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Funding and governance of library and information services for visually impaired people: international case studies

Part2:Country studies

Japan

Preferred situation (Public libraries)

General provision

Description

The best advance would be to substantially increase the present public funding. However, since it is almost impossible at present, it may be necessary to establish a system to collect donations from organizations or individuals.

Who would deliver

In order to enable all the people with disabilities, regardless of the type of disability, to use the services, the best solution would be for public libraries or their staffs to take full responsibility for delivering such services. Libraries and their staffs should not depend on volunteers when delivering services. Producers of materials should produce each material according to the instructions from libraries, and should be paid or receive proper value for their activities.

A new organization to produce materials at national level might be established.

How would organisations work together

In producing materials, all the organizations need to cooperate. For instance, public libraries can be utilized, when producers need to prepare original materials or use reference services related to conversion of materials (media conversion).

How the services would be delivered

It is necessary to provide new services such as delivering contents through the internet, in addition to the traditional services at counters or by mail.

Ideal level of service

People who have difficulty in obtaining information for some reasons should be able to receive the same services as the nondisabled. Various methods should be prepared to deliver materials directly to the users who are unable to visit libraries. Also system should be established to deliver materials converted in the form that meets each user’s needs.