Library-of-the-Blind

Taxonomy and Counting Methodology

This document outlines the taxonomy and counting methodology for the Library of the Blind. When submitting records or counting entries, use this structure to ensure consistency and comprehensiveness.

Counting Rules

Key Principle: Each distinct system counts as a separate entry because it requires its own translation tables, teaching materials, and publishing pipelines.

Taxonomy Structure

Category Sub-category (example) Counting Unit
Spoken Languages English, Mandarin, Swahili, … 1 per language that has at least one accessibility pipeline (screen-reader localization, Braille translation, audio-book production)
Braille Codes Unified English Braille, Arabic Braille, Hindi Braille, … 1 per distinct Braille code (including music, math, computer Braille)
Alternative Tactile Scripts Moon Type, Pro-Tactile, New York Point, … 1 per script
Audio Communication Channels Screen reader (English), Audio description (French), Audiobook (Japanese), … 1 per language-channel combination (e.g., “Spanish screen-reader output”)
Tactile/Haptic Modalities Refreshable Braille display (English), 3-D printed models (German), Tactile graphics (Arabic), … 1 per language-modality pair
Multimodal Systems Screen-reader + Braille (English), Pro-Tactile + STT (American Sign Language), … 1 per unique pairing

Special Categories

Multimodal Systems

Indigenous / Minority Scripts

Constructed / Niche Languages

Notes