There are almost two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK who need library and information services just like everyone else. Public libraries have an obligation to provide accessible services to people with sight loss as members of the local community.
Many libraries are doing an excellent job but standards of provision vary from place to place.
Share the Vision and the Society of Chief Librarians call on all public libraries to take the following six steps. Sign up to our 'six steps' challenge today. Visit the Society of Chief
Librarians website for full details of how to achieve the six steps and to pledge your support.
These actions will not cost a lot of money but will make a significant improvement to your library service for blind and partially sighted people:
1. Use Your Reading Choices with every blind or partially sighted customer to assess their reading needs and facilitate access to public libraries and other relevant services
Providing universal access.
Signpost all blind and partially sighted people to relevant public library and third sector services. Also, put URL on every desktop.
2. Use Reading Sight for information about accessible reading and reading services
Improve knowledge of services and organisations available. Also put URL on every desktop, contribute to Reading Sight and read the STV Bulletin .
3. Provide local collections of large print and audio books
Offer satisfactory choice of books in accessible formats to meet readers' needs. The standard (based on CIPFA data and best practice) is to spend 10% of book fund on audio and 10% on large print. Also use web-based public library national union catalogue FAB in UK to share resources and adopt RNIB's accessible ebook guidelines
4. Have a strategy in place for provision of access technology throughout your library service
Also provide access technology on at least one computer in every library, provide staff with relevant training. Provide an accessible library catalogue, accessible self service. reading equipment and demonstration models including audio book players, Penfriend and scanner. Apply for AbilityNet accreditation
5. Designate a "champion" for the reading needs of blind and partially sighted people
A point of contact and expertise for blind and partially sighted people

6. Participate in Make a Noise in Libraries fortnight, run annually by RNIB
Improved community engagement. Also, consult users and non-users and ensure inclusive library governance
Want to go further? Here are some more ideas:
● Accessible premises - ensure compliance with BS 8300 (2001) Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people (British Standards Institute)
● Accessible information - adopt RNIB See It Right guidelines
● Accessible website - adapt computers for blind and low vision users, RNIB have information on accessible software and technology
● Showcase specialist suppliers, equipment and reading formats - dedicate a display area in larger libraries
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Customer support - provide visual awareness training for staff, provide disability awareness training for staff, provide home delivery, provide staff or volunteer assistance with choosing books and accessing services
● Inclusive activities - organise inclusive reading groups
● Promoting your service - create relationships with local societies for blind and partially sighted people, the Visionary website can help. Also use local radio and local talking newspapers
● Strategic planning - comply with Disability Equality Duty, forge relationships with other relevant departments, look at opportunities for shared services, monitor performance, participate in Share the Vision