Newtechnologyboost for blind library users
GLASGOW Libraries has rolled out a range of access technology for the blind and visually impaired.
All 33 libraries citywide will be kitted out with Zoomtext readers that enlarge, enhance and read aloud content on a computer screen.
They will also have hi-vis large-key keyboards that are easier for those who have sight-loss to use.
The technology will be available to anyone who requires it in a bid to ensure that Glasgow’s much-loved library service is accessible to all who experience sight-loss.
David McDonald, depute leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “I’m delighted that visually-impaired citizens will be able to take advantage of this technology in all 33 of Glasgow’s libraries.
“Libraries offer the people of our city a vital, much-loved community service, and we know that hundreds of people experiencing sight-loss use the services on offer in our Resource Unit for Visually Impaired People at The Mitchell every year.
“By installing equipment in every community library to support our visually-impaired residents I hope that we can create opportunities for even more Glaswegians to get the most out of the fantastic range of library services on offer right across the city.”
Glasgow Libraries was the first Scottish library authority to develop a Resource Unit for Visually Impaired People in 1988.
This facility at The Mitchell supports more than 900 users experiencing sight-loss every year.
Alongside the RUVI and the access technology in community libraries, Glasgow library goers who experience sight-loss will also be supported to get the most out of their own devices, thanks to monthly Get Online sessions delivered with RNIB in Partick Library, on the last Monday of the month, and Cardonald Library, on the second Wednesday of the month.
Ian Stevenson, RNIB digital skills officer, who delivers the Lottery funded Get Online drop-in sessions, said: “Being visually impaired myself I understand a lot of frustrations with using digital equipment but anyone experiencing a degree of sight-loss can come along to these sessions – you do not need to be registered partially sighted or blind.
“People sometimes worry about being too old to learn but this free service is for all ages – you are never too old to learn how to use computers and tablets.
“I’ve taught people in their late 90s how to use iPads and tablets and they’ve loved it.”
And in a bid to ensure more of the city’s treasures are accessible, Glaswegians experiencing sight-loss will also be offered support to explore their family tree in The Mitchell’s Family History and Archives.
Thanks to the RNIB, library users can now be paired with sighted volunteers in one-to-one sessions to assist in using some of the physical and online resources that may prove difficult to access.
To book a session with one of the volunteers contact: hollie.wilson@rnib.org.uk