Six steps to library services for blind and partially sighted people
There are almost two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK who need library and information services just like everyone else. Public libraries have an obligation to provide accessible services to people with sight loss as members of the local community.
Many libraries are doing an excellent job but standards of provision vary from place to place. Share the Vision and the Society of Chief Librarians call on all public libraries to take the following six steps.
- Use Your Reading Choices with every blind or partially sighted customer to assess their reading needs and facilitate access to public libraries and other relevant services.
Objective: Universal access: signpost all blind and partially sighted people to relevant public library and third sector services. - Use Reading Sight for information about accessible reading and reading services.
Objective: Knowledge of services and organisations available.
Further steps: Put URL on every desktop. Contribute to Reading Sight. Read the STV Bulletin. - Provide local collections of large print and audio books.
Objective: Offer satisfactory choice of books in accessible formats to meet readers' needs.
Further steps: Adopt RNIB's accessible ebook guidelines - Have a strategy in place for provision of access technology throughout your library service.
Objective: Accessible equipment
Other steps: Provide access technology on at least one computer in every library. Provide staff with relevant training. Accessible library catalogue. Accessible self service. Provide reading equipment and demonstration models including audio book players, Penfriend, scanner. - Designate a "champion" for the reading needs of blind and partially sighted people.
Objective: Point of contact/expertise for needs of blind and partially sighted people. - Participate in Make a Noise in Libraries fortnight, run annually by RNIB.
Objective: Community engagement.
Other steps: Consult users and non users. Ensure inclusive library governance.
These actions will not cost a lot of money but will make a significant improvement to your library service for blind and partially sighted people.
Sign up to our 'six steps' challenge today. Visit the Society of Chief Librarians website for full details of how to achieve the six steps and to pledge your support.
Beyond the six steps
So what if you've taken the six steps and want to go further? Great! Here are some more ideas:
- Objective: Accessible premises.
Action: Ensure compliance with: BS 8300. (2001). Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. British Standards Institute. - Objective: Accessible information.
Action: Adopt RNIB See It Right guidelines. - Objective: Accessible website.
Action: Adapt computers for blind and low vision users http://tinyurl.com/rnib05 - Objective: Showcase specialist suppliers, equipment and reading formats.
Action: Dedicate a display area in larger libraries. - Objective: Customer support.
Action: Provide visual awareness training for staff. Provide disability awareness training for staff. Provide home delivery. Provide staff or volunteer assistance with choosing books and accessing services. - Objective: Inclusive activities.
Action: Organise inclusive reading groups. - Objective: Promoting your service.
Action: Create relationships with local societies for blind and partially sighted people, the Visionary website can help. Use local radio and local talking newspapers. - Objective: Strategic planning.
Action:
Local and regional - Comply with Disability Equality Duty. Forge relationships with other relevant departments. Look at opportunities for shared services. Monitor performance.
National - Participate in Share the Vision.