Digitization Of The Book: A Report On Present Trends

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• A New Generation of Audio Books
  • 6.7 Audio 'Word Search'
  • 6.8 Technology Assessment and Research Program (TARP)

A New Generation of Audio Books

6.7 Audio 'Word Search'

Electronic text files provide computer users with extensive word search capabilities. They allow users to access the contents of a book very efficiently, which is important to students, researchers, or professionals doing course work or retrieving information. Synthetic speech software makes electronic files and these search capabilities accessible to those unable to use print. Although searching is desirable for those who prefer the audio format, there is no comparable technology for retrieving information from audio recordings. To provide word search capability with present technology it is necessary to cross reference/interface the electronic text with the audio recording. To do this manually, indexing each recorded word to be cross referenced, increases production costs and time tremendously.

Research is currently being carried out by companies such as IBM to develop 'audio search capability'. IBM has developed QBIC (Query By Image Content), a search feature which allows the user to search a file by image (colour and/or pattern). In theory, an audio search function would provide similar search capability, but for audio segments rather than for visual attributes. Such a search feature could have a profound effect on the way in which audio books are indexed, particularly for those reading for study, information and reference purposes. Existing analog masters could be effectively used by readers without the need for indexing/cross referencing to an electronic text file.

6.8 Technology Assessment and Research Program (TARP)

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress has established the Technology Assessment and Research Program Team. The focus of this team is the transition of the production and dissemination of alternate format audio books to digital technology. TARP activity will centre on engineering development, consumer involvement, economic modelling and international compatibility standards. It is a comprehensive research and development program established for the purpose of examining and evaluating every technology that might be adapted to NLS needs. At this point, nothing has been ruled out, from electronic delivery to placing the entire NLS collection in a portable memory.

TARP is researching the design of digital production and storage, coding, archiving, distribution and presentation, while at the same time monitoring patron preferences and consumer product economies. The principle upon which this program is based is to begin the transition with low-risk and limited-impact projects such as digital original mastering and computer-based digital book modelling. This will eventually be expanded to digital archiving and distribution.

This NLS program was instrumental in organizing a 1995 seminar which focused on future talking book technology. At this meeting an international listserv was established to facilitate communication amongst organizations producing alternate format talking books. The listserv "Discussions on Digital Talking Books for Blind Individuals" is hosted in New Zealand at DTD@RNZFB.ORG.NZ.