Library services to the blind in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Abstract

Reports results of a survey of library services to blind users in Ireland, con ducted as a follow up to the author's previous survey of such services in select ed institutions, including three sample public libraries in Dublin, and undertaken five years earlier (Sinead Taylor, An Leabharlann/The Irish Library, 7 (2) 1990, 51-4, 56-60. (LISA ref. 913498)). The present survey involved contacting the same libraries and institutions in order to see what changes had taken place in the intervening period. Results suggest that, with the excep tion of regional talking newspapers and initiatives by the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), public library services for these users remain as disjointed and disorganized as before, and hopes of introducing a decen tralized system in Ireland with enhanced gateway type public libraries for the visually handicapped have not been realized. Summarizes the results of the survey with particular reference to: NCBI activities; the Cork Tape Library; NCBI Braille Library; Braille and talking magazines and newspapers; and Dublin Public Libraries. Contrasts this depressing situation in Ireland with similar services running in the UK. These have become even more vibrant with exciting new projects and facilities. Quotes extensively from the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) Annual Review of 1993/94 and refers to such projects as: the RNIB's 'See it Right' initiative; MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface); and new formats for talking books, including CD-ROMs and CD-I. Concludes with notes on two European Community sponsored projects: the EXLIB project (Expansion of European Library Systems for the Visually Handicapped) which involved both Ireland and the UK; and VISTAS (Visually Impaired Students Telematics Applications Support), designed to harmonize services for visually handicapped students and still awaiting approval at the time of writing.