Kerry Library - Improving Library Access for Visually Impaired customers

Kerry Library continues to work with The National Council for the Blind (NCBI) towards the development of Library services to those visually impaired.
Examples include the provision of the Kurzweil speech system on its public access computers and the increase in the numbers, formats and variety of audio-material available.

While these have greatly improved service provision, Kerry Library noted that the lack of Braille material for people who still use this method to read was of concern. NCBI carries significant holdings in this area and details are viewable on their on-line Library Catalogue. This comprises more than 10,000 Fiction and Non-Fiction books in Audio Visual, Large-Print and Braille format.

In addition, NCBI provides regular newspaper coverage and popular Irish magazines and journals on audiotape and in Braille to over 1,500 subscribers. A further international link can source/loan items from a holding of an additional 250,000 items. The books are posted in a returnable envelope free to the NCBI members. Any registered member of the NCBI can use their Library facility.

Kerry Library and NCBI, Dublin can mutually benefit each other. Kerry Library service points may via its request service order a book on behalf of a user if its Audio Visual & Large Print sections do not have a required title or if the customer needs a Braille format while the NCBI library catalogue is available as a link on the Kerry Library website.

Click on each blue link below, right click and go to ‘open hyperlink’
Direct link - http://www.ncbi.ie/services/services-for-individuals/library
Other details - http://www.ncbi.ie/services/services-for-individuals/library/joining-the-library 
Home page – www.ncbi.ie

Lifesteps project

Lifesteps is an initiative of Irish public libraries and is funded by the Information Society Fund, through the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.  The Lifesteps project consists of 17 guides, which explain how to achieve various life steps using the Internet. Copies available free of charge at all branches of Kerry County Library. These guides are also available on the project website www.lifesteps.ie