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

Part2:Country studies

South Africa

Models and responsibilities

Service provision - general

The South African Library for the Blind (Blindlib) has its functions, responsibilities and authority set out in the South African Library for the Blind Act, 1998. [http://www.dac.gov.za/acts/a91-98.pdf]

Essentially, it is responsible for maintaining and building alternative format collections and servicing the needs of both visually-impaired and print-impaired readers. It also has the function of researching and developing production methods and technology and acquiring, manufacturing and disseminating equipment for reading and replaying material.

Blindlib via Public libraries and other institutions

Blindlib has a network of ‘Mini-libraries’ which house limited collections of audio and Braille books in public libraries, schools and old-age homes throughout the country based on a rotating number (200) of titles. Some also include a small number of commercially produced audio titles in their offerings. Digital workstations in community libraries is the next step. The NCLIS (National Council of Library and Information Services) is currently drawing up a Charter for Library Transformation in which specific provision is being made for the services of Blindlib in co-operation with public libraries. Ongoing inclusive national forums have been developed to promote “A Culture of Reading”.

Specialist libraries direct

Blindlib provides audio cassettes, DAISY format CDs (shortly) and Braille. Also material sourced from other libraries for the blind and Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) on Inter Library Loan. Its service is free to the user.

Charities, voluntary organisations or non-governmental organizations

Tape Aids for the Blind provides only audio cassettes.

Educational provision

Schools

This is a serious problem at the moment throughout South Africa. Blindlib’s Act does not make provision for Blindlib to provide textbooks, and presently Blindlib do not have the capacity to do so. However with the future advent of inclusive education Blindlib are looking at this very seriously. Some schools have the equipment to produce what the pupils need, but many do not and Blind SA (Braille Services) which prints text books is stretched to capacity. In spite of the universal education requirement, most blind children do not attend school and get no support with materials or specialist teachers.

The Pioneer Press serves the needs of the Pioneer School for the Blind’s library, offering Braille and audio titles, but it is important to realise that this provision reaches only the very small minority of children who attend the school.

Tertiary education

Blind SA is an important organisation in this context as well, providing most of the accessible materials (mainly Braille), to the tertiary sector. They also serve individuals whether for professional or leisure needs. They are the only organisation producing Braille materials in all eleven official languages. Material is produced to order only.

Academic tertiary institutions are increasingly providing material in alternative formats through the Disability Units they have established.