Title:
Accessible format transcription in the UK: State of the Nation
Author(s):
Heather Cryer, Sarah Home, Sarah Morley Wilkins
Publisher:
RNIB Centre for Accessible Information
Year of publication:
2011
Background:
The purpose of this project was to better understand the transcription industry in the UK. The project aimed to bring accessible format transcribers together, so all can benefit from sharing successes and good practice. By listening to the needs and concerns of transcribers, key priorities can be identified for future solutions that the industry can work together to deliver. This final 'state of the nation' report summarises findings from a two-stage research project involving focus groups and a questionnaire with transcribers.
Key findings:
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Much of transcribers' training is informal, and the majority felt more training was required.
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Transcribers use a range of formal guidance for producing accessible formats. Transcribers identified various ways guidance could be improved such as being easier to use and available online. Areas of need for further guidance included general principles of transcription and transcribing images.
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Transcribers use a wide range of tools, from high tech embossers to simple tape recorders. Areas of need identified included for tools to be simpler, more affordable and accessible to blind and partially sighted transcribers.
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Two different types of support required by transcribers were identified. These include peer support (from a community of transcribers) and external support (from an organisation offering guidance and professional development).
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A sense of community was important to many, to share information and resources, but few currently felt such a community of transcribers existed. Many were willing to share information and expertise with other transcribers.
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Transcribers felt they had little opportunity for professional development, and were positive about the idea of external assessment or qualification in transcription quality.
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Key areas for development included developing further transcription guidance (easy to use manuals, sample materials and national standards for production); reducing the costs faced by transcribers (through including training in the purchase of tools, and making tools themselves more affordable); and offering further support to transcribers (through qualification schemes, conferences and online networking opportunities).
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