Wendy
An interesting report. Some points.
1. eBooks and audiobook downloads seem to be mixed up in the reports. Its often not clear what actually is being discussed. Some users are obviously confusing the two as in "the eBook wouldn't play as it was in WMA format". WMA is a audio format.
2. All libraries who have to use Adobe Digital Editions are restricted to remote access only. You can't use this DRM management software on multi use public PCs. So interesting that so much of the report was slanted towards users actually in libraries and not at home. What service are they accessing?
3. The complicated download procedures are the result of the insistence by the publishers of the use of DRM ebook files managed via Adobe Digital Editions. (a terrible bit of software in my opinion).
thanks
--
David Tanner
Manager: Stock and Systems
Adult and Community Services (Information)
North Yorkshire County Council
Library HQ
21 Grammar School Lane
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL6 1DF
Tel: 01609 533814
Fax: 01609 780793
email: [log in to unmask]
At the moment I am reading
"Any Human Heart" by William Boyd.
>>> On 08/09/2011 at 8:19 am, in message
<[log in to unmask]>, Wendy Taylor
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Ebooks offer a new way to access thousands of new books every year at the
> same time as sighted readers. This summer, RNIB asked members of a National
> Library Service focus group to help with a survey of ebook services from
> public libraries. RNIB wanted to get a better idea of how many libraries
> provide ebooks and how accessible those services are. The survey was
> undertaken during Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight (6-19 June) and shows
> that many libraries do not offer or plan to offer ebooks because the cost is
> too high.
>
> Results
> Where ebook services are available, many testers found it difficult to log
> on via council websites using screen readers and magnification software, and
> navigating online catalogues and selecting titles to download also proved
> tricky. However, friendly and helpful library staff made a big difference
> although understanding of accessibility issues and the provision of
> accessible PCs in libraries was patchy.
>
> The full report can be accessed via Reading Sight
> http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/electronic_an
> d_digital/ebooks/ebook_services_in_public_libraries/
>
> Wendy Taylor
> Librarian, Bibliographic Services
> RNIB National Library Service
> Far Cromwell Road
> Bredbury
> Stockport
> SK6 2SG
> Tel: 0161 355 2093
> Email: [log in to unmask]
>
> Even though your eyesight might be fine, your eyes aren't necessarily
> healthy. An eye test could save your sight www.rnib.org.uk/happyeyes
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