IFLA World Library and Information Congress
81st IFLA General Conference and Assembly

15-21 August 2015, Cape Town, South Africa

LPD Session : The inclusive library: How to Render Inclusive Library Services  to Blind and Visually Impaired People
Tuesday 18 August 10.45-12.45. Roof Terrace Room. Session 123

Papers to be presented

1. Audio books with human voice or text to speech : many solutions for a better access to reading

Presenter : Luc Maumet (AVH – France)

Abstract : In France traditional audio-books are produced using human voice. Two years ago AVH started to produce and distribute audio-books with text to speech. This presentation will discuss pros and cons of this two forms of audio-books in a situation of leisure reading. We will show the complementarities of this two forms and will present the conclusions of a satisfaction survey conducted among the audio-books users of AVH library.

 

2. Finnish Accessibility Guidelines for Public Libraries

Presenter: Ms. Kirsi Ylänne, Project Manager (Celia Library – Finland)

Abstract: Accessibility guidelines are being created in co-operation with Celia Library, Helsinki and Espoo City Libraries, Finnish Library Association, Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities and other expert organisations.  The guidelines include information on strategic planning and leadership to library services, space, content and activities.  The Guidelines are short, concrete and practical guidelines, aimed at public libraries. Their aim is to help public libraries create and offer accessible services to a range of different user needs.

 

3. Possibilities for establishing a Volunteer Braille Transcription Program

Presenter:  Karen Keninger (National Library Service – USA)

Abstract: In the United States, a great deal of the braille transcription currently done for students and libraries is done by volunteers. With proper training and support, we have found that many people are interested in this volunteer opportunity and produce excellent braille for use by students and libraries. This presentation will discuss ideas for recruiting volunteers, establishing a volunteer training program, and low-tech and high-tech methods for transcription and embossing suitable for volunteers.

 

4. The best thing the blind world has ever seen!Writing camp for visually impaired young people

Presenters: Eli Frisvold and Ingvild Aanensen (Norwegian Library of Talking Books and Braille – Norway)

Abstract:  The Norwegian Library of Talking Books (NLB) has arranged writing camps biannually since the launch in 2005, totalling five camps to date. The camps last a week, and are partially financed by contributions from private foundations and bequests. NLB’s writing camps provide a practical opportunity for the visually impaired to participate in a writing course, and the camp contributes to inclusion, leaving nobody behind in the real enjoyment of sharing the joy and skills in writing literature.  Literature means a lot to this group, and many blind people write poems and other forms of literature for the desk drawer.

 

5. Bringing library and Information services to the visually impaired persons: the experience of the South African Library for the Blind

Presenters: Neli Kaunda & Pumla Mahanjana (South African Library for the Blind)

Abstract: The South African Library for the Blind (SALB) contributes to the quality of life of print-handicapped people encouraging independence through access to information, informed decision making and taking pleasure in the enjoyment of recreational reading.

In realising the vision the SALB implemented a strategic model to reach out to all visually impaired South African citizens. Two mini-libraries models will be discussed in the presentation, i.e. Agent mini-libraries and Comprehensive mini-libraries. Management and administration of the services rendered will be covered in detail. The project was pioneered in one of Province and has been so successful that it has been rolled out to other provinces.

The presentation will highlight how visually impaired people experience in a tangible manner, assistive technologies, training and interaction with their libraries and other community members.

 

6. The work and impact of the Accessible Book Consortium: Bringing books to people with print disabilities

Presenter: to be confirmed

Abstract: The Accessible Book Consortium has been established in 2014 under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organisation in collaboration with Rights holders Authors and Entities servicing blind and visually impaired people. It is one of the direct results after the adoption of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled Treaty during 2013.The presentation will cover the three main projects of the ABC that is Accessible Publishing to assist Publishers to publish their material in accessible formats; Capacity Development  which is focussing on assisting least developed and developing countries to establish services to print disabled people and to produce their own material and thirdly the TIGAR Service which is a database of more than 250,000 accessible books in 58 languages available to be shared internationally.