[misc.handicap] CBFB_BOOKS scanning.net

robertj@tekgen.bv.tek.com (Robert Jaquiss) (05/11/91)

Index Number: 15483

Scanning Network

Scanning a book is a process that utilizes an Optical Character
Recognition device.  The famous "Arkenstone", "Adhock Computing's
OCR", "TSI's OSCAR", and the "Xerox's Kurtzweil" are examples of
these machines.

Thousands of these machines are now in the hands of the Blind and
Print-disabled.  It would be nice if these scanned books could be
shared among the print-disabled community.  Unfortunately, simply
distributing these materials violates copyright laws.

In an attempt to make more materials available in a more timely
fashion, CBFB has started a Scanning Network.  This scanning
network combines individuals and schools with OCR scanners,
volunteer editors, CBFB's copyright permissions department, and
CBFB's distribution system to makes books available.

When a person scans an entire book she or he is encouraged to
send the files and title information to CBFB.  CBFB will attempt
to get permission to distribute this book to members.  If there
are sufficient editors available, scanning errors will be
corrected.

CBFB can provide the person who scans materials for CBFB a
receipt for that donation.  The value of the donation is to be
determined by the member.  A guideline is $1.00 per page scanned,
but each individual should seek advice as to the tax deduction
status of the donation. In addition, CBFB will give him or her a
$10 credit towards their next purchase.

CBFB, Arkenstone, and other companies view this project as a way
of getting materials out faster than using publisher source
files.  For the college student who needs books "Yesterday," this
should be a great improvement.  Limitations certainly exist.
Scientific material will be difficult to produce using an OCR.

The focus of CBFB remains with the production of materials from
publisher's source files, however, the existence of books
produced by the print-disabled themselves cannot be overlooked.
The blind and print-disabled, do NOT want to break laws in an
attempt to gain access to the printed word.  This scanning
network is a direct result of the effort to gain the publishers
support and cooperation to make ALL of their books accessible.