[Libs-Or] Fwd: [District Dispatch] OverDrive announces new program for visually impaired readers

[Diedre Conkling]

FYI

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jacob Roberts <jroberts at alawash.org>
Date: Wed, Mar 31, 2010 at 1:37 PM
Subject: [District Dispatch] OverDrive announces new program for visually
impaired readers
To: district at ala.org


FULL POST W/ALL WORKING HYPERLINKS: http://bit.ly/dmyG6U
--
PLAIN TEXT:
District Dispatch has posted a new item, 'OverDrive announces new program
for
visually impaired readers'

Digital content distributor OverDrive is announcing a new program for
visually
impaired readers, LEAP (Library eBook Accessibility Program). Through LEAP,
OverDrive is offering a free one-year Bookshare account to qualifying
patrons
of libraries that offer eBooks from OverDrive. The accounts will allow
patrons
to download up to 20 accessible Bookshare eBooks per month.

There is a different selection available under this program than OverDrive's
standard eBook offerings. Though there is some overlap between Bookshare's
catalog and the standard OverDrive catalog, only Bookshare titles will be
available through LEAP. Bookshare currently offers over 70,000 titles.

OverDrive currently uses Adobe Digital Editions reader software to deliver
its
eBooks. A recent change to the software removed text-to-speech (TTS)
capability, making OverDrive eBooks inaccessible to the print-disabled.
Library
Journal reports that Los Angeles Public Library stopped purchasing OverDrive
eBooks until they are accessible again. Adobe plans to restore TTS as well
as
introduce other accessibility features to its reader later this year.

OverDrive asserted its commitment to accessibility in a memo detailing its
efforts, including the launch of the LEAP program, and mentioned the
possibility of developing its own eBook reader software that would better
meet
the needs of the visually-impaired.

The LEAP program is open to all who have a print disability meeting
BookShare's
criteria for membership. If your library participates, LEAP links and
information will appear on the library's Web site.

You may view the latest post at
http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=4692

You received this e-mail because you asked to be notified when new updates
are
posted.
Best regards,
Jacob Roberts
jroberts at alawash.org



-- 
Diedre Conkling
Lincoln County Library District
P.O. Box 2027
Newport, OR  97365
Work phone & fax:  541-265-3066
Work email:  diedre at beachbooks.org
Home email:  diedre08 at gmail.com
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