Present: G. Allen, M. Belsky, S. Blosser, J. Eulenberg, D. Fisher, D. Forro, M. Hestenes, T. Hwang, J. Lowman, J. Renuk, R. Wittick, C. Wisniewski.
1. The meeting was called to order by Eulenberg at 1 : 40 p.m.
2. Text-to-computer devices.
Blosser discussed the Kurzweil 3000's capabilities. It costs $1200 for the full program, $249 for the reader only. There is also a smaller, less expensive program, called textHELP '98. Forro noted that Arkenstone's earlier product conflicted with other applications, leading to system crashes.
To Fisher's query re: copyright issues, Forro responded that Michael Seadle (Libraries) is working on this issue and that there are special considerations for persons with disabilities.
Hestenes noted that storing text in proprietary formats could result in future recovery problems, if the company goes out of business or simply changes formats.
Eulenberg inquired where this work would be done, by whom, using what equipment, and should we have different equipment for different needs. For example, Fisher suggested, there is a "real-time" need when a user comes in with a document in hand, as opposed to a "non-real-time" need, when a document is created for future use. Hestenes noted that the Tower Guard Honor Society (TGHS) donates a certain number of hours each week to reading for these kinds of purposes; they might be of service here. Blosser added that some of his current text conversion work is being done by OPHS members.
Renuk noted the existence of many electronic books available, for example, from Amazon.com.
3. The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
George Allen, Recording Secretary
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Last updated 21 April 1999.