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 * * * * This message is via list duxuser at freelists.org. * To unsubscribe, send a blank message with * unsubscribe * as the subject to <duxuser-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>. You may also * subscribe, unsubscribe, and set vacation mode and other subscription * options by visiting //www.freelists.org. The list archive * is also located there. * Duxbury Systems' web site is http://www.duxburysystems.com * * *