Recently here in the Library Service where i work we have begun to
investigate some of the issues surrounding the implementation of a set of
borrowing concessions (similar to Hampshire's Access card) as a way of
breaking down the barriers that appear to prevent many dyslexics from using
their local libraries.
In Hampshire (and the following is taken from their website):
'Anyone with a condition which makes reading a problem, such as dyslexia,
can ask for an ‘Access Card’. This is a library card which allows the holder
to have special borrowing rights:
You can have up to two audiovisual items free of charge – music CDs, videos,
DVDs, CD-ROMs and video games. (You can take out more, of course, but you
will need to pay for them.)
All your audio books, on tape or CD, are free
You can request any item free of charge
You won’t be charged fines – but please could you make every effort to
return your library loans on time so that others can enjoy them too
You won’t have to prove that you are eligible for an Access Card but we do
ask that you let us know why you are applying for one'.
At the moment what interests me most is how library staff might be able to
strike a balance between promoting this concession to library users, without
allowing it to be abused by those who may not be dyslexic or suffering from
another reading difficulty.
Has anyone encountered this particular problem before or would anyone like
to share any opinions they might have on the matter in general with the group?
I am prepared to summarise any replies for the benefit of everyone else.
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