Frequently Asked Questions
The UBS Institute for Computer Assisted Publishing (ICAP), which is administered in cooperation with the Canadian Bible Society, will host the Digital Bible Library® in collaboration with the American Bible Society. ICAP has extensive experience in text archiving and conversion and has an excellent relationship with national Bible societies.
While the founding partners account for most of the translation activity worldwide, other qualified organizations are welcome to submit their translations to be included in the Digital Bible Library®.
Any agency or person willing to submit their text, audio or other content (IP) to the Digital Bible Library® (DBL) must fulfill certain criteria first.
- Demonstrate Ownership – First and foremost, they need to demonstrate ownership of the content to be submitted as verified by copyright and/or other legal documentation, as recognized by the rules of the country of origin.
- Credentials – They need to be recommended by one of the Every Tribe Every Nation Alliance Ministries (ABS, Biblica, Wycliffe) or follow the (Forum of Bible Agencies International) FOBAI standards. For the full documentation please go to FOBAI website. These standards represent a set of requirements for consultants, Bible translations, and Bible translation agencies that the members of the FOBAI recognize and implement.
- Technical Knowledge – DBL will also expect that an application makes it clear that the agency has sufficient technical capacity to be able to interact efficiently with DBL staff.
- Product Designation and Ethnologue – In Bible publication and distribution/engagement, each member agrees to follow the United Bible Societies (UBS) designation of Scripture products (Bible, New Testament, Portion, Selection) in all media and to use the UBS annual statistics for these products. As for the identification of the languages of the earth, each member agrees to use the SIL Ethnologue as well as its accompanying statistics regarding the number of languages.
- Application Review Process – Agency or individual understand that each application is reviewed by the Partnership Credentials Committee (PCC). The PCC reserves the right to review individual texts for conformance to above-mentioned criteria.
Apply to submit content: If your organization can meet these requirements you can submit content to the DBL.
Every organization that submits a copyrighted translation to the Digital Bible Library® will sign a license agreement with the United Bible Societies which specifies the level of permissions given. Each copyright holder will, in addition, have the control to grant or revoke access to a platform provider, through the Digital Bible Library® interface. The administrators will maintain records of copyright ownership and the specific rights made available to the Digital Bible Library® for use by various cardholders.
The Digital Bible Library® has instituted protocols that allow for appropriate levels of security and backup for all stored texts.
Since the Digital Bible Library® supplies copyrighted digital files to ministries, there needs to be a formal agreement made with those who are given access. The agreement will specify the rights and obligations of both the Digital Bible Library® and the library card holder.
Any agency, ministry, or person interested in gaining access to the Digital Bible Library® (DBL) must fulfill certain criteria in addition to a minimum level of technical expertise.
Reputable Standing – Only reputable organizations will be considered for participation in the DBL. A reputable organization is one that follows the historic tenants of Orthodox Christianity.
Accessibility – Receiving a “Library Card” does not automatically mean access to content. Certain content might be accessed by default but some of it might require additional steps in order to secure permissions from each IP holder.
Technical Background – Optimal library card holders should already possess viable distribution technology and a well-functioning digital platform before receiving a library card.
Provide Statistics – All participants need to be able to provide engagement statistics on a regular basis. These statistics need to be detailed enough to accommodate each IP contributor who has provided them access to their content.
Cooperation – While we don’t expect all partners to hold to similar confessional practices or standards, we do expect them all to be able to operate cordially and constructively with all Every Tribe Every Nation members, including the inter-confessional ones. Applying organizations should not have any outstanding conflicts with any current Every Tribe Every Nation partners or other Library Cardholders.
Authentication – The ultimate authority for approving new library cardholders will be the Partnership Credentials Committee.
Those desiring to become the DBL Cardholders should be well able to handle the intricacies of accessing a web API. In particular, they must already be proficient at:
- Understanding of written web services documentation.
- Making authenticated HTTP requests using any of the usual REST verbs.
- Handling data returned by those requests in the form of XML, JSON, or zip archives containing those formats.
In addition, applicants will need the technical skills and staffing to provide a means for copyright holders to preview and approve presentation of texts before public release.
As the DBL participation grows, we understand that many people want to be involved. At the same time, it’s important for applicants to understand that accessing the DBL data for publishing takes a high level of proficiency and dedication. If the requirements above talk about technology you don’t use every day, you should not participate in this phase.
Our Support – We’ll work to quickly resolve any problems with the DBL interface or data. We provide succinct documentation of the application process and to the API as necessary. We welcome clarifying questions and feedback regarding the API, but applicants should not expect tutorial-level support in the above requirements.
Library cardholders have access to the digital files stored in the Digital Bible Library®. However, rights holders have the option to restrict the way their translations are used. Check the file listings for each translation to find out more.