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

Part2:Country studies

South Africa

The view from the user's perspective

These scenarios are designed to illustrate how a user would approach obtaining different materials.

Work of fiction

The user will call or e-mail libraries to enquire whether the title is available. No online catalogues are available yet. If the title is available, it is usually posted the next day and will reach the client within about 2 weeks. A user can also buy audio books and download from websites if they can afford the technology.

New work of fiction

The user will enquire from Blindlib if it is available and if it is not in Blindlib’s collection Blindlib will try and obtain it on ILL for immediate reading. Will also consider adding to Blindlib’s collection but then won’t be ‘new’ any longer. Blindlib have often been able to make a new title available in audio before many public libraries have it on their shelves.

Reference work

If the user is a student, they can get it through their Disability Units or a student or other user can obtain it from Blindlib on ILL.

Newspaper

Newspapers are rarely available in audio or Braille but very easily as online newspapers. This means only those who can afford technology have access to a variety of newspapers.

Magazine

From Blindlib if it is on the purchasing list. From Pioneer Printers in Worcester and from Tape Aids for the Blind.

New magazines can be requested, but will only be published in Braille or Audio if the request is big enough and the organization’s budget allows.

School textbook

This is a serious problem at the moment throughout South Africa. Blindlib’s Act does not make provision for Blindlib to provide these, 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 S.A. (Braille Services) which prints text books is stretched to capacity.

Children's book

From Blindlib

Scientific journal

From their Disability Units or from Blindlib on ILL

Academic book

From their Disability Units or from Blindlib on ILL

Stellenbosch Univerisity gave us the following scenario from a student viewpoint:

Libraries are willing to read or Braille new works. In some cases, they may ask the client to forward the print copy. This is a lengthier process and may take up to 3 months to complete, although libraries do try to accommodate students by prioritizing their requests. Books can also be delivered to the client “piece by piece” as they are completed, enabling the student to get started as soon as possible.