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.