Forum on Library Services for People with Disabilities

Status report - International libraries and organisations

On the Forum on Library Services for People with Disabilities, March 2002

Background Report, compiled from information supplied and from web site of the libraries and organisations listed

Library of Congress

Services:

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

  • NLS coordinates national network of regional and local libraries. A free loan service is offered to eligible users via the mail.
  • Compiles bi-monthly and annual lists of Braille and Talking books.

National Library Service Talking-book Program.

  • · People with reading difficulties, who are not ‘disabled’ may be eligible for this service.

Strategies:

  • NLS selects and reproduces magazines & books in Braille and various audio formats, exempted under special US Copyright Law.
  • Developing digital talking books.

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National Library of Canada

Services:

  • Canadian Union Catalogue of alternative format materials (CANUC:H) and Canadian Register of Works in Progress (CANWIP) list items that can be freely reproduced in alternative formats.
  • Free I-LL service via public libraries for alternative formats.

Strategies:

  • Regular funding grants to public libraries for purchase of adaptive technologies.
  • Established a Council on Access to Information for Print-Disabled Canadians, Feb 2001.
  • Discussion list for disabled users, service providers and publishers.
  • October 2001: held workshop on resource sharing/print-disabilities & access to e-texts.

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British Library

Services:

  • Various adaptive technologies in place in Reading Rooms to assist disabled users.

Strategies:

  • Focus group held on disability issues, 1999.
  • Another planned for early 2002.
  • Aware that electronic access is not adequate. Planning to set up informal project group to address user needs. Electronic Services Branch partially addressing these issues.

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National Library of New Zealand

Services:

  • Print Disabilities Service: audio book loan/I-LL service for visually, intellectually & physically impaired. Audio book catalogues produced regularly.
  • Collection Development Policy: specifies categories for audio materials.
  • Assumes 2-track format will continue to dominate.

Strategies:

  • Progressive change towards electronic formats eg compact disks, CD-Rom and online e-books.
  • CDP will undergo first review in 2000/01.

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American Library Association

Strategies:

  • Policy: Library Services for People with Disabilities (2001)
  • Principles: (excerpt) Revised standards & guidelines of service for the blind & physically handicapped.
  • Compiles lists of Assistive technologies; category-product-vendor-target users.

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International Federation of Library Associations

Strategies:

  • Medium Term Program 1998-2001 : goals, action plans & results.
  • Policy: Guidelines for library services to Braille users
  • Section: Libraries for the Blind: IFLA SLB Pre-Conference Aug. 2001 papers soon to be available.
  • to promote national and international cooperation in this field, and to encourage research and development in all aspects of this area, thus improving the access of information for the blind and other print handicapped persons.

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