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From: Smith, Richard
Date: Wed, Aug 08 2001 7:23AM
Subject: DocMorph a Free Document Reading Program
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While on the subject of public access library machines, I think all public
access computers should have a bookmark or favorite to DocMorph at
http://docmorph.nlm.nih.gov/docmorph/default.htm
<http://docmorph.nlm.nih.gov/docmorph/default.htm>;

What is DocMorph? It is a free document reader that is available over the
Internet. It makes common word processing documents and other computer files
audible. So if you have a computer, a sound card and Internet access you're
able to send documents to DocMorph; DocMorph will return your documents as
audio files, readable with DocMorph's free speech engine.
Because DocMorph is freely available over the Internet, access to
information for those who accept information in computerized voice, is
greatly expanded. Those individuals are not limited to a computer with
screen reading software. For example, most public libraries, have Internet
access, Doc Morph can be used by individuals to listen to many word
processing documents or other DocMorph compatible files.
Even more important, information that needs to be listened to without delay
while in the presence of the person who is knowledgeable and would be able
to answer questions can be made available with DocMorph. What comes
immediately to mind is when a person needs a thorough understanding of a
document such as when in the office of a doctor, lawyer, pharmacist or other
professional. If that professional has a computer, sound card and Internet
access, DocMorph can be used, allowing the individual to listen to the
information at their own pace.
In academia, DocMorph can expand student access to faculty information. Of
course, both students and faculty can use DocMorph for audible information
access to university information.
At our library we use DocMorph to read documents for people without a
computer who need information immediately and will accept a mechanical
voice. We just set up a cassette player next to the speaker and let
DocMorph's synthesized voice to read the material out loud. We then mail the
tape to them.
It's not ideal but it is another weapon in the arsenal of accessing
information.
How do you use it?
Your browser must be Internet Explorer 5. DocMorp's computer assisted
reading function does not work with other browsers at this time. You need to
download the speech engine and install it on your computer. You only install
it once.
All new users need to submit a one-time free registration. You will want to
have an easily remembered password handy. (Microsoft will remember it for
you for future use but only use this function when using your own computer.)

To Start Morphing choose the "Reading Room" function and begin. (DocMorph
does chores other than speech.) You may submit word processing files, text
files, rich text format files, HTML files among others.
You select the "Upload File" button to submit your job. Wait for the
conversion to finish. It will normally take about twenty seconds if you
submit a text file or word processing file. Save the file to a disk and it
will automatically start reading an introductory page.
You will want to bookmark DocMorph and build a folder full of readable
documents on your computer. Librarians and individuals finding this program
helpful should become proficient in its use. You want to be capable of
explaining installation and usage to colleagues, friends and other that
don't have a screen reader but have access to DocMorph!
Richard J. Smith, Ph.D.
Director
Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
P.O. Box 387
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0387
573-522-2767
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = <mailto:>
PS Morph's definition:
morph 3 [mawrf </intl/pronkey.asp?refid=1861631256> ] (past morphed, past
participle morphed, present participle morph