Best practices of the DAISY standards in Korea -LG Sangnam library's service for the print disabled

Abstract

This paper presents LG Sangnam Library’s service for the print disabled as a best practice in implementing the DAISY Standard in Korea. DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) is a technical standard for digital alternative materials for the print disabled. In order to develop a DAISY-compatible library service, the library not only has developed its collection but also has been actively involved in building technological infrastructure, including mobile devices, DAISY players, and mobile TTS (Text-to-Speech). LG Sangnam Library began a DAISY Digital Talking Book library service (LG DTB Service) with feature phones specifically designed for the print disabled in 2006. It was the world’s first ubiquitous library service for the print disabled and also the first online DAISY service in Korea. The Library has consistently developed DAISY technological infrastructure in the way of DAISY technology optimization for the Korean language and by utilizing worldwide open sources. Now the service is one of the most popular DAISY services in Korea. As a future-oriented library, the library has sought innovations in library service for the print disabled. At present, the library is preparing for a new DAISY service unit - a global DAISY smartphone service. This paper introduces LG Sangnam Library’s DAISY service generally, and examines the unique features of its DAISY practices, paying particular attention to its innovative mobile service.