http://www.readingsight.org.uk/content/access_to_reading/ Reading Sight provides information and advice to library staff to help them provide a better service to people with sight loss en Reading Sight Copyright 2011 2011-09-20T20:22:46+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/electronic_and_digital/ebooks/ebook_services_in_public_libraries/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/electronic_and_digital/ebooks/ebook_services_in_public_libraries/#When:14:14:43Z Ebooks offer a new way to access thousands of new books every year at the same time as sighted readers. This summer, RNIB asked members of a National Library Service focus group to help with a survey of ebook services from public libraries. RNIB wanted to get a better idea of how many libraries provide ebooks and how accessible those services are. The survey was undertaken during Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight (6-19 June) and shows that many libraries do not offer or plan to offer ebooks because the cost is too high. ResultsWhere ebook services are available, many testers found it difficult to log on via council websites using screen readers and magnification software, and navigating online catalogues and selecting titles to download also proved tricky. However, friendly and helpful library staff made a big difference although understanding of accessibility issues and the provision of accessible PCs in libraries was patchy. Dowload the reportebook survey report MANIL 2011 (Word) 2011-08-25T14:14:43+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/electronic_and_digital/_accessible_ebook_services_in_public_libraries/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/electronic_and_digital/_accessible_ebook_services_in_public_libraries/#When:16:43:22Z Why is it important to have an accessible ebook service?Restricted choiceWe estimate that fewer than five per cent of books published are made available in alternative formats, so readers with sight problems or other print impairments have restricted choice. 133,224 new books were published in the UK in 2009. Third sector organisations such as RNIB convert books to alternative formats such as audio, braille and large print but only have the capacity to transcribe a small proportion of books published. Potential of ebooks to improve access to booksAccessible ebook services have the power to transform access to books for people with sight problems or other print impairments, giving them access to the same book, at the same time as everyone else. Books in electronic format are inherently more accessible than print, as they have the potential to allow the user to adapt the content to their individual needs. The number of new and existing books being made available in ebook format is growing every day, dwarfing the number of titles available in alternative formats.Legal positionLibraries have a statutory duty to promote equality of opportunity and not to discriminate against people with disabilities. Any public library planning to deliver an ebook service should carry out an impact assessment under the DED (Disability Equality Duty) on the effect that the service would have on blind and partially sighted people. They should then take steps to minimise any negative impact or to make alternative proposals.If a library’s existing ebook service is inaccessible to people with disabilities they would need to make alternative arrangements to fulfil the reasonable adjustments duty under the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act).What is an accessible ebook service?An accessible ebook service allows users to engage with all aspects of the service in a way that suits their individual needs by:logging on to the service             searching for and selecting a titleaccessing the ebook content and       navigating within the ebookAlternative ways of reading ebooksYou will find descriptions below of the various ways people with print impairments access ebooks. It is advisable to test any ebook service with a number of readers who have different needs and preferences. You will need to check that they can perform all the essential functions listed on the first page in a way that suits them.Text-to-speech Text-to-speech software programs read digital text out loud by converting it to synthetic speech. Many readers benefit from this software including people with low vision, who struggle to see the text, and people with dyslexia, who can see the text but have difficulties processing its meaning.Screen readersA screen reader is software that allows users to access the contents of a computer screen and navigate around its structure using synthetic speech. It is more advanced than text-to-speech, as it not only reads out digital text, it also provides navigational and structural information, allowing a reader who has little or no vision to navigate through the different sections of a website, program or document.Colour and contrastThe ability to adapt the colour and contrast of screen interfaces can be a huge benefit to people with sight conditions or dyslexia. Screen magnificationScreen magnification software can magnify the text, menus and icons on a computer screen up to 32 times. Many software packages also allow customisation of text and background colours to improve readability and contrast. Keyboard access Someone with low vision or motor difficulties may rely on keyboard navigation: this means they will use the keyboard to access all the controls and functions of the software, rather than the mouse.Questions to ask about the accessibility of ebook servicesebook service providers may claim that their products are accessible and compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, but it is worth probing further to find out exactly what they mean by ‘accessible’. Ask specific questions to get a fullerpicture of the type and level of accessibility. The following list may help you:ebook service interfaceIn what ways is the service interface accessible to people with disabilities? Does it support navigation using the keyboard only, i.e. without the mouse? Is there a ‘read out loud’ or text-to-speech function for the menus and navigation system?Can you demonstrate use of the service with a screen reader, text-to-speech and screen magnification software?Are all hyperlinks appropriately described (i.e. is the link ‘Adult non-fiction’ as opposed to ‘click here’)? Reading ebook contentIn what ways can readers access the ebook content? For example:Can the text be personalised? i.e. can the font size and style be changed?Can the colour of both text and background be personalised. In particular, can the colours be reversed to display light text on a dark background?Is it possible to alter contrast and brightness?Will enlarged text reflow to fit the page and avoid left/right scrolling? Is there a table of contents so that users can navigate around the book quickly?Is there a ‘read out loud’ or text-to-speech function for all ebooks?Will reading software work with access technology such as a screen reader, text-to-speech and screen magnification software?Is all ebook text stored as text rather than images? eg. ebooks in PDF format can be image only PDFs or text-based PDFs. eBooks available in JPEG format should also be available as a text stream for screen reader users. SupportHow does the ebook service provider support libraries to ensure readers with disabilities can access their service? Do staff supporting the service have awareness or experience of supporting users of access technology?Are other assistive technology tools available to support the reader? There are many free and open source software tools that can support users.What to do nextYou may find that an ebook service is accessible to some users, but not to others. For example, it may be accessible to those who use screen magnification, but not to those who use a screen reader. Alternatively, you may find that an ebook service allows someone who uses a screen reader to log onto the service, search for and select a title, but will not allow them to access the ebook content with their technology. This is often true of ebook services that depend on third-party platforms such as Overdrive.Take the following steps:Ask the service provider about their timescale for improvements and what alternative facilities and support services are available in the meantime. Include accessibility in ebook staff training, including what the service’s limitations are and what workarounds are available in the short term.Have an accessibility statement that incorporates information about the new service, so readers know in advance whether it is accessible to them, and if not, what back-up is available to help them access it. Remember, workarounds are only a short-term solution: ebook service providers may not currently offer services that are fully accessible, but should have a roadmap in place to make their service accessible to all users.ResourcesFor more information on the accessibility of ebook platforms, and the potential benefits and obstacles of ebooks for people with print impairments, visit the following:JISC TechDis: www.techdis.ac.uk/getebookplatforms and /getlibraryguidesRNIB: www.rnib.org.uk/ebooksMLA is organising an ebooks community of practice, which has regular monthly email updates and face-to-face meetings as required. Please contact Katie Pekacar at MLA if you wish to join (katie.pekacar@mla.gov.uk)CILIP training events, conferences and meetings can also be a useful source of information and support: www.cilip.org.uk You can also contact RNIB National Library Service for further advice:Email jon.hardisty@rnib.org.uk, telephone 0161 355 2084Email simon.morgan@rnib.org.uk, telephone 0161 355 2051 2010-12-16T16:43:22+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/newspapers_and_magazines/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/newspapers_and_magazines/#When:15:45:23Z Some people never touch a book but will regularly read newspapers and magazines so these publications are an important source of reading pleasure and information for people with sight loss. Here are some of the main ways to make newspapers and magazines more accessible. National Talking Newspapers and MagazinesNational Talking Newspapers and Magazines provide national newspapers and magazines in audio or full-text for people with sight loss.Telephone: 01435 866102Website: www.tnauk.org.ukEmail: info@tnauk.org.ukTalking News FederationThe Talking News Federation is made up of around 400 local talking newspapers. They are a good way to connect people with sight loss to accessible newspapers in their area.Telephone: 0871 226 5506Website: www.tnf.org.ukEmail: enquiries@tnf.org.ukRNIBRNIB provides a range of ways to get hold of accessible newspapers and magazines:Big Print is the only national weekly newspaper in large print and also includes a TV and radio guideRNIB provides more than twenty lifestyle and vocational publications which draw material from popular magazines, newspapers and blogs. For example: ‘Money matters’ concentrates on personal finance and might draw material from The Financial Times, The Economist and moneysavingexpert.com to provide a good overview of the subject. These publications come out either monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly and are available in a range of accessible formats. Other subjects include: children and teenage, consumer, daily living, computing, science, technology, lifestyle, literacy, general leisure, music, religious, sport, vocational and referenceRNIB also provides access to NewsUK, an online archive of popular local and national newspapers. There is a small delay between newspaper publication and its appearance on the website but this is usually 1-2 days. NewsUK can be used with access technology.  Telephone: 0303 123 9999Website: www.rnib.org.ukE-mail: helpline@rnib.org.ukOnlineUsing the internet with access technology is one of the best sources for newspapers (and in certain cases also magazines) for people with sight loss. Most major local and national newspapers provide online editions which can be accessed using screen reading or magnifying software. Some newspapers have even made special provision for people with print disabilities, for example: Guardian Online has an accessible online version of their daily crosswords. Public librariesPublic libraries are an excellent source of accessible newspapers as they commonly provide access to online news archives such as NewsUK and Gale InfoTrac Custom Newspapers. In addition the in-library provision of internet access and computers with access technology allows people with sight loss to utilise online newspaper editions such as Guardian Online and Mail Online.Reading aidsReading aids such as magnifiers, reading stands and good lighting can all help to make newspapers and magazines accessible to people with sight loss who can still use standard print. 2010-07-29T15:45:23+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/catalogues/bee_aware_scheme/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/catalogues/bee_aware_scheme/#When:15:58:23Z The Bee Aware Scheme is a national initiative to promote the inter library loan of alternative format material on behalf of people with sight loss and other print disabled people. The scheme makes it possible for a reader to borrow stock from all over the UK just by visiting their nearest branch.Administration of the schemeIf the borrower is not already a member of Calibre, RNIB National Library Service or TNAUK, a declaration form should be completed. A copy of this signed form should be retained for subsequent loans.Every effort has been made to keep paperwork for the Bee Aware scheme to a minimum, and as a result, the participating agencies have agreed to accept the signature of the librarian or member of staff registering a VIP borrower, or dealing with the request. Doctors, Health Visitors, Social Workers and Rehabilitation Officers may also sign the form.If applications are made to Calibre or RNIB National Library Service, and the borrower is not already a member of these agencies, a signed declaration form should be sent to the agency the first time a request is made. Subsequent requests do not require a declaration form.If the request is being made to another public library authority or to an academic library, the following additional information should be included on the request:‘VIP’ Format (Spoken Word, Braille, Moon etc.) Your institution’s British Library Billing Account number Your institution’s Cost Scheme/s (Conarls etc.)If the request is being made to one of the participating agencies, the following additional information should be included on the request:The Borrower Name The agency name (if the borrower is already a member) ‘VIP’ Format (Spoken Word, Braille, Moon etc.) Your institution’s British Library Billing Account number Your institution’s Cost Scheme/s (Regional Scheme/Conarls etc.)What are the costs?The only cost involved in the scheme is the amount claimed by the responding (supplying) library to supply the loan. The responding library will claim the cost in line with their ILL policy, for example, the Regional rate, Conarls rate or current British Library rate, depending on the responding library’s reciprocal agreement/s. Libraries make their own policy decisions regarding reservation costs to VIP borrowers.Articles for the Blind schemeAlternative format material may be sent via the Post Office Service free of charge to and from a person with sight loss even if obtained through a library. To comply with Post Office regulations the borrower name and ‘Articles For The Blind’ must be on the parcel if the item has not been obtained from one of the agencies. Contact the Post Office for details. Items received from the agencies will be in distinctive re-usable (freepost) packaging. This packaging can be used to return the item post free via the Post Office Service.Who is involved in Bee Aware?Calibre Cassette Library (Participating Agency)RNIB National Library Service (Participating Agency)Share The Vision, STV (Participating Agency)Talking Newspapers Association UK, TNAUK (Participating Agency)Public libraries throughout the UKMany academic and specialist libraries throughout the UKPromoting the schemePlease ensure that the scheme forms part of your institution’s social inclusion policies. Anybody can help to make sure that people with sight loss or print disabled people are aware that they may borrow alternative format material on inter library loan through their local library. 2009-07-05T15:58:23+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/electronic_and_digital/ebooks/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/electronic_and_digital/ebooks/#When:13:37:42Z E-Books are increasingly available and have the potential to fulfil many of the reading needs of people with sight loss. Readers may read e-books with an e-reader (eg: Sony Reader) or on a computer with screen reader or magnification software.Public domain booksMany older books are in the public domain and are available freely on the internet: Project GutenbergThere are many websites providing free e-books and one of the best places to look is Project Gutenberg, where files are available in a variety of formats. Google and SonyGoogle Books is another good source of e-books but not all their content will be accessible to people with sight loss.Google and Sony have recently launched a free service where you can download over 500,000 books for free. Commercial e-booksIncreasingly e-books are available from commercial sources such as Amazon, Waterstones and WHSmiths.Publisher LookupMany publishers have established a system for providing electronic files on request for use by people with sight loss. Publisher Lookup lists all the imprints and publishers, and provides contact details where these are known to make it easier to make requests.Accessibility of e-books 2009-06-17T13:37:42+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/electronic_and_digital/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/electronic_and_digital/#When:09:30:16Z The internet, e-books and other technologies have opened up a world of reading opportunities for people with sight problems. They offer easy access to electronic information which may not have been available in other formats. For example, email brings a new degree of independence to someone with sight problems as they can read their own letters and communicate with others more easily.This section is all about: the various technologies available to people with sight losshow existing technologies can be adaptedwhere to find books in digital formatsdevelopments in the emerging eBook market 2009-05-29T09:30:16+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/childrens_books/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/childrens_books/#When:09:26:55Z “Quite simply I love to read. I read at school, on the bus, in the park - I can’t get enough of it.” Nia, aged 14 Here is a guide to help you find books for children with sight loss – for pleasure, for information or for school work.Touch readingClearVisionLend tactile books and dual format braille/print for adults and children to share reading. Titles are suitable for pre-schoolers, children learning to read and newly-fluent readers.Website www.clearvisionproject.orgTelephone 020 8789 9575RNIB National Library ServiceLends braille and Moon books, braille music and books for learners.Website www.rnib.org.uk/libraryTelephone 0303 123 9999Bag BooksSells tactile story packs for children with severe and multiple disabilities.Website www.bagbooks.orgTelephone 020 76270444Audio booksCalibre Audio LibraryOffers a free lending service of over 1400 children’s books.Website www.calibre.org.ukTelephone 01296 432339RNIB National Library ServiceLends many audio books for children as part of the subscription based Talking Books service.Website www.rnib.org.uk/talkingbooksTelephone 0303 123 9999Talking Newspapers AssociationProduces audio magazines suitable for older children.Website www.tnauk.org.ukTelephone 01435 866102Large printNational Blind Children’s Society (NBCS)Sells a selection of customised large print books to families and schools.Website www.nbcs.org.ukTelephone 01278 764770RNIB National Library ServiceHas a wide selection of Giant Print (24 point) books for loan.Website www.rnib.org.uk/libraryTelephone 0303 123 9999 2009-05-29T09:26:55+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/#When:15:59:08Z There is no single alternative to standard print that meets the needs of everyone with sight loss. The different causes and conditions of sight loss as well as people’s individual preferences have led to a range of equipment and alternative formats to meet their needs. The alternative formats have been developed over time, mainly through the work of voluntary and charitable organisations. This section helps in finding books in these formats. Readers may have to experiment with different formats before deciding on the best one for them.Enlarged printFor many people with deteriorating eyesight, for example older people, an enlarged print can help them to go on reading.  Larger print and giant print books are important resources for adults and children in public libraries.Embossed print Braille, created almost two hundred years ago, is the most famous embossed print format. Relatively small numbers of people use braille and Moon, another system of reading by touch.  Expensive to produce and bulky, these formats are best produced and distributed by specialist organisations. AudioSound recordings of poetry and prose have been made since the invention of audio techniques.  Audio formats have changed over time, compact disc CD being the most popular today.Electronic and digitalNew technologies for capturing, producing and downloading audio files presents many new opportunities for people with sight loss to access a greater choice of reading.TactileMethods to present diagrams, maps and plans in a tactile format are especially important for non-fiction and learning materials.  Tactile books are a vital way for children with sight loss to begin to enjoy the reading experience.The equipment section of this site gives information on equipment and assistive technology that people with sight loss can use to adapt standard print for themselves. 2009-05-27T15:59:08+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/catalogues/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/catalogues/#When:16:07:43Z UnityUKUnityUK is a subscription service which combines the catalogues of The Combined Regions and LinkUK, as well as the RNIB National Library Service Catalogue and COPAC. Public Libraries subscribed to UnityUK can locate and order accessible items through Interlibrary loan.UnityUKRNIB Library catalogue Access to over 170,000 items available for loan and/or sale in audio, large and giant print, braille and Moon. The catalogue includes books from RNIB, Calibre Audio, Torch Trust and the National Blind Children’s Society:RNIB Library catalogueRNIB Talking Book catalogueA basic catalogue of over 15,500 books from Talking Books:RNIB Talking Book catalogueRNIB Book SiteBrowse and buy from over 12,000 audio books, 7,700 braille books, 150 accessible maps and 1,600 braille music manuscripts.RNIB Book SiteCOPACCOPAC gives free access to the merged online catalogues of many major University, Specialist, and National Libraries in the UK and Ireland, including the British Library. Where Universities have added books in accessible formats to their catalogues they are included in COPAC.COPACCalibre audio library - catalogue Browse Calibre’s collection of over 8000 titles:Calibre audio library catalogueNational Blind Children’s Society CustomEyesNBCS CustomEyes sells large print books for children. Each book is customised to suit the format and font size required by the child:NBCS CustomEyes - includes links to Microsoft Word format Booklists of titles currently available for sale.Golden ChordA catalogue of Braille music available for sale. Golden Chord also provides an individual transcription service for customers who require music and music-related material in Braille:Golden Chord catalogueTorch TrustAttending church can be a surprisingly challenging experience for blind and partially sighted people. Anyone going into church is usually offered a bundle of printed material – a hymnbook, a Bible, perhaps a prayer book, an order of service, a news sheet and so on. Torch Trust has a catalogue of Christian literature available in braille, giant print and audio which can be borrowed through a free postal service. Torch TrustWorldCatWorldCat gives free access to the collections of libraries around the world. You can search for popular books, music CDs and videos—all of the physical items you’re used to getting from libraries. You can also discover many new kinds of digital content, such as downloadable audiobooks.WorldCat 2009-05-19T16:07:43+00:00 http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/audio/audio_book_players/ http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/audio/audio_book_players/#When:11:30:02Z This article is about the various audio book players available for people with sight problems.There is a wide choice of audio players that may be suitable for people with sight loss:CD playersFor audio books on standard CD. Some CD players will also be able to play MP3 tracks on a CD.MP3 playerPopular MP3 players such as the Apple iPod can be used by people with sight loss but may not be accessible to blind people.Daisy playerDaisy players are specialised CD or MP3 players designed to play Daisy books. These players will often also play standard CDs and other MP3 books on CD. RNIB sell Daisy players and also rent them as part of the Talking Book Service. RNIB provides guidance on choosing a Daisy player, software and accessories. Read reviews of some of the latest Daisy playersComputerThere is a wide range of software for listening to audio books on a computer. It is possible to stream audio books from RNIB BookStream. Commercial sources of audio books online include Apple iTunes and Audible.DVD playersDVD players can be used to listen to standard audio book CDs and also MP3s. Daisy books can also be used with a DVD player but the navigation functions will be more basic. DVD players can be adapted by using coloured or tactile labels on the controls. Labels are also available for CD cases and discs. 2009-05-19T11:30:02+00:00