast experience in using voice input technology) will talk about the significance of Say-MAGic upon the Access Technology market today. Plenty of time will be available for questions to the presenters.
Contact Details
Brian Hartgen
Product Development Manager
T&T Consultancy Ltd
Email: Brian.hartgen@tandt-
Web: www.tandt-consultancy.com <http://www.tandt-consultancy.
Edward Rosenthal, CEO
Next Generation Technologies Inc
Email: edward@ngtvoice.com <mailto:edward@ngtvoice.com>
Web: www.ngtvoice.com <http://www.ngtvoice.com/>
Date: Monday, March 30th, 2009.
Time: 5:00 p.m. Pacific, 6:00 p.m. Mountain, 7:00 p.m. Central,
8:00 p.m. Eastern and elsewhere in the world Tuesday 0:00 GMT
Where: The Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
http://conference321.com/
Or, alternatively.
Select The Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at: http://www.accessibleworld.org <http://www.accessibleworld.
All Tek Talk training events are recorded so if you are unable to participate live at the above times then you may download the presentation or podcast from the Tek Talk archives on our website at http://www.accessibleworld.org <http://www.accessibleworld.
All online interactive programs require no password, are free of charge, and open to anyone worldwide having an Internet connection, a computer, speakers, and a sound card. Those with microphones can interact audibly with the presenters and others in the virtual audience or text chat with the attendees.
If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available on every entry screen to the Accessible World online rooms.
Sign up information for all Accessible World News Wires and discussion lists are also available at our website http://www.accessibleworld.org <http://www.accessibleworld.
Media Contacts:
Robert Acosta, Chair
Accessible World
818-998-0044
Email: boacosta@pacbell.net <mailto:boacosta@pacbell.net>
Web: http://www.
Joann Becker, Events Coordinator
Accessible World
617-969-1213
Email: joannbecker@pcomcast.net <mailto:joannbecker@pcomcast.
George Buys, CEO
Talking Communities
Email: buys@talkingcommunities.com <mailto:buys@
The Accessible World, a division of Helping Hands For The Blind, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, seeks to educate the general public, the disabled community and the professionals who serve them by providing highly relevant information about new products, services, and training opportunities designed specifically to eliminate geographic and access barriers that adversely affect them.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Victor Reader Stream 3.0 software on Tech Talk March 23
New Victor Reader Stream 3.0 on Tech Talk March 23
From the Accessible World News Wire:
"Join us Monday March 23 in The Pat Price Tech Talk Training Room to learn about the newest Victor Reader Stream version 3.0 software. We have invited Gerry Chevalier, Victor Reader Product Manager at HumanWare, to tell us about this major new release for the Stream.
HumanWare has just announced Stream 3.0 at the CSUN conference in Los Angeles and Gerry will tell us more about it. Version 3.0 includes many new features requested by happy Stream users. Learn how your Stream has been enhanced with optional multi-level bookshelf navigation, text file search, bookmark alerts, music playlist innovations, usability improvements, and more. The Victor Reader Stream now enjoyed by tens of thousands worldwide is better than ever. HumanWare has been committed to innovating and improving the Stream since its launch in September 2007 and version 3.0 is the latest example of that commitment.
We all know that sound investments are tough to find these days but the Victor Reader Stream continues to excel as one of the soundest technology investments anywhere. Come and join us Monday March 23 in The Pat Price Tech Talk Training Room and learn how your Stream has just got a whole lot better.
Contact Info:
HumanWare www.humanware.com
USA us.support@humanware.com Tel: 1-800-722-3393
Canada: ca.support@humanware.com Tel: 1-800-723-7273
UK: eu.info@humanware.com Tel: +44 1933 415 800
Australia: au.sales@humanware.com Tel: +61 2 9686 2600
New Zealand: nz.info@humanware.com Tel: Phone +64 3 384 4555
Date: Monday, March 23, 2009.
Time: 5:00 p.m. Pacific, 6:00 p.m. Mountain, 7:00 p.m. Central, 8:00 p.m.Eastern and elsewhere in the world Tuesday 0:00 GMT
Where: The Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
http://conference321.com/
Or, alternatively.
Select The Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at: http://www.accessibleworld.org
All Tek Talk training events are recorded so if you are unable to participate live at the above times then you may download the presentation or podcast from the Tek Talk archives on our website at http://www.accessibleworld.org
All online interactive programs require no password, are free of charge, and open to anyone worldwide having an Internet connection, a computer, speakers, and a sound card. Those with microphones can interact audibly with the presenters and others in the virtual audience or text chat with the attendees.
If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available on every entry screen to the Accessible World online rooms.
Sign up information for all Accessible World News Wires and discussion lists are also available at our website http://www.accessibleworld.org
Media Contacts:
Robert Acosta, Chair
Accessible World
818-998-0044
Email: boacosta@pacbell.net
Web: http://www.
Joann Becker, Events Coordinator
Accessible World
617-969-1213
Email: joannbecker@pcomcast.net
George Buys, CEO
Talking Communities
Email: buys@talkingcommunities.com
The Accessible World, a division of Helping Hands For The Blind, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, seeks to educate the general public, the disabled community and the professionals who serve them by providing highly relevant information about new products, services, and training opportunities designed specifically to eliminate geographic and access barriers that adversely affect them."
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Anyone going to MPLA/KLA conference?
Just curious if any of my readers are going to the Mountain Plains Library Association/Kansas Library Association conference in Wichita in April?
You can see more about the conference here
If you're going, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email at talkingbookslibrarian AT gmail DOT com
I'm planning on going for a few days at least! Hope to see you/meet you there!
You can see more about the conference here
If you're going, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email at talkingbookslibrarian AT gmail DOT com
I'm planning on going for a few days at least! Hope to see you/meet you there!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Kansas Ranks 3rd with 16 Star Libraries
Press Release from the State Library of Kansas:
Kansas Ranks 3rd with 16 Star Libraries
Topeka: Much like the Michelin star rating for restaurants,
Library Journal recently bestowed five, four, and three star ratings on
Kansas libraries based on real usage outcomes like circulation, visits,
programming and internet terminal usage. A total of 16 Kansas libraries
were rated, allowing Kansas to claim the third highest spot in the
country. Only New York (1), and Ohio (2) had more libraries receiving
stars, and Kansas tied with the state of California.
The libraries were ranked using 2006* survey data collected by
the State Library of Kansas for the National Center for Education
Statistics, and processed through a new assessment tool for public
libraries called the “LJ Index.” The four categories used in the
analysis included:
● the number of times an average individual visited the library
● the average number of items checked out by an individual
● the program attendance per person, and
● the number of times an average individual used a library
computer terminal.
“It’s not surprising that this announcement parallels the
big picture that we’re already seeing in Kansas,” explained Peter
Haxton, State Data Center Coordinator. “Kansas has quality libraries,
and because of that, Kansans use their libraries significantly.”
Kansas has 327 public libraries, approximately one library for every
8,500 people. A library which excels in the LJ Index ratings is very
likely to be headed in the direction of high service quality and overall
exceptional library performance.
Five star ratings went to: Ida Long Goodman Memorial Library,
St. John; Elkhart/Morton County Library, Elkhart; Hays Public Library,
Hays; and Meade Public Library, Meade.
Four star ratings went to: Cimarron City Library, Cimarron;
Neodesha/W.A. Rankin Memorial Library, Neodesha; Seneca Free Library,
Seneca; Fredonia Public Library, Fredonia; Coffey County Library,
Burlington; and Johnson County Library, Overland Park.
Three star ratings went to: Belleville Public Library,
Belleville; Plains Community Library, Plains; Ellinwood School Community
Library, Ellinwood; Buhler Public Library, Buhler; Mound City/Linn
County Dist. #4 Library, Mound City; and Marion City Library, Marion.
*2006 is the most current annual compilation of library data.
The State Library of Kansas is located in the State
Capitol building in Topeka. The library’s primary mission is to serve
the residents of Kansas through direct service and through support of
local libraries. Even before statehood, the State Library served as a
depository of legal and historical documents and as a ready resource to
the executive and legislative branches of Kansas government. Today,
through the latest technology and access to on-line informational
databases, the State Library of Kansas offers more information than ever
to the residents of Kansas. Visit our website: www.kslib.info.
Kansas Ranks 3rd with 16 Star Libraries
Topeka: Much like the Michelin star rating for restaurants,
Library Journal recently bestowed five, four, and three star ratings on
Kansas libraries based on real usage outcomes like circulation, visits,
programming and internet terminal usage. A total of 16 Kansas libraries
were rated, allowing Kansas to claim the third highest spot in the
country. Only New York (1), and Ohio (2) had more libraries receiving
stars, and Kansas tied with the state of California.
The libraries were ranked using 2006* survey data collected by
the State Library of Kansas for the National Center for Education
Statistics, and processed through a new assessment tool for public
libraries called the “LJ Index.” The four categories used in the
analysis included:
● the number of times an average individual visited the library
● the average number of items checked out by an individual
● the program attendance per person, and
● the number of times an average individual used a library
computer terminal.
“It’s not surprising that this announcement parallels the
big picture that we’re already seeing in Kansas,” explained Peter
Haxton, State Data Center Coordinator. “Kansas has quality libraries,
and because of that, Kansans use their libraries significantly.”
Kansas has 327 public libraries, approximately one library for every
8,500 people. A library which excels in the LJ Index ratings is very
likely to be headed in the direction of high service quality and overall
exceptional library performance.
Five star ratings went to: Ida Long Goodman Memorial Library,
St. John; Elkhart/Morton County Library, Elkhart; Hays Public Library,
Hays; and Meade Public Library, Meade.
Four star ratings went to: Cimarron City Library, Cimarron;
Neodesha/W.A. Rankin Memorial Library, Neodesha; Seneca Free Library,
Seneca; Fredonia Public Library, Fredonia; Coffey County Library,
Burlington; and Johnson County Library, Overland Park.
Three star ratings went to: Belleville Public Library,
Belleville; Plains Community Library, Plains; Ellinwood School Community
Library, Ellinwood; Buhler Public Library, Buhler; Mound City/Linn
County Dist. #4 Library, Mound City; and Marion City Library, Marion.
*2006 is the most current annual compilation of library data.
The State Library of Kansas is located in the State
Capitol building in Topeka. The library’s primary mission is to serve
the residents of Kansas through direct service and through support of
local libraries. Even before statehood, the State Library served as a
depository of legal and historical documents and as a ready resource to
the executive and legislative branches of Kansas government. Today,
through the latest technology and access to on-line informational
databases, the State Library of Kansas offers more information than ever
to the residents of Kansas. Visit our website: www.kslib.info.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Go Local Kansas is Live
Go Local Kansas (www.golocalkansas.org) launched on January 29th, 2009. Go Local Kansas allows consumers to find contact information for health care providers such as hospitals, county health departments, support groups, nursing homes, and community clinics. Users can search by location, type of facility, or a specific disease or condition. Information from all counties in Kansas is available.
The project is the result of the hard work of librarians and library staff from across the state. Librarians from Dykes Library at The University of Kansas Medical Center, the State Library of Kansas, Kansas public libraries and the Kansas Regents Institution Libraries contributed to the web site.
Data was gathered from a few state agencies, and then imported into the database. Selectors were recruited from each Regional Public Library System to create records for local services that don’t register with a state agency. Librarians from each of the Kansas Regents Institution Libraries then provided a final review of all records. This distributed model was used in an effort to provide a truly comprehensive database for residents of Kansas, as well as create a sense of ownership across the state.
Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed a proclamation declaring January 29th, 2009, Go Local Kansas Day and encouraged residents to visit the site “today and every day in 2009 to locate health resources in their community”.
Go Local Kansas is part of a statewide health information initiative encouraging Kansans to take charge of their health. Kansas Health Online (www.kansashealthonline.org) is a health information web site, which launched last year and is sponsored by the Kansas Health Policy Authority and developed by biomedical librarians at Dykes Library. It includes information on diseases and conditions, tools and tips to make healthy lifestyle decisions, and a guide to health policy in Kansas.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The most expensive Kindle book is not so expensive these days...
I recently blogged about the most expensive Kindle book that was priced at about $40,000+. Well, I am pleased to say that only a few days after my blog post, the price has now dropped to $42. Do you think my little blog post made a difference? Ha ha. I pity anyone who actually purchased this book at $40,000+, considering you can now buy the book for a mere $42. Don't believe me? See it for yourself! :)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Statement from Amazon.com Regarding Kindle 2’s Experimental Text-to-Speech Feature
Have you all seen the statement from Amazon.com about Kindle 2's Experimental Text-to-Speech feature?
Taken from the statement: "Kindle 2’s experimental text-to-speech feature is legal: no copy is made, no derivative work is created, and no performance is being given. Furthermore, we ourselves are a major participant in the professionally narrated audiobooks business through our subsidiaries Audible and Brilliance... we are modifying our systems so that rightsholders can decide on a title by title basis whether they want text-to-speech enabled or disabled for any particular title... publishers and authors will be able to decide for themselves whether it is in their commercial interests to leave text-to-speech enabled."
You can read the entire statement here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090227005816/en
Wow, what are your thoughts on this? I am shocked and disappointed. It seems like Amazon.com is backing out... many are saying they are caving to the Author's Guild... others are saying this boils down to Audible, and that it is really because of Audible that they are now back tracking on the text to speech...
Again, I am very disappointed... This does NOT increase accessibility of Kindle 2 by allowing publishers and authors to make the decision.... I only hope most (or all!) will decide in favor of accessibility for all.
-Talking Books Librarian
Taken from the statement: "Kindle 2’s experimental text-to-speech feature is legal: no copy is made, no derivative work is created, and no performance is being given. Furthermore, we ourselves are a major participant in the professionally narrated audiobooks business through our subsidiaries Audible and Brilliance... we are modifying our systems so that rightsholders can decide on a title by title basis whether they want text-to-speech enabled or disabled for any particular title... publishers and authors will be able to decide for themselves whether it is in their commercial interests to leave text-to-speech enabled."
You can read the entire statement here: http://www.businesswire.com/
Wow, what are your thoughts on this? I am shocked and disappointed. It seems like Amazon.com is backing out... many are saying they are caving to the Author's Guild... others are saying this boils down to Audible, and that it is really because of Audible that they are now back tracking on the text to speech...
Again, I am very disappointed... This does NOT increase accessibility of Kindle 2 by allowing publishers and authors to make the decision.... I only hope most (or all!) will decide in favor of accessibility for all.
-Talking Books Librarian
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Celebrate Talking Books Week in Kansas March 1 - 7, 2009!
From the State Library of Kansas:
Celebrate Talking Books Week
March 1-7, 2009
In 1931 the U.S. Congress established free library services for blind
adults, to be administered by the National Library Service for the Blind
and Physically Handicapped. This legislation opened the doors to free
recordings of books, distributed nationwide through regional libraries
and the U.S. Postal Service. Talking books for children were added in
1952 and juveniles in 1962. Today, thousands of book titles are
available to users as well as magazines, and newspapers.
In 2009, the Talking Books Program will fast-forward from cassettes to
digital service offering new technological, educational and
entertainment opportunities for the hearing and visually impaired.
Check out celebrity readers for Talking Books Week—
Monday—Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson
Tuesday—Secretary on Aging Kathy Greenlee
Wednesday—District Court Judge Nancy Parrish
Thursday—KSU Football Coach Bill Snyder
Friday—State Treasurer Dennis McKinney
Celebrate with us, and enjoy the reading experience.
www.kslib.info
Celebrate Talking Books Week
March 1-7, 2009
In 1931 the U.S. Congress established free library services for blind
adults, to be administered by the National Library Service for the Blind
and Physically Handicapped. This legislation opened the doors to free
recordings of books, distributed nationwide through regional libraries
and the U.S. Postal Service. Talking books for children were added in
1952 and juveniles in 1962. Today, thousands of book titles are
available to users as well as magazines, and newspapers.
In 2009, the Talking Books Program will fast-forward from cassettes to
digital service offering new technological, educational and
entertainment opportunities for the hearing and visually impaired.
Check out celebrity readers for Talking Books Week—
Monday—Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson
Tuesday—Secretary on Aging Kathy Greenlee
Wednesday—District Court Judge Nancy Parrish
Thursday—KSU Football Coach Bill Snyder
Friday—State Treasurer Dennis McKinney
Celebrate with us, and enjoy the reading experience.
www.kslib.info
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