Network Bulletin No. 00-18

Date: March 24, 2000

Subject: Digital Talking Books

Index term: Notice of presolicitation for digital narration
master files



The following announcement has been released by NLS for
publication in the Commerce Business Daily:

Notice of  Presolicitation - The purpose of this
announcement is to express the intent of the National
Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
(NLS/BPH) to conduct presolicitation dialogue with industry
concerning the production of digital narration master
recordings of NLS/BPH-selected books to be delivered as
digital audio files versus analog tapes as are currently
being produced.  Approximately 180 master files will be
required in FY 2002, approximately 900 in FY 2003, and
approximately 1800 in FY 2004 and thereafter.  These master
files shall consist of digital audio files of high-quality
narration performed to NLS/BPH specifications.  It is
anticipated that the draft specifications for the digital
audio files will be shared with current producers and
respondees in June 2000, and a recorded producers'
presolicitation conference will be held in July 2000.
Prospective bidders and others who are interested in
providing feedback and any relevant information that would
improve the Government's understanding of the process may
indicate that interest in writing by referencing P-LC00001
and requesting to be included on the list to receive draft
specifications and notification of meetings.  Requests may
be faxed to
202-707-8611.

In addition, letters were mailed to all current NLS book
producers and volunteer studios notifying them of our
intention to require that all  NLS books must be originally
mastered on digital audio equipment by 2004, and inviting
them to participate in refining the specifications to be
used.  A copy of the NLS plan for implementation of this
program is attached.

__Important Note:

The choice of which medium to use for the eventual delivery
of audio books in digital format is yet to be determined.
NLS plans to continue to supply audio books to libraries in
analog cassette format through this mastering transition
period and probably for some time beyond.

[Attachment: This bulletin contained an attachment that was
mailed to the network on March 24, 2000]




For further information contact:

John Bryant

(202) 707-9239
Fax: (202) 707-0711
E-mail: [log in to unmask]