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

Part2:Country studies

Canada

The view from the user's perspective

Work of fiction

The visually impaired person would be likely to check with CNIB or their local public library first. The latter would be the reference point for people with other disabilities preventing them using conventional print. A growing number also search online for digital downloads. They would likely encounter challenges in getting their preferred format. For example, the item may be available only in DAISY and they would prefer Braille. The library may have to request an interlibrary loan from another agency nationally or internationally.

New work of fiction

It is likely that most persons would not expect to get a new work of fiction ? but they would definitely ask for it. A growing number would search commercially available options first. Otherwise, the same process as any other work of fiction

Reference work

Apart from students, who would check with their school access centre, it is more likely that CNIB would be consulted first. This type of material is more challenging and it is likely that it would not be readily available in Braille or audio. It may be available from an online database which CNIB makes available. CNIB provides research support and can supplement reference needs.

Newspaper

A person would go online or receive newspaper service (online or telephone) from CNIB.

Magazine

A person could access a small selection of Canadian magazines from their public library or from CNIB. Monthly subscriptions (free) are available from CNIB. Online access to a wider range of magazines via CNIB is also possible.

School textbook

The student works with a special needs teacher for elementary/high school and a college/university access centre for post secondary (in some provinces). Each province has a Provincial Government Ministry of Education that manages the funding and transcription of curriculum materials in alternative formats.

Children's book

A person would be likely to choose CNIB first, then their public library. If the book were not available, CNIB would try to InterLibrary Loan and then could consider it for transcription if it meets the collections criteria.

Scientific journal

If a student, a person would work with their access centre or academic library. Others would go online or check with the CNIB Library. It is unlikely they would find the scientific journal they need in an alternative format.

Academic book

If a student, they would work with their access centre or academic library. However, most educational institutions do not fund or transcribe supplementary material. They may seek this at CNIB.

General

For all of the above, if the material just does not exist in an alternative format, CNIB may get a request to transcribe it. The expectation often is that CNIB will do this free of charge. CNIB is unable to do transcription on demand without charging a fee as it is charitably funded to provide a library service, among other rehabilitation services. In some cases, CNIB may work with the person in approaching the publisher to determine if they could fund the transcription. The experience of not having a desperately needed item in an accessible format is very frustrating for both the person who needs the item and CNIB. CNIB exists to help, but the information gap is so enormous and there are not currently enough resources for any one agency to close this gap.