Discover Digital Libraries

As we venture into the 21st century, computers, the Internet and e-text are creating a whole new world of digital libraries. To visit a digital library, power up a computer, access the Internet, and then locate a digital library site on the World Wide Web. These sites contain collections of e-text documents, which are computer readable electronic files that duplicate the physical text. Now, click on the selection of your choice and begin reading - no checkout, and no due date!

Once the electronic version of a book or text is accessed, individuals can read it as is, or when needed, use their individualized computer programs and/or alternative input/output devices to 'read' the printed word. For example, individuals with vision loss may have the text read aloud using their text-to-speech program; persons with a learning disability may change foreground and background colors to aid in visual discrimination; or individuals with motor limitations may move through the text using a switch. The beauty of digital libraries is that they help make print accessible for all.

To be certain that e-text files can be 'read' on various computers using differing software, the International Standards Organization (ISO) established rules to guide hardware and software producers. When these guidelines are followed, computer interfacing and compatibility problems almost disappear, making access to e-text documents simple and universal. To discover digital libraries and e-text reading, visit a site offered below:

Project Gutenberg
http://www.gutenberg.net

Internet Public Library
http://www.ipl.org

Bartleby
http://www.bartleby.com

Reprinted with permission from Assistive Technology Key, Volume 6, No. 5 (December 2001), a publication of the North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology.