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

Part2:Country studies

Canada

What is driving change?

Advocacy and increased demand

Practice is changing due to advocacy efforts from CNIB and consumers (libraries are encountering more demand for accessible library services).

Policy initiatives

A series of policy initiatives, studies and pilot projects from the library community in recent years has attempted to push the issue up the agenda.

These were summarized for us by Ralph Manning of Library and Archives Canada, who chaired the Working Group of the CLA which drew up the Opening the Book report, which has been cited several times.

“In 2000, the former National Library of Canada and CNIB jointly sponsored a Task Force on Access to Information for Print- Disabled Canadians, whose report can be found on at: http://www.collectionscanada.ca/accessinfo/s36-200-e.html

“One of the recommendations of that report was that its recommendations be pursued by a new Council on Access to Information for Print-Disabled Canadians which would report to the National Librarian of Canada. The Council was, in fact, established in February 2001. Its Web site is at: http://www.collectionscanada.ca/accessinfo/index-e.html Membership on the Council was carefully selected to include individuals from a full range of backgrounds (librarians, for-profit and not-for-profit producers of multiple formats, representatives of the Learning Disabled and Visually Disabled communities, service providers from various sectors, etc.) and were selected as individuals rather than as representatives of their organizations. The Council remains a key focal point for activities at the national level.

“One of the successes of the Council was the establishment of a Pilot Project for an Electronic Clearinghouse for Alternative Format Production which was funded by the federal government and sponsored by the Canadian Library Association. Its final report can be found at: http://www.cla.ca/top/releases/CH_Pilot_FINAL%20REPORT_EN.pdf The Pilot Project is complete, but the functionality of the Clearinghouse continues at Library and Archives Canada albeit in a “holding” pattern until additional funds are secured.

“Another major success of the Council was the initiative of a Canadian Library Association Working Group on a National Network of Equitable Library Service for Canadians with Print Disabilities. The final report of this Working Group can be found at: http://www.cla.ca/issues/nnels_final_august2005.pdf It was the work of a representative group of librarians. The report is an extremely important development and provides a benchmark for Canada’s vision for equitable library service. It was presented to the Librarian and Archivist of Canada by the Canadian Library Association with a request that Library and Archives Canada lead the implementation of the strategy.”

Technology

The CLA Opening the Book report also identified technology as a driver and enabler of change:

“Ultimately, what makes the need to act even more compelling is the simple fact that technological evolution has now made it far easier to help persons with print disabilities. Those who are blind can benefit from books in alternative formats such as Braille, audio large print, electronic books and online books, delivered over computers, the Internet or on increasingly popular personal playback devices such as MP3 players. Large screen computer displays can provide access for people with reduced vision. Individuals with reduced mobility can access materials over the Internet. Those with other physical disabilities can benefit from a wide range of assistive technologies. As a result, there really is no excuse for inaction.”