News:

Libraries:

  • Libraries Taskforce: anupdate on the Big Ideas Generators (BIG) project which supports innovation and enterprise across ten Greater Manchester library authorities. This update covers 1-2-1 information surgeries, specialist workshops and ‘flagship’ events. Progress to date is described as very positive details here.

Also, a Taskforce update on a project that can transform a library into a pop-up cinema details here.

Research from the Libraries Taskforce into community managed libraries community managed libraries research

  • A global vision for libraries: The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) began the consultation period to its Global Vision discussion Global Vision Document (see also bulletin 229). The global vision discussion is to try to ensure that libraries are not left behind because they do not create a common goal around their values. The state of libraries in 2020 were considered via 10 structured questions which included; what are the core values of libraries?; What should libraries do more of?; What are libraries exceptionally good at. Full details here
  • Ex Libris: a 3 hour documentary that explores the New York Public Library Service opened this month. The film, which has been highly praised, presents a portrait of the Boroughs libraries investigating their many activities. Three reviews:. Ex Libris vision of librariesfurther review
  • Falling use of UK public libraries: Tim Coates discusses some of the possible reasons for the fall in book borrowing at UK public libraries. Coates argues that use of libraries has fallen every year since 1992 and that having to demonstrate their economic and social value to local councils is wrong. The only justification for libraries is that people use them. Despite the increase in sales of children’s books library use has slipped significantly particularly in larger cities. full article here
  • Value of UK libraries: a piece which offers an alternative viewpoint to that of Tim Coates (above), suggesting that the value of the library is the connection it makes to its users rather than just its stock collection. It discusses the wide range of services and activities now available at many UK libraries. Future of UK libraries
  • Every Child a Member: Glasgow libraries pioneer a scheme to give a library card to all new babies. It is hoped to extend the scheme so that every child in Scotland is signed up as a library member. details here
  • Lessons for UK libraries from Finland?:Finland, which has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, also offers a number of eclectic and innovative services and events through its libraries. details here

Sight and vision issues:

  • Vision implants: a clinical trial is being launched for a brain implant that is designed to restore vision to more patients. The trial is to test whether electrodes placed on the surface of the brain could restore limited vision to those who are blind or partially blind. details here.
  • Low vision glasses: low vision glasses have been launched in Australia and New Zealand. It is claimed that those living with low vision can experience a much improved quality of life. low vision glasses
  • Blood test to detect macular degeneration: a blood test designed to predict the onset of macular degeneration has been developed. It is estimated that 1 in 10 pensioners in the UK have some degree of macular degeneration. details here
  • Australia pioneers screening for diabetic retinopathy: new eye screening technology has been developed to detect the early signs of diabetic retinopathy. Screening could potentially take place in a single 30 minute appointment to a GP. details here
  • California State libraries to make eBooks available for people who read differently: ‘Bookshare’will be availablethroughthe National Library Service for the Blind and is aimed at people who need books in different formats such as digital, audio or Braille. details here
  • Calibre launch new app-base download service: Calibre announces a new app-based download service. The service is the first of its kind in the UK that has been designed especially for visually impaired people to be able to download and listen to books on mobile devices such as smart phones (Apple and Android) or tablets.

The download service will complement the current postal services available on USB memory sticks or CDs. Existing Calibre members will be able to use this service free of charge, in addition or as a replacement for our postal services.
The first group of people Calibre will open the service to will be existing members. After this it will be opened to new applicants.

The download service and the associated apps have been tested by a panel of users during all stages of development. The calibre team has included volunteers with varying degrees of sight loss, including members who have no sight at all. The test team has also included people with varying degrees of experience in using mobile devices.
Visually impaired members who are used to using mobile technology for other purposes and familiar with gesture control should find the new app particularly easy to use. For partially sighted or dyslexic users, the screens are clear and uncluttered, there is also a choice of colour schemes and keyboards (ABC or QWERTY).Further details available on the Calibre website

  • Talking buses: blind and partially sighted bus users in Oxford benefit from the installation of audio visual equipment that announces what the next bus stop is. details here

Share The Vision is a partnership of UK libraries and library organisations that work together to improve the accessibility of library services for blind and other print disabled people.

More information is available from the Chair, Mark Freeman, or 01642 526481. Contributions for the bulletin can be sent to Mark at the email address above.

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