Managing Web Linking channels as an agency or school Service Coordinator

Web Linking channels are the unique reader links used to view a TypeWell transcript in a browser. While only transcribers (or TypeWell staff) can create new channel IDs, coordinators and administrators often need to track, assign, and safeguard these links across multiple readers, classes, or campuses.

Key facts about TypeWell Web Linking channels

• A channel is just a unique URL (ending in an 8-letter channel ID) that lets a reader view the transcript in a Web browser. Some organizations refer to this as the reader link.
• The Web Reader platform does not require a login. Anyone with the reader link can view the transcript.
• Channel IDs are designed to be hard to guess, but they are not password-protected. If a job is highly sensitive, use a brand new channel rather than reusing an older one.
• Administrators cannot generate channels directly unless they have access to the Premium Transcriber or Connect software. They must either:
  • Ask a transcriber to create a new channel from within their software, or
  • Request a bulk set of channels from TypeWell, which will include teaming names that can later be imported by transcribers.

Tracking and assigning channels

Because channels are lightweight and easy to share, it’s best practice to keep a central record. Many coordinators use a custom field within their scheduling platform, or they keep a simple spreadsheet to track:

• Channel ID / URL
• Teaming Name (for transcribers to import/store the channel)
• Reader or class assignment (who will use this link to view the transcript text in real time)
• Which transcribers have access to that channel ID and teaming name
• Date created / last used

This helps prevent confusion and ensures that the right people are using the right links.

Recommended practices

• One channel per reader (on their own device):
  • Allows the reader to bookmark and reuse their personal transcript page.
  • Keeps assignments clean — only that reader expects to use the link.
• One channel per shared reader device (e.g. loaner laptop or tablet):
  • Useful when the device is passed among multiple students on different days.
• Un-link when not in use:
  • Transcribers should disable a channel when they are not actively working for that reader, to prevent overlap or confidentiality issues.
• For sensitive assignments:
  • Issue a never-before-used channel and retire it afterward.

Confidentiality reminders

• Leaving the wrong channel enabled could expose transcripts to the wrong client.
• Make sure coordinators and transcribers communicate clearly about which channel is intended for each job.

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📌 See also:

• Managing Web Linking channels (transcriber guide)
• How to use Web Linking
• How to team with Web Linking