Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To assist within the Resource Library by providing alternate text materials to elementary, secondary and post-secondary students who are print impaired by producing materials in Braille or Etext large print and digital audio by reviewing materials and formatting for suitable production. Produces alternate text materials for students attending W. Ross Macdonald School, other institutions in Ontario and for inter-library loan requests from other provincial resource libraries. Provides transcription, financial and data support services within the Resource Library. Provides client support in both English and French.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Within W. Ross Macdonald School, the Alternate Text Technician provides support to English and Francaphone clients by performing the following core duties:

(1) Produces Braille or etext
• Proofreading copy, correcting master copy if necessary, producing Braille copies on printer, indexing and filing master copies or disks for future use
• Creating CD covers, entering data on Alternate Format Materials (AFM) library system, shelving and retrieving Braille books
• Liaising with resource staff, producers and clients
• Liaise with software providers to resolve problems and anticipate future solutions
• Correcting any errors from out sourced material
• Providing transcription and clerical support services within the AFM Resource Library by duplicating and producing for print impaired students attending W. Ross Macdonald School and other elementary, secondary and post-secondary institutions in Ontario and for inter-library loan requests from other provincial resource libraries

(2) Produces Digital Audio
Reproduces analog audio materials by:
• Receiving requests as specified on database system, by fax or electronic mail
• Checking internal shelf availability of request
• Preparing appropriate Braille labels and print inserts using word processing software, Brailler and typewriter
• Packaging material, arranging for mailing and distribution of reproduced audio and returning master tape to originator
• Correcting errors from out sourced material

(3) Converts analog audio tape materials to digital format by:
• Operating Telex duplicating and conversion hardware and software including: Telex Duplicator, Zing Card, Fast Edit and E-Clipse Writer
• Converting analogue recording speed acceptable rates
• Converting analog material to digital files by identifying and editing analog data markings and replacing with new navigable digital markings
• Balancing decibel levels on new digital files
• Inserting markings in digital format ensuring accuracy and acceptable format
• Creating books from files and saving new settings on electronic files
• Preparing appropriate Braille labels and print inserts using word processing software, Brailler and typewriter
• Packaging material and arranging for mailing and distribution
• Correct any errors from out sourced material

(4) Produces Large Print
• Producing Large Print materials by reviewing original materials and preparing for suitable production
• Transcribing materials as requested using various computer programs copiers and scanners
• Removing the spine from the book using a Industrial paper cutter 'guillotine'
• Proofreading copy, correcting master copy if necessary, producing copies on a copier, indexing and filing master copies or disks for future use. Making covers, Entering data on elibsys library system, shelving and retrieving large print books.

(5) Provides transcription, financial and data support services within the Alternate Format Materials Resource Centre by:
• Producing some Transcription materials
• Searching internal and external databases
• Cataloguing library material
• Shipping and returning loaned and borrowed material
• Liaising with School advisors and out source production staff

Being responsible for:
• Library production records
• Financial record,
• Print impaired students attending W. Ross Macdonald School and other elementary, secondary and post-secondary institutions in Ontario and for inter-library loan requests from other provincial resource libraries,
• Compilation of financial statistics and creating demographic biological and financial reports
• Tracking and assigning of purchase orders
• Participating in solutions to purchase order pressure
• Providing database support to client groups.
• Presenting demonstrations of database to client groups.

Liaising with resource staff and producers to:
• Obtain the required material
• Confirm and identify financial transactions
• Correct any errors from out sourced material invoices
• Issues regarding invoice accuracy and production timelines.

(6) Performs other related administrative duties such as:
• Retrieving data from database system to confirm audio tape requests.
• Ensuring database system is up-to-date by entering updated information after requests have been processed
• Preparing new and/or repairing existing audio jackets and jewel cases for audio materials
• Liaising with clients and producers (students and teachers) to address issues regarding tape quality and/or delivery dates

Staffing and Licencing :

N/A

Knowledge :

Thorough knowledge of Grade 2 Braille, Etext standards at transcribers level, braille standards at transcribers level, large print production standards at transcribers level, DAISY digital audio production at transcribers level.

Knowledge of software programs relevant to the transcription of:
• Print to digital text,
• Digital text to requested format
• Print to large print
• Digital text to Large print

Knowledge of Conversion software:
• Duxbury - Captureperfect - Kurzweill 1000 - Kurzweill 3000 – Word - Word Perfect -Adobe Acrobat -Adobe reader - WordPad - Excel - WinZip - Capture Perfect 3.0 – Dolphin Easy Converter/Easy Reader - Zing Card - Fast Edit - E-Clipse Writer - Audacity - Scansoft Omnipage Pro 12 - Microsoft Office

Knowledge of the operation of :
• copier Canon Imagerunner 5020i
• scanner Canon DR 9080C
• RSL data system
• accounting components
• Advisor Producer and Employee Interfaces
• High speed audio tape duplicator Telex Duplicator, speed reduction software.
• thermoform machine

Computer knowledge required to :
• explain software programs that convert text to alternate format digital material
• search external databases Amicus Gutenburg etc.
• operate Outlook; knowledge of Presentation software
• acquire alternate format skill sets as required

Job Requires:
Proficiency in English and French Language –oral and written
General understanding of the structure and clients of the Provincial Schools to assist in the processing and distribution of material requests in both English and French

Skills :

Advanced English and French, oral and written communication skills required to provide service and support to Resource Library clients.

Typing and word processing skills to standard:
• Produce labels and print inserts correspond.

Computer skills in conversion software programs (listed above) to:
• convert and edit material
• operate Resource Service Library database software to retrieve and enter data
• use Outlook

Computer skills to operate RSL library program particularly: database; Advisor Producer and Employee interfaces.

Accounting skills to manipulate and populate accounting components of the system

Etext and braille transcription skills to:
• Determine placement of navigational markers on original in house transcription
• Use PDF easy converter to create Large Print or DAISY (navigational standard) materials
• Proof out sourced material
• Correct out source error if any exist.

Audio transcription skills to:
• determine placement of navigational markers on original in house transcription

Organizational, time management, administrative and reasoning skills to:
• Set priorities, organize and process material requests according to importance, urgency and deadlines.

Listening skills and judgement to:
• Determine and adjust to appropriate decibel levels to ensure sound quality of materials.

Verbal communication and interpersonal skills to:
• Liaise with students and teachers to discuss material requests, and with other provincial resource libraries to discuss inter-library loan materials in both English and French.

Routine problem solving skills to:
• Resolve own work problems/issues with requests regarding transcription quality software related problems and/or placement of order.

Advanced problem solving skills to:
• Resolve non-routine challenges regarding the placement of navigation identification markers. The identification and resolution of errors from out sourced material

Freedom of Action :

The position is required and expected to resolve unusual matters outside established procedures and practices using advanced problem solving skills then report solutions to the Supervisor. Position is expected to seek and participate in a variety skill set training opportunities in transcription and/or technology work shops.