Network Bulletin No. 99-54
Date: November 12, 1999
Subject: Web-Braille
Index term: Guidelines and restrictions on use of Web-
Braille
The Web-Braille system was successfully launched in mid-
September and continues to add new users and books. The
title count is currently nearing 2,800. NLS appreciates the
network's participation in registering readers for the
system as well as learning the new skills necessary for this
program. It has required the development of new procedures
throughout the network. Response from users, however, has
been uniformly positive; they love the convenience and
flexibility the Web-Braille system offers.
Several libraries have asked for clarification of the
guidelines on restrictions on the use of Web-Braille. In
addition to NLS program patrons, there are three classes of
institutions eligible for Web-Braille:
-- Schools for the blind
-- Public or private schools providing braille to blind
children, whether the school is set up as a deposit
collection or simply as an institutional patron
-- Nonprofit organizations for which a primary purpose is
to produce braille books for the use of eligible readers in
the U.S. Some examples are instructional materials resource
centers and nonprofit transcribing agencies.
An updated version of the section describing restrictions is
included below. In addition, we have added this section to
the Network Library Services home page where it will remain
as a current report explaining restrictions on the use of
Web-Braille.
__Restrictions on Use__
Web-Braille materials can be made available only to eligible
users who are residents of the U.S. or American citizens
living abroad. NLS will inform users of the restrictions
and will instruct them not to share their user ID and
password with anyone or any organization.
Each network library may establish its own Web-Braille
account.
Network libraries may also establish Web-Braille accounts
for three types of institutions providing library service to
eligible readers in their service area: schools for the
blind, public or private schools providing braille to blind
students, and organizations for which a primary purpose is
to produce braille books for the use of eligible readers in
the U.S. (e.g., instructional materials resource centers and
nonprofit transcribing agencies). Web-Braille service must
not be extended to other types of organizations. Refer to
the chief of the NLS Network Division requests for access to
Web-Braille by agencies that do not fall into one of the
three classes mentioned above.
Agencies may use Web-Braille files only to produce braille
copies. Under current copyright law, agencies may not make
large-print or unencrypted e-text versions of books without
the permission of the copyright holder.
__Comprehensive Mailing List System (CMLS) Registration of
Institutions__
Institutions should be registered as Web-Braille subscribers
in CMLS so they may remain active in libraries' circulation
systems without borrowing books directly from the library.
__Web-Braille Statistics__
NLS is exploring methods to provide to the network figures
for Web-Braille readership and circulation by library. Once
a system has been developed, we will inform the network.
__Inputting Institutional Names on Web-Braille "Add New
User" Screen__
When adding institutions as Web-Braille users, enter the key
word of the institution's name (that which distinguishes it
from other similar agencies) in the last name field, and the
remainder in the first name field. For instance, Lafayette
School for the Blind would be input as: Last Name:
Lafayette; First Name: School for the Blind. Instructional
Materials Center of Arkansas would be entered as: Last Name:
Arkansas; First Name: Instructional Materials Center.
For further information contact:
Judy Dixon
Consumer Relations Officer
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