Thanks John (Moore), for a good list of pros and cons. A third advantage for talking browsers is that they are easier for the staff to demonstrate to customers, and so the staff may not require special/expensive training. This is a key consideration for libraries, is it not? What proportion of customers with dyslexia or a visual impairment will be familiar with screen readers? Cheers, John -- In message <[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] writes: > >Two advantages for talking browsers 1) They are less expensive; 2) They are >easier to learn to use. > >Some of the advantages of screen reading software 1) Screen readers provide >access to many software applications..not just the Internet. 2) They >identify various Windows events (menus, text boxes etc.) for easier Windows >navigation. 3) Many persons who need to use screen readers already know how >to use them. 4) Screen readers may allow for access to databases and other >non-web-based library resources. > > >John Moore, MLIS >Information Resources Coordinator >Texas Technology Access Project >Texas Center for Disability Studies >The University of Texas, at Austin >SZB 252e D5100 >Austin, TX 78712 > >(800) 828-7839 >local (512) 471-7621 >fax (512) 471-7549 -- Access the word, access the world! -- Try our WordAloud software!! John Nissen, Cloudworld Ltd., Chiswick, London, UK Tel: +44 (0) 845 458 3944 (local rate in the UK) Fax: +44 (0) 20 8742 8715 Email: [log in to unmask] Web: http://www.cloudworld.co.uk and http://www.wordaloud.co.uk