Introduction
After using Document Conversion (Doc Con) services for a semester, you are expected to take a more active role, especially in identifying what materials will be used for your classes and submitting requests for materials that you would like to receive in an approved alternative format. These materials must be communicated to the Document Conversion Coordinator at least six (6) weeks in advance of the semester. The deadline for Spring 2010 on-time requests is Tuesday, December 8. 2009. Many students who are approved for Document Conversion services receive priority registration so that they are able to meet this deadline and to minimize changes to their Doc Con requests that result from changing class schedules. Priority registration enables students to register for classes and contact faculty early enough for faculty to respond to their inquiries before the 6-week deadline. It is important to schedule appointments with advisors early in order to be prepared for registration. Students submitting late Doc Con requests may lose their priority registration and may not receive their materials in time for the start of class.
As soon as you register for classes, email, call, or meet with your professors to find out what materials will be needed for next semester. You can use the email template found on the McBurney website as a starting point. It is recommended that you request a syllabus.
Some classes now have books listed in the Student Center in MyUW. Whenever this is the case, there will be a small blue book icon to the left of the word “Status” when you look at sections of a particular class). However, these books might be from the previous semester (check when they were last updated!). Additionally, other reading materials such as readers and electronic reserves, are not included. If you might want Doc Con for these other materials or if the book list was last updated for the previous semester, you still need to contact your professor. If you only want books and they have been updated recently, feel free to use that information without contacting your professor.
Please check the following organizations to see if any of your books are available:
- RFB&D (audio CDs and wma files): https://custhub.rfbd.org/SearchCatalog.asp
- Bookshare (electronic text): www.bookshare.org
- Project Gutenberg (electronic text, a few audio files): www.gutenberg.org
If a book is available through Project Gutenberg, you can download it without making a request through McBurney. If it is available from RFB&D or Bookshare, please include this information with your request.
Next, email your requests to the Document Conversion Coordinator (docconversion@odos.wisc.edu). Make sure that you include the:
- Course Department/Number:
- Title
- Author:
- Edition and/or Copyright:
- ISBN Number (if known):
- Format preference:
- Bookstore/source (if known):
- RFB&D Product# (if requesting as RFB&D):
- Course syllabus (if available):
Please only submit requests for materials that you’ll want Doc Con for.
Check the Request FAQ for more information about submitting requests.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Document Conversion Coordinator at docconversion@odos.wisc.edu or (608)265-5468.
