For NLS Network Libraries with locally produced titles not available on BARD, Keystone Systems provides a system to store digital files, maintain title data, and allow download by patrons of any participating network library. This national repository of locally produced titles is called the SHared ELectronic Files (SHELF) Project.
Participating libraries can contribute materials they record and produce as a digital talking book (DTB). Keystone's integrated national union catalog of locally recorded DTBs provides the infrastructure to make those recordings searchable and easy to download.
Benefits of the SHELF Project:
- Your local catalog can be a “one-stop-shop” for all NLS format DTB recordings including both BARD (Braille & Audio Reading Download) and local titles not on BARD. Searching occurs within your own OPAC.
- Your readers will have access to all the recordings provided nationally, greatly increasing the range of locally recorded titles that are available. The catalog record will include whether a title is locally recorded, and which library produced it, allowing this information to be displayed on the WebOPAC.
- The titles your library produces will have much broader usage, as they can be easily accessed by both your own patrons, and the qualifying patrons of other NLS network libraries.
- Readers' downloads are tracked in the library’s circulation system as a “HasHad,” enhancing reader services and usage reporting. Circulation data is automatically created and available in KLAS.
- Keystone provides the storage space necessary to house the electronic files of your locally produced digital books. This gives your library an off-site copy of your completed DTB files for disaster recovery purposes.
For more detailed information about the these benefits and more, we invite you to download the SHELF Project flyer:
SHELF Project Details and Pricing - PDF (134.92 kB)
Shelf Project FAQ
How do I submit files to SHELF? Will that also make the files available for duplication?
Locally-produced DTB files are uploaded to our electronic file storage using any FTP client approved by your IT. If using Scribe, that automatically makes the file available for duplication as well. For Gutenberg libraries, the file will still need to be uploaded to the Gutenberg directly.
How do I share or receive the catalog records for SHELF titles?
The catalog records for your locally produced titles are created and maintained within KLAS, and designated for automatic transfer to other SHELF libraries using a designated Title Status. The title records from other libraries are automatically imported to your catalog, and can be reviewed to ensure that they meet local standards and practices.
Will we be able to submit our recorded magazines?
Yes; local serials can be shared and accessed via SHELF just as easily as monograph titles.
How will my patrons be able to find and download titles?
Your patrons can find locate titles that are part of the SHELF project alongside the NLS collection as part of their WebOPAC search results. You can choose to highlight local titles by displaying that information and/or providing a browse list of local titles, but the process of finding and requesting or downloading the titles is seamless regardless of the title's origin.