Steve,

Sorry to be posting to the entire list but I don't have access to your
individual email.  Can't speak to the academic issues you raised but do have
some experience with both K 1000 and K 3000.  We purchased K1000 for patrons
at our NLS library after having talked with patrons who used computers.  Since
most patrons in the library and those who use computers have low vision we
chose K1000.  Interesting thing is that most of the people who use it are
people with reading disabilities.

Meanwhile, at a local university, they purchased K3000 because most of their
students have reading disabilities.

Working with Talking Book Library patrons from the university, I have found
that while students with reading disabilitie can use K1000, students with low
or no vision cannot use K3000.

I wonder whether you need to purchase K 3000.  Or would do so only after
careful consideration of the actual benefits it would provide for students.

Good luck.


===== Original Message From "Library Access -- http://www.rit.edu/~easi"
<[log in to unmask]> =====
>Hello:
>There are numerous software applications available on a workstation in our
>community college library. These include a PC-integrated Optelec CCTV; 21"
>monitor; JAWS; Kurzweil 1000; ZoomText Xtra Level 2. All of the former
>provide access for students and community people with low vision.
>In an effort to serve students and community people with reading
>disabilities, I am considering adding Kurzweil 3000 to the available
>choices of assistive technology. To help my decision and to work out
>relationships with the rest of the campus, I am trying to determine
>whether libraries (in contrast to Personalized Access Centers) place
>Kurzweil 3000 on public PCs. If so, what staff relationships exist between
>the Library and the Access Centers and Academic computing specialists?
>
>Secondly, do any Libraries or Access Centers install Kurzweil 3000 on
>laptops and lend the installed software, scanner, and laptop to students
>who have a qualifying disability?
>
>Thanks for your consideration.
>
>Steve Thompson, Library Specialist
>Rock Valley College Library
>3301 N. Mulford Rd
>Rockford IL 61114
>815-636-4048

Julia Allegrini, Library Supervisor
Northern Kentucky Talking Book Library
502 Scott Boulevard
Covington, Kentucky 41011
859-491-7610
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