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remote_volunteering [2021/09/01 15:21]
mn1a [Training]
remote_volunteering [2022/08/02 09:38] (current)
mn1a [Accessibility-related considerations]
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-====== Introduction =====+= Introduction = 
-Remote volunteering can be a great way to increase output, find potential volunteers with a variety of skills and specialties, and mitigate the impact of being unable to do onsite recording. Some considerations for starting and maintaining a remote volunteer program are listed below.+Remote volunteering can be an excellent way to increase output, find potential volunteers with a variety of skills, and mitigate the impact of being unable to record onsite. Some considerations for starting and maintaining a remote volunteer program are included in the sections below.
  
-===== Preparations ====+= Preparations = 
-In general, preparations for a remote volunteer program involve preparing/creating applicable documentation and identifying equipment-related solutions/strategies+In general, preparations for a remote volunteer program involve creating applicable documentationand identifying/implementing equipment-related solutions. 
  
-==== Documentation ====+== Documentation ===
  
 === Volunteer application === === Volunteer application ===
   * An onsite application form can be repurposed, but creation of a targeted application is recommended.   * An onsite application form can be repurposed, but creation of a targeted application is recommended.
 +=== Volunteer assessment materials ===
 +  * Assessments can be created easily for remote narrators, monitors/reviewers, and editors.
 +  * For more information, please refer to the ''Audition Materials'' sub-heading on the [[Digital Recording]] page.
 === Volunteer timesheet === === Volunteer timesheet ===
   * Excel/other spreadsheet with columns for volunteer name, date, book title, and start and end times.   * Excel/other spreadsheet with columns for volunteer name, date, book title, and start and end times.
 === Training resources === === Training resources ===
-  * Written or video documentation on how to complete core recording tasks ([[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/VideoNew/?group=Educ&id=PROD034428 | recording]], [[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/VideoNew/?group=Educ&id=PROD034429 | editing]], [[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/VideoNew/?group=Educ&id=PROD034430 | corrections]], [[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/VideoNew/?group=Educ&id=PROD034431 | mark-up]], and [[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/VideoNew/?group=Educ&id=PROD034437 | review]]). +  * Written or video documentation on completing core recording tasks ([[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/VideoNew/?group=Educ&id=PROD034428 | recording]], [[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/VideoNew/?group=Educ&id=PROD034429 | editing]], [[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/VideoNew/?group=Educ&id=PROD034430 | corrections]], [[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/VideoNew/?group=Educ&id=PROD034431 | mark-up]], and [[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/VideoNew/?group=Educ&id=PROD034437 | review]]). 
-  * Ideally, training resources would be available for completing tasks in more than one software application (i.e. Hindenburg and Audacity). +  * Ideally, training resources should be available for completing tasks in more than one software application (i.e. Hindenburg and Audacity). 
-  * Links to helpful/relevant YouTube tutorials can be sent to volunteers as supplements, too (i.e. videos on how to record quality audio at home). +  * Links to helpful/relevant YouTube tutorials can be sent to volunteers as supplements, too (i.e. 'how to record quality audio at home'). 
-  * Collecting feedback from volunteers able to achieve good quality recordings at home on their setups can be an effective way to get extra information and improve documentation.+  * Collecting feedback from volunteers able to achieve good quality recordings at home can be an effective way to identify new and effective strategies, and improve documentation.
 === NLS specifications === === NLS specifications ===
   * [[ https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwid9NL5gd7yAhVrn-AKHVb6BmMQFnoECAIQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.loc.gov%2Fnls%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F04%2FSpecification.1202.04April2019.final_.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3QH1Cv24mvBZlozkTTcr1F | Specification 1202:2018 Digital Talking Book Mastering ]]   * [[ https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwid9NL5gd7yAhVrn-AKHVb6BmMQFnoECAIQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.loc.gov%2Fnls%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F04%2FSpecification.1202.04April2019.final_.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3QH1Cv24mvBZlozkTTcr1F | Specification 1202:2018 Digital Talking Book Mastering ]]
-    * In addition to being a good resource for general considerations (especially //3. Technical Requirements of the Audio Recording//), it can also be an interesting resource for volunteers with professional/semi-professional narration experience, or those looking to get into professional narration/voice-over work.+    * In addition to being a great resource for general considerations (especially ''3. Technical Requirements of the Audio Recording''), it can also be helpful for volunteers with professional/semi-professional narration experience, or those interested in working as professional narrators.
  
-==== Equipment ====+== Equipment ==
  
 === Computers/single-board computers === === Computers/single-board computers ===
-  * Depending on available resources, it may be desirable to provide volunteers with a computer/laptop/[[ https://www.electronics-lab.com/top-10-single-board-computers-of-2020/ | single-board computer]] equipped with recording software (Audacity[[ https://www.ocenaudio.com/en/startpage | Ocen Audio]], or similar). +  * Depending on available resources, it may be desirable to provide volunteers with a computer/laptop/[[ https://www.electronics-lab.com/top-10-single-board-computers-of-2020/ | single-board computer]] equipped with recording software
-  * For libraries without access to computers to lend to volunteers, ability to use personal equipment can also be set as a condition of remote volunteering.+    * [[ https://www.audacityteam.org/Audacity]] / [[https://github.com/tenacityteam/tenacity | Tenacity]] 
 +    * [[ https://www.ocenaudio.com/en/startpage | Ocen Audio]] 
 + 
 +  * The use of personal equipment can also be set as a condition of remote volunteering.
 === Handheld recorders === === Handheld recorders ===
   * Handheld recorders can be a good way to enable volunteers without computers, or who are not comfortable with using computers, to participate.   * Handheld recorders can be a good way to enable volunteers without computers, or who are not comfortable with using computers, to participate.
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     * [[ https://www.zoom.co.jp/products/handy-recorder/h1-handy-recorder | Zoom ]]     * [[ https://www.zoom.co.jp/products/handy-recorder/h1-handy-recorder | Zoom ]]
 === USB microphones === === USB microphones ===
-  * As many potential volunteers may have access to computers, the internet, and a quiet space to record, providing them with a computer may not be necessary. However, in many cases the microphones that volunteers have access to may cause sound quality issues. While many handheld recorders can work as external microphones, and audio interfaces, USB microphones can work as competitively priced alternatives.  +  * As many potential volunteers may have access to computers, the internet, and a quiet space to record, providing them with a computer may not be necessary. However, the microphones that volunteers have ready access to may cause sound quality issues. While many handheld recorders can work as external microphones/audio interfaces, USB microphones can also be used as competitively priced alternatives. 
-  * As some  USB microphones also have built-in headphone jacks, there is a potential to set-up a single board computer with a small LCD screen and perform settings to enable volunteers to record using a small-sized computer workstation.+
     * [[ https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/ | Blue]]     * [[ https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/ | Blue]]
     * [[ http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/gtrackpro/ | Samson]]     * [[ http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/gtrackpro/ | Samson]]
 === Volunteer server === === Volunteer server ===
-  * Microsoft SharePoint servers are very easy to use and can be set up and maintained by IT staff. However, as they are not designed to be used with larger files, they require some extra considerations. For more information, please refer to File and data exchange.+  * Microsoft SharePoint servers are very easy to use and can be set up and maintained by IT staff. However, as they are not designed to be used with larger files, they require some extra considerations. For more information, please refer to the File and data exchange section below.
   * For libraries with the necessary resources, setting up a designated server could allow for more customization, and mitigate potential issues with SharePoint.    * For libraries with the necessary resources, setting up a designated server could allow for more customization, and mitigate potential issues with SharePoint. 
  
-===== Recruiting =====+= Recruiting =
 There are two primary methods for recruiting: in-person and virtual.  There are two primary methods for recruiting: in-person and virtual. 
  
-==== In-person (On-site visits, Zoom meetings, etc.) ==== +== In-person (On-site visits, Zoom meetings, etc.) == 
-  * Often, local organizations, schools, or libraries can be a source of volunteers, and creating time to make visits and presentations can help spread the word about volunteer programs. Since many potential volunteers may be unable to physically come to the library during hours of operation, informing them that remote options exist can encourage participation, and recruiting local remote volunteers can make equipment and physical file/data exchange easier. +  * Local organizations, schools, or libraries can be a source of volunteers, and creating time to make visits and presentations can help spread the word about volunteer programs. Since many potential volunteers may be unable to come to the library during hours of operation, informing them that remote options exist can encourage participation, and recruiting local remote volunteers can make equipment and physical file/data exchange easier. 
-==== Virtual recruiting boards==== +== Virtual recruiting boards == 
-  * Many free/partially free services exists for virtual recruitingand one of the best is [[ https://www.volunteermatch.org/ | VolunteerMatch.org]]. This service can be used to search for volunteers by area (zip code), or can be set to accept applications from volunteers anywhere in the world. As the listings automatically get pushed to Linkedin, one listing can get a great deal of exposure. +  * Many free/partially free services, such as [[ https://www.volunteermatch.org/ | VolunteerMatch.org]], exist for virtual recruitingVolunteerMatch.org allows searching for volunteers by area (zip code), and can also be set to accept applications from volunteers anywhere in the world. As listings automatically get pushed to Linkedin, one listing can get a great deal of exposure. 
-  * While virtual recruiting services allow a great deal of coverage, it may be a good idea to speak with your HR department prior to creating a listing. In some cases, volunteers who apply may not be eligible to participate, and adding conditions to listings based on HR guidelines is recommended.+  * While virtual recruiting services allow a great deal of coverage, it may be advisable to speak with your HR department prior to creating a listing due to legal considerations.
  
-===== Training ====+= Training = 
-Making documentation on core processes (written, or video contents) available online can be a good way to introduce potential volunteers to work to be performed for each role, and enable current volunteers to access tutorials easily.+Making documentation on core processes (written, or video contents) available online can be a great way to enable potential and current volunteers to access tutorials easily.
   * [[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/mbtbl/volunteer/ | MBTBL Volunteer page ]]   * [[ https://education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/mbtbl/volunteer/ | MBTBL Volunteer page ]]
  
-As some volunteers may need additional support, quick, focused tutorial videos or documentation can be created and uploaded to individual volunteer directories on the server. Once a resource has been created, it can be distributed to other volunteers who encounter the same issue, or used as the basis for creating more formalized contents.+As some volunteers may need additional support, quick, focused tutorial videos or documentation can also be created and uploaded to individual volunteer directories on the server. Once a resource has been created, it can be distributed to other volunteers who encounter the same issue, or used as the basis for creating new general tutorials.
  
-===== File and data exchange =====+= File and data exchange =
 File and data exchange involve both physical and procedural considerations. File and data exchange involve both physical and procedural considerations.
  
-==== Physical considerations ====+== Physical considerations ==
  
 === Internet access === === Internet access ===
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   * For volunteers without computer, a library-supplied computer/single-board computer, or a handheld recorder can be used as an alternative. In this case, physical file exchange will probably be necessary.   * For volunteers without computer, a library-supplied computer/single-board computer, or a handheld recorder can be used as an alternative. In this case, physical file exchange will probably be necessary.
  
-==== Procedural considerations ====+== Procedural considerations ==
  
 === Guidelines by file format === === Guidelines by file format ===
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-===== Accessibility-related considerations =====+= Accessibility-related considerations =
 While the previous sections provide an overview of important general considerations, making every effort to ensure that processes are accessible is a great way to get end-users involved in the book creation processes and increase quality. While the previous sections provide an overview of important general considerations, making every effort to ensure that processes are accessible is a great way to get end-users involved in the book creation processes and increase quality.
  
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     * [[ https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/accessibility.html | Audacity]]     * [[ https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/accessibility.html | Audacity]]
  
-Accessible/Partially Accessible solutions can also be created in-house thanks to the wealth of documentation on coding and open source software solutions available on the internet. Currently, an in-house portable review station which includes marking/timestamp functionality (similar to DTB players) is in use at MBTBL. The review station was created using a Raspberry Pi 3b+ (Arch Linux ARM), and the review program was written in C (SDL2, SDL_Mixer). +Accessible/Partially Accessible solutions can also be created in-house due to the wealth of documentation on coding and open source software solutions available on the internet. Currently, an in-house portable review station which includes marking/timestamp functionality (similar to DTB players) is in use at MBTBL. The review station was created using a Raspberry Pi 3b+ ([[ https://archlinuxarm.org/Arch Linux ARM]]), and the review program was written in C ([[ https://www.libsdl.org/SDL2]][[ https://www.libsdl.org/projects/SDL_mixer/SDL_Mixer]]). 
  
  
remote_volunteering.1630524104.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/09/01 15:21 by mn1a