[duxuser] Repository
- From: "BETSY BURNHAM" <bburnham@xxxxxxx>
- To: <Duxuser@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2002 16:31:16 -0400
Dear Duxbury Users,
Jan Carroll at APH forwarded a few of your emails to me that discussed the
files in the APH File Repository. I am sorry for your frustration. We also
share it!
The Repository was set up several years ago as an attempt to facilitate the
sharing of publisher and Braille files. It has always been extremely
frustrating to call up a publisher and request a file. Such a call could
involve several days (or weeks) as you were passed from voicemail to voicemail.
And, if you are not from a state with a Braille law, you had no legal grounds
for requesting the files. APH sought agreements with publishers to allow us to
put their files on the web for easy download. It took quite a bit of talking
(everyone who knows me knows that I CAN talk quite a bit*) to convince the
publishers that this system would protect their files and ease their workload.
At that time, the IMAA was just a glimmer in everyone's eye. The only files
that are currently available are the ones that have been prepared for states
that have Braille laws. Because these files are prepared under contract in
compliance with often very vague laws, they are not created with any
uniformity. The publisher typically goes with the vendor who can create the
file in the desired timeframe at the lowest price. They try to create files
that will satisfy as many state laws as possible, with a minimum of expense.
(We all know what quality is coming from such "bargains".)
There has been no feed back mechanism to the publishers, other than the
adoption state accepting or rejecting files. Since not every file is used by
the state after receipt, not every file is reviewed. That is what Matt was
alluding to when he stated "APH is not responsible for the file format."
(Unfortunately, this seemed to come off as a flippant answer, which is not how
it was intended. We apologize for any offense.) In an ideal world, we'd have
6 Matt's on staff, review every file, and have the IMAA behind us so we could
reject the unacceptable files. (OK, let's really dream * 12 Matt's*) In our
real world, Matt works part time on the Repository and we accession the files
as we receive them. We do not receive copies of the print books when we
receive the files; so again, we are not able to check the quality.
Like you, we are often appalled at the state of the files. We have tried to
let you know that if you come across unusable files, we will contact the
publisher. (Please let others know this*) Depending on the publisher, we get
varying responses, but we are more than willing to try. Some will rework the
files if requested. Some are glad for the feedback. Others* well you know how
it is. But again, we will try.
Please let us know if there is more information we can add to the Louis record
to make things clearer. For example, it was Warren's suggestion that we call
the files "tagged" since there are so many irregularities.
As Tom mentioned, the Repository also contains Braille files. Rod Brawley in
California has committed a large amount of California resources toward
providing files for sharing. He hopes, as do we, that you will use and
contribute files in this way.
The Repository is just a beginning * we hope you will continue to work with us
to help it serve you and improve over time.
Best regards,
Christine
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