Library
The new library website was launched on schedule, on April 2nd. Reader Services, digital library support, and accessibility staff did an outstanding job of supporting clients in making the transition to the new interface. Clients like being able to download DAISY books in a single step and knowing which books they have on loan or hold. Accessibility challenges for people using various types of assistive technologies were prioritized and resolved as quickly as possible with the vendor. The work to improve accessibility continues based on the results of a full site audit obtained by the vendor from an independent audit firm.
The CNIB Library played a lead role in drafting requirements for the international TIGAR (Trusted Intermediary Global Accessible Resources) information system. The system will enable CNIB to identify DAISY and braille copyright-protected books available for exchange across borders and to download production files for them. Thus far, CNIB has requested and received books from Braillenet (France), Nota (Denmark) and ABA (Switzerland), and we are now selecting titles from NLS (U.S.A.).
The pilot test with a selected number of clients of the online delivery channel to new internet-enabled DAISY players is nearing completion and the initial results are very positive. Interest has been expressed by some pilot participants in keeping the service active post pilot and migrating their internet access from the pilot hardware to their own personal “home wireless” networks. An ‘exit interview questionnaire’ have been created and will be completed by the testers via one-on-one telephone conversations with a member of the CNIB Research department. The findings of the pilot will inform decisions about a full deployment of this service.
The Library is working in partnership with Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) to develop monthly broadcast programming that features content and special programmes available from the Library. The kick-off broadcast during Vision Health Month featured the book Eye-foods: a food plan for healthy eyes. June’s presentation honoured National Aboriginal History Month by highlighting aboriginal-themed books in the CNIB Library collection. Excerpts from our audio production of Drew Hayden Taylor’s GG-nominated Motorcycles and Sweetgrass were broadcast, along with a 15-20 minute interview with the author. July introduced listeners to Witchlanders, a book for junior high school readers and featured an interview with author Lena Coakley and samples from the CNIB audio book.
This month (August)features the Library’s participation in the TD Summer Reading Club with and interview with our Children’s Librarian and an enthusiastic young client.