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The Role of the specialist libraries -
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In Victoria, Arts Victoria, through the Office of Library Services, allocates three percent of public library funding to library services for people with print disabilities. There are two specialist public libraries providing services to
people with print disabilities in Victoria and they share this funding equally. They are the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Library and Information Services and the Association for the Blind Braille and Talking Book Library.
Because of the specialist formats and resources required, it is not possible for all public libraries to provide comprehensive library services to people with print disabilities. This is why the specialist libraries exist. Each library provides a comprehensive public library service for people with print disabilities. To be eligible for service, prospective patrons must provide evidence of their print disability. Clients may join either or both libraries. Both libraries provide access to information materials in audio, Braille and electronic formats. All core library services are free. On joining, clients provide information about the material they wish to read. Clients may indicate their reading preferences by specifying authors, subjects, specific titles or any combination of these elements. This "profile" information is stored in the computer systems of the libraries where it is used as a basis for the ongoing issue of reading materials to clients through the mail. Clients may also contact the libraries at any time with special or additional requests or to vary their reading "profiles". Public libraries may access the collections of both of the specialist libraries via inter-library loan. In some cases, special arrangements can be made to provide bulk loans of some materials, for example, LOTE or Read-a- Long books. Both libraries also supplement their own collections by using the inter-library loan network and other means to access the collections of other libraries around the world hold materials in relevant formats. In addition to purchasing existing alternative format titles, both libraries also add to their collections through their own production of titles in audio, Braille and electronic formats. The specialist libraries can provide advice and assistance to other public libraries on services to clients with print disabilities. The specialist libraries also participate in cooperative projects with other public libraries to enhance access across the entire public library system to materials for people with print disabilities. The specialist print disability libraries continue to work independently, together and with other public libraries to ensure that service to Victorians with print disabilities is of the highest standard possible.
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Print Disability