DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) is the international technical standard for digital talking books and other accessible reading materials, including textbooks, magazines, and newspapers. It was specifically designed to provide a complete and navigable audio substitute for print material for people with print disabilities, such as blindness, low vision, and dyslexia.
Unlike traditional audiobooks, DAISY books are structured for advanced navigation. A user can move instantly and precisely through the material, jumping not just by chapter, but often by subsection, page, paragraph, or even sentence, offering the same flexibility as reading a print book. This enhanced structure has significant benefits for students and professionals.
The DAISY Standard and Format
The DAISY Consortium, an international non-profit organization, develops and maintains the DAISY standard. The standard outlines the requirements for structural markup (indexing), synchronization, and navigation control within the digital files. The level of navigation—how fine-grained the jumps can be—is determined by the producer of the DAISY file based on the complexity of the source material. For example, a textbook will typically have more navigation points than a novel.
DAISY books can be produced in three primary formats:
- Audio-Only: These files contain only the narrated audio, with minimal or no corresponding text. This format is most often used for recreational reading and typically features human narration. The National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled often produces DAISY audio-only books.
- Text-Only: This format contains only the marked-up text and no pre-recorded audio. It is read using a device or software that employs a text-to-speech engine or a refreshable braille display. The quality of the “narration” depends on the synthesizer’s voice. Organizations like Bookshare use this format, which offers the advantage of very small file sizes.
- Synchronized Audio and Text (Full-Text/Full-Audio): This is the most feature-rich format, where the text and its corresponding pre-recorded audio are perfectly synchronized (often with on-screen text highlighting). This allows the user to listen to human-narrated audio while simultaneously seeing the text, which is particularly helpful for users with dyslexia or for understanding the layout and structure of the document. Learning Ally is a key provider of synchronized DAISY books.
Accessing DAISY Books
DAISY format evolved from analog tape cassettes to digital files in the 1990s. The files can be played on various platforms, which fall into two main categories:
1. Software Applications
Specialized software can be downloaded and installed on general-purpose devices like PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. These applications offer features such as adjustable reading speed without voice distortion, highlighting text (for synchronized books), and bookmarking for future reference.
- Open Source Options: The DAISY Consortium provides open-source software like AMIS for free download.
- Requirements: A computer needs speakers, a sound card, and a keyboard. For CD-based files, a CD-ROM drive is also required.
- Software Compatibility: When selecting software, ensure it’s compatible with your operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, iOS) and the specific DAISY version you plan to use (e.g., DAISY 2.02 or DAISY 3/ANSI/NISO Z39.86-2005).
2. Dedicated Hardware (Digital Talking Book Readers)
These are stand-alone, purpose-built devices, ranging from small, palm-sized players to portable tabletop units. They are designed for ease of use by the print-disabled community, often featuring tactile buttons and audio prompts.
- Examples of Dedicated Readers: Include models from companies like HumanWare (Victor Reader Stream) and the NLS Digital Talking Book Machines (DTBMs).
- Media Sources: DAISY files can be loaded onto these devices via internet download, CDs, SD memory cards, or USB flash drives.
The National Library Service (NLS) distributes its books on specialized digital cartridges. For copyright protection, these files use the Protected Digital Talking Book (PDTB) encryption standard. Eligible NLS patrons are provided with an encryption key that “unlocks” the book files for playback on NLS-provided equipment or authorized commercial players.
Summary
As digital accessibility continues to evolve, the DAISY standard remains a cornerstone of inclusion—bridging the gap between print and digital media for millions of readers worldwide. Its ongoing development by the DAISY Consortium ensures that accessible reading will continue to grow more versatile, user-friendly, and universally available in the years to come.