By
Jishnu Mondal
Professional Assistant, Central Library, Visva-Bharati
jishnu.mandal@gmail.com
Dr. Tridib Tripathi
Associate Professor
DLIS
The University of Burdwan
Dr. Manik Mandal
Librarian, NIT Durgapur
mandal_m06@yahoo.com
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This paper attempts to highlight the Braille Section
under the Central Library, Visva- Bharati, a
Central University. It underlines the awareness,
resources, and services available at the library for
the visually impaired users. It also gives an
overview of the services available in other
prominent libraries in India. The study includes
some recommendations for betterment of the
services with the help of assistive technology so
that best possible services could be rendered to
this special user group.
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Visual impairment as a significant functional loss of vision that
cannot be corrected by medication, surgical operation, or
ordinary optical lenses such as spectacles. Visual impairment can
be classified into three levels (Child Assessment Service, Dept. of
Health, Govt. of Hong Kong 2014):
 Mild Visual impairment
Can read relatively larger characters
No difficulty in identifying shapes, colours and brightness
contrasts
 Moderate Visual impairment:
Can tell shapes and colours of objects and can distinguish between
brightness and darkness
Can only read characters with larger size and broader strokes
 Severe Visual impairment:
Can only distinguish more obvious changes in brightness and
darkness
May not see anything (completely blind)
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It is a generic term used for a wide range of
software and hardware designed for disabled
people to assist with everyday task in both work
and home life. It can be standalone products
that serve specific discrete functional products,
provide access to other devices, particularly
computers, or technologies that are built into
mainstream
products
to
enhance
their
accessibility(www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk
2014).
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What are the resources and services available
for VI user of the library?
To assess the level of awareness and use of
the library resources and services?
To know the level of satisfaction of the VI
user
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Most commonly used Assistive technology
 Screen magnifier
 Screen reader
 Voice recognition software
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Type
Magnifying software
Screen Readers
(Commercial)
Screen Readers (Free )
Braille printer
Product
Manufacturer
SuperNova
Dolphin
Jaws
Freedom Scientific
Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA)
Basic D
Index Braille
Text-to-MP3
Converter software
TextAloud3
NextUp
Reading/ Scanning
software
Kurzweil 1000
Kurzweil
Educational Sys.
Braille writers
Perkins Brailler
Perkins
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NKC
UGC
Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995
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Delhi University
University of Mumbai
Jawaharlal Nehru University
University of Calcutta
University of Hyderabad
IIT-Madras
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Online Braille Library
(http://www.oblindia.org)
Mobile Braille Library Services
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1st Braille Unit at Central library was set up in
August, 2012
2nd Braille Unit at Vinay Bhavana campus
from 21st February, 2014
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Separate section for its VI Users
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entrance of the library consists of a ramp with
grab rails and wide security gate
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Walkways to the Braille section has been made
straight and obstruction free
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Large signage
Toilets are well spaced and made disabled
friendly
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Installation of an automated door at the
entrance
Braille signage ,Tactile markers and audio
signals at strategic points
Visually Impaired friendly Library Website
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SuperNova Screen Reader / Magnifier
software
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Basic-D V4 Braille
printer
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Seika v.3 Pro
Duxbury Braille Translator
Optima Binocular Spectacles
Angel e-book reader
Large Print keyboards
Headphones, Bilipro Foot mouse, InfoGrip
Input devices etc
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Inspite of their physical disabilities VI students
are not only restricted to UG or PG studies, they
are also engaged in PhD work and also inclined
to be in teaching profession.
Majority of the VI students are aware of library
and information services being provided to them.
The study reveals that out of 07 users 06(86%)
have the knowledge of using computers .
The study reveals that 04(57%) respondents use
Internet to meet their information needs.
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All the respondents clearly stated that
Internet is very important to fulfill their
educational needs.
The study reveals that 02 out of 07(29%)
respondents participate in social networking
Screen readers and Scanners are the most
frequently used assistive technology.
To use the library resources and services
properly they need training.
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It is observed that out of 07respondents
01(14%) respondent is satisfied with the
library resources and services. and 05 (71%)
are partial satisfied and 01 respondent
offered no comment.Majority of the users
demanded JAWS and Kathak software to be
installed to read out Bengali text.
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Library services should be according to the users’
need.
Procurement of more number of Braille books
and talking books.
Library staff should be given periodic training on
how best to serve this category of users and to
update their knowledge.
Provide guides and promotional materials in
accessible alternative formats (audio, Braille etc.)
for VI students.
Coordination at National and local level is needed
to overcome the gaps. This will enable them to
avail the opportunity of sharing their resources
and collections in interlibrary loan arrangement.
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