Calibre Audio Library logoDemonstrating internet streaming capability for audio books

Client

Calibre Audio Library is a charity based near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. Set up in 1974 the charity aims to improve the quality of life for people who have sight problems or other disabilities, by bringing them the pleasure of reading through a free library of recorded books. The charity lends audio books to around 20,000 members across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and other EU countries.

The challenge

Currently members of the library receive books by post but Michael Lewington, a director of the charity, wished to investigate the possibility of streaming titles from their website. He approached iT4Communities for help to develop a trial website to demonstrate the feasibility of the project. The plan was to demonstrate a methodology to allow readers to choose a title from the catalogue and listen to it online. Required features included fast forward and rewinding and the ability to "bookmark" a position in a book and return to it later.

Our help

Studio manager at work

Calibre's digital studio manager at work

Peter Rose, an IT professional with over 15 years of experience, responded to Calibre's request for a volunteer. A trial website was created on the Amazon cloud and several titles were uploaded. The website was developed in a little over seven months and demonstrated that a solution could be achieved for in excess of 5,000 titles. Peter was able to complete the majority of this project from his home and, as a result of the work that he did, Calibre has awarded a contract to create a new website to a company who has experience in web design and streaming. The website will be live later this year

The results

  • The potential to create an internet streaming capability for audio books, accessible by blind and partially sighted people was demonstrated
  • Awarded a contract to create a new website
  • Improved service to 20,000 members

What our client said

It was a pleasure working with Peter. He was extremely helpful and was able to develop a trial website. We knew streaming was achievable however this allowed us to develop and prove a web page with the necessary accessibility for blind and partially sighted people.

Michael Lewington, Director, Calibre Audio Library

12th July 2011