The integrated accessible library: a model of service development for the 21st century

Brophy, Peter and Craven, Jenny (1999) The integrated accessible library: a model of service development for the 21st century. UNSPECIFIED. CERLIM (Centre for Research in Library and Information Management). ISBN 0-9535343-1-6 ISSN 1366-8218

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Abstract

The Integrated Accessible Library: A model of service development for the 21st century makes the case for a national initiative to make all library and information services accessible to people who are blind or have a visual impairment. The Resources for Visually Impaired Users of the Electronic Library (REVIEL) Project has investigated the current state of accessible services and explored what would be needed to achieve national excellence in this field. A model is presented in The Integrated Accessible Library: A model of service development for the 21st century, which if implemented would enable libraries to fulfil their responsibilities to provide inclusive services, ensuring that no-one is excluded because of their visual impairment. As we move into increasingly electronic information environments, in which visual images are playing an increasing role as carriers of content, inclusion cannot be achieved by default or by wishful thinking or by small bands of committed volunteers. Making all library and information services accessible should be on the agenda of every information professional and every policy maker. Working together, we can reach the goal of accessible services.