DTB Download from NLS Neil Bernstein Research & Development Officer

History: Pre-2006 Web Braille 9300 books 5600 users Web Magazines “Two and a quarter” magazines Victor Reader Soft Old codec, old protection, little feedback

DTB Download: Three phases First phase: Closed pilot 100 hand-picked testers Second phase: Expanded pilot Open to all eligible patrons…who can buy players Third phase: Open system Open to all eligible patrons (NLS player)

First phase: Closed pilot Why? No real patron testing of DTBs Because we could! DRM became available AMR-WB+ chosen and available Flash-based player available

First phase: Closed pilot Goals Primary goal: Are we making DTBs correctly? Secondary goals: Will our DRM system get in the way? How do people use a download service?

First phase: Closed pilot Closed pilot test 100 hand-picked testers loaned modified Victor Reader Classic Launched Friday, October 13, 2006 Ended August 30, 2007 Required a survey for each item At first limited books Then, everything! Support provided by…me DTB-Test

First phase results Over 5000 downloads in 45 weeks. 92% “I could navigate everywhere I wished with ease” (of those rating navigation) 94% “I had no problems downloading this book or transferring it to my player”

Second phase: Expanded pilot Goals: How to offer a download service System capacity People Computers Support What works? How much? Other issues

Second phase: Expanded pilot Open to all eligible NLS patrons Need to buy or borrow a player HumanWare Victor Reader Stream LevelStar Icon APH Braille Plus Mobile Manager 30 items in 30 days (no more surveys) Administration and support from Washington …and now California Account and statistical feedback to libraries

Second phase: Current statistics As of April 30, ,272 books 433 issues of 22 magazines Seven more magazines by June 69,453 downloads since October 1 Almost a quarter of those just in April! 2,266 user accounts, 55 libraries April busiest month yet for requests

Main site address: Support: For librarians and patrons Requirements: Patron in good standing A compatible DTB player A computer with high-speed internet service An active address Basic internet abilities Second phase: Useful information

Second phase: Common problems and spam filters Patron status / CMLS record Participation requirements 30 item limit “Library loaner”

Third phase: Open New features for patrons Better search Higher limits Branding: It’s your site Application Site / help Administration and support: It’s your site But we’ll back you up

Third phase: Open Standardized statistics For circulation systems Ready December 2008 Training Launch after the NLS player rollout begins