Transcript NIMAC Authorized Users: “Advanced”

The NIMAC for Authorized Users:
“Advanced” Portal Features
June 2008
Welcome to NIMAC!
• This training is for AUs who already have
a general acquaintance with searching
and downloading from the NIMAC and are
interested in more “advanced” portal
features.
• If you were not able to attend the most
recent “NIMAC Basics” training, you may
want to download the PowerPoint from
www.nimac.us –it includes recent updates
and news items!
Today’s training will cover …
– A Very Brief review of NIMAC operations
– Hardware and browser recommendations
and tips
– Reporting portal issues to OverDrive
– Using the “Watchlist”
– Working with “Sub-user” accounts
– Any questions you may have regarding
working in the portal!
What is NIMAC?
• A repository of NIMAS source files used
for accessible media production of K-12
textbooks and related core print
instructional materials.
• NIMAC does not distribute any studentready formats and so does not work
directly with individual schools, teachers or
students.
How does the NIMAC get files?
• Customers require publishers to submit
NIMAS files to NIMAC when they
purchase the print books.
• If you have not asked the publisher to
submit files for print materials with a new
purchase, the publisher is not required to
submit files.
What materials are included?
• PRINT INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS-The term 'print
instructional materials' means printed textbooks and
related printed core materials that are written and
published primarily for use in elementary school and
secondary school instruction and are required by a
State educational agency or local educational agency for
use by students in the classroom.
• To date, neither OSEP nor Congress have provided
additional guidance on how states should interpret
“core.”
What cannot be accepted?
• NIMAC does not currently reject material
based on whether it meets a definition of
“core.”
• However, we cannot accept:
– Teacher’s editions
– Material not published in a print version
– “Advance copy” versions of texts
What does “source file” mean?
• NIMAS file sets include an XML file for the
textual portion, and a folder containing all the
images for the text.
• A typical textbook may contain thousands of
images. The current NIMAS standard does not
require alt text for images.
• While many devices can read an XML file, valueadded work must be done to make a NIMAS file
set a fully-accessible version for the student.
Working with NIMAS files …
• NIMAS files can be several GB in size.
NIMAC has already received some file
sets over 6 GB.
Hardware and Networking
If you will be downloading file sets, you will
need:
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Windows 98 or above
Internet Explorer 5.5 or above
512 RAM (minimum)
1 GHz processor (minimum)
A high-speed internet connection
Other helpful hints:
• Be sure your local network settings and
firewall will allow you to download large
files.
• You may need to disable pop-up blockers
or browser accelerators if they interfere
with your ability to download.
Other helpful hints:
• If you experience problems in the portal,
OverDrive recommends refreshing your
browser and trying again—or closing the
session and logging in again.
What if I assign files to an AMP?
• As a convenience for AUs, NIMAC has
built an AMP portal into the system so that
your AMPs can directly download files that
you assign them.
• Even if you are only searching and
assigning files to AMPs, you still need a
compatible OS and IE.
• Macs will work “sometimes” but are not
compatible with all system functionality.
More about AMPs …
• Registration as an AMP with the NIMAC does
not constitute an endorsement by NIMAC or
APH.
• Before selecting an AMP, you should do any
necessary homework to verify that the AMP can
produce the format you need and meets your
standards for quality and turnaround time.
• All negotiations between the AU and AMP occur
outside the NIMAC.
If you have a problem while
working in the portal …
•
Email OverDrive technical support at:
[email protected]
To help diagnose your problem …
OverDrive will need to know:
1. Your Operating System (e.g., Windows XP)
2. Version of IE you’re using (e.g., IE 6)
3. Your NIMAC LoginID
4. If any firewalls, pop-up blockers, or web accelerators
are running on the machine
5. The exact text of any error message received
6. Any recent changes to your PC—no matter how
small—prior to the problem
Manage Watchlist
• This feature allows you to be notified when
files that you are awaiting are available in
the NIMAC.
• You enter the ISBN of the item and once
that item has been certified, the system
will send you an automated email
notification.
Manage User Accounts
• “Sub-user” accounts are available to AUs
in case they need to assign someone else
to download or assign files—for example,
when you are on vacation or during
especially busy times.
• We ask that any “sub-user” have a LUA on
file at your organization, but it is not
necessary to mail it in to NIMAC.
• “Sub-user” accounts expire after 3 months.
Choosing user rights …
• User rights include:
– View Reports
– Manage Users
– Assign Titles
– Download Titles
– Search NIMAC
– Manage Watchlist
To assign user rights …
• Hold down the control (Ctrl) key while
clicking with the mouse.
• Be sure to scroll down to view all the rights
options.
• Once you’ve finished the web form, just
click on “Submit.”
A final reminder about
passwords…
• Be sure to make a note of the password
you have created for the sub-user.
• You will not be able to see this password
when you go into the portal.
• However, if you forget the password, you
can assign a new one.
Coming soon …
• OverDrive is working on system
development related to:
– Search interface
– AU brief display (show previous downloads by
other AUs)
– Reports functionality
– Publisher contact list within AU portal
– Mac compatibility
• Stay tuned for additional AU trainings!
Contact Us!
• For searching help or other questions,
contact us Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 4:30 PM ET:
502-899-2230 or
1-877-526-4622 (1-877-52-NIMAC)
• Visit our web site: www.nimac.us
• Email us at: [email protected]