Out of Sight but not out of Mind: Visually Impaired People’s Perspectives of Library and Information Services

Citation

Turner, R. (2002), "Out of Sight but not out of Mind: Visually Impaired People’s Perspectives of Library and Information Services", New Library World, Vol. 103 No. 6, pp. 237-238. https://doi.org/10.1108/nlw.2002.103.6.237.3

This report is the product of the “Share the vision programme” funded by resource and with research undertaken by LISU. It examines the results of an extensive survey of 582 visually impaired people’s perceptions, opinions and activities with regard to library provision available to them. The research examines public library provision, as well as provision by the Royal National Institute for the Blind, the Calibre Cassette Library, the National Library for the Blind, Talking Newspaper Association of the UK, etc.

The report starts with a literature review that suggests that the limited existing material on information provision to visually impaired persons often focuses on a particular provider, rather than the users. However, it does highlight recent important publications such as Library Services for Visually Impaired People: A Manual of Best Practice (National Library for the Blind, 2001) and The Library Association’s Library and Information Services for Visually Impaired People: National Guidelines (Machell, 1996).

The methodology for this project was carefully considered, with a pilot survey to test the interview design. Obviously, traditional methods such as printed questionnaires could not be used and e‐mailing it would have limited the sample to those who have access to computers. Cost and time considerations, plus the need for re‐transcribing the responses, ruled out transcribing a questionnaire into different formats. It was determined that face‐to‐face and telephone interviews would be used on a random sample of visually impaired people. Demographic analysis of the sample is provided by the research team.

The findings of the project explore the preferred format of information and library service provision in various areas, such as small items, magazines and newspapers, fiction and non‐fiction. Preferences for various formats of sound recordings are also explored, revealing that most people preferred standard single‐track cassettes as opposed to multi‐track cassettes or compact discs. A further interesting section finds that 23 per cent of the survey group used computers, although there are statistically significant differences between age groups and sexes.

The rest of the report explores the use, and obstacles to use, of public libraries, the Royal National Institute for the Blind’s Talking Books service, Calibre Cassette Library, the National Library for the Blind and The Talking Newspaper Association of the UK.

The report concludes that government, legislative (primarily the Disability Discrimination Act) and policy‐maker support for social inclusion makes the present climate extremely favourable for improving information and library provision to visually impaired people. Current users are very positive in their response to all the agencies providing services, although all agencies have lapsed users who have ceased to use their services. The need to retain users is forcefully stated. There is also a high level of lack of awareness of services, so that people are being excluded, because they do not know what is available. Further confusion lies in enrolment and paying for services provided by the different agencies. Users of the service were very willing to give their opinion and the research concludes that there needs to be more structured and co‐ordinated consultation with users about service provision, including dealing with problems and complaints.

With only a minority of local authorities having a formal policy on library provision for visually impaired people, public libraries do need to address the practicalities of achieving greater social inclusion of all their client group, including visually impaired people. The survey also highlighted the scope for greater co‐operation between the various agencies. It is envisaged that the findings of this report will help to build on the strong commitment to providing good service that is already evident in the various agencies.

The report provides a useful list of sources consulted. Appendices include the interview schedule, a further note on the research process and reports on visits to relevant exhibitions, seminars and institutions.

This timely study will be of interest to anyone who works in an environment that provides information and library services for visually impaired people. It should be used as a source of policy‐making and for service development in conjunction with the individual agencies mentioned. Library provision to the visually impaired has in the past been uncoordinated and confusing for the individual user to access, but this is hopefully being overcome by increased agency co‐operation and user consultation.