Braille Formats (BF), 2016, developed under the Sponsorship of the Braille Authority of North America (BANA). http://www.brailleauthority.org/
BF sets out the structure (formatting) of Braille Transcriptions, similar to Print Books.
Why is BF so important? BF gives a structure (consistency) for the braille reader to follow throughout the transcription. Whether the transcription is a few pages, or a textbook that can be up to 100 volumes with 160 braille pages per volume, consistency is vital.
BF is a vast and comprehensive manual that gives Guidelines in 22 sections and 7 appendices. Do not fret, there are samples/examples throughout the manual which will guide you in your decision making. http://www.brailleauthority.org/publications-area.html
There are other resources which will assist you. National Braille Association (NBA) provides Webinars for BF. https://www.nationalbraille.org/resources/webinars-archive/
The IMC team is always here to answer your questions, be it about BF or other codes which apply to your decision-making process. Keep in mind, BF, while vast and comprehensive, will not always provide you with an answer. Sometimes the transcriber must become creative in their decision making. When doing so, always transcribe the material so it can be read and understood by the braille reader, keeping in mind the grade level and complexities of the material. When necessary, use those Transcriber’s Notes to give the braille reader an understanding of your formatting decision, and keep it simple.
