Best practice for libraries

Many libraries have excellent examples of good practice in helping people with disabilities to make the best use of library services. These need not necessarily be costly and include:

• Identification of format in a searchable field in the catalogue. For example, adding 'closed captions' or 'subtitled' in a searchable field means that all videos accessible to deaf people can be displayed
• Targeted stock lists
• Physical and virtual access. It is now a requirement for libraries to provide disabled access to buildings. In addition, the Resource publication Library services for visually impaired people: a manual of best practice recommends that all library catalogues should be web–enabled so that visually impaired people can search the catalogue. Websites should be designed with accessibility in mind; international standards are available here.
• Signing and guiding. Library guiding should be in large print and, where applicable, in braille
• Concessionary charges. Most libraries apply concessionary fees for people with disabilities. Many libraries allow blind people to borrow music recordings free of charge
• Provision of special equipment. Some libraries provide closed caption video decoders for library members to try at home. Others may lend CD players so that elderly and disabled people can find out how they work and make use of library recordings
• Acting as an agent for the loan of Braille music, in the same way that libraries handle Braille books on behalf of customers
• Offer music talks to local organisations: many of whose members may be physically unable to use music recordings from the library; some may be encouraged to join the library once they know what is available

General library guidelines are available on the CILIP Diversity pages. (CILIP members only). These cover library and information provision for disabled people, deaf and hearing impaired people, and visually impaired people.