Electronic discussion lists

Digitisation

• extract is scanned, producing an image of the text
• the image is converted to text using Optical Character Recognition software - the accuracy of the result depends very much on the quality of the original, which means photocopies are not advisable.
• to ensure an accurate reproduction, the extract is checked, character by character, against the original text
• pages are laid out according to whether they are to be delivered online or as a printed course pack
• standard headers, footers, page numbers, title page, copyright and bibliographic information, etc are applied

Electronic discussion lists

Print Production

• all items for the course pack are collated into one file and sent to a commercial printer
• a master printout is made
• multiple copies are made according to the number required by the CMI
• each pack is covered and bound
• packs are delivered to the relevant CMI for sale to students

As printing cannot proceed until all items are cleared for copyright, lengthy copyright negotiations for one item can delay the whole pack. This puts considerable pressure on both Copyright and Technical Units, as well as the printer, to meet course deadlines and deliver material to students on time. Delay in receipt of the original reading list, or small delays anywhere in the clearance and production process can have a disproportionate effect on the timing of the end product.

Electronic discussion lists

Online Delivery

• digitised file is converted to Portable Document Format (PDF)
• SCOPE's custom copyright security features are added - see Cactus
• database record for document delivery is prepared, using information entered by Copyright Unit
• PDF file is mounted on SCOPE server

Unlike print production, online delivery allows individual items to be made available as copyright clearance is obtained, which means students' access to reading materials need not be held up by lengthy copyright negotiations on one item. They can consult the majority of items on the list and the delayed item can be added as soon as clearance is finally obtained.