I would like to thank everyone who has responded to my post about proposed good practice recommendations for acquisition of large print and audio. Several of you have suggested that the figure be based on the number of visually impaired people in an area but unfortunatly we do not have the data to provide such a figure.
We have listened to your feedback and concerns over budget reductions so are now looking at proposing a recommended percentage share of the bookfund for audio and large print of approximately 12% per format. I appreciate there will be variances so, again, I'd like people to comment on how realistic and helpful this figure would be.
Accessible ebook services could widen the availability of titles to visually impaired users if they have access to the right technology. I'd be interested to know how authorities fund ebooks and downloadable audio. Is this another slice of the bookfund and could it potentially impact the amount of money spent on hard copy large print and audio? Do we need to consider future funding in this area when establishing a standard for the purchase of hard copy titles?
Thank you again for the very helpful and thoughtful comments that have been sent so far.
Wendy
Wendy Taylor
Librarian, Bibliographic Services
RNIB National Library Service
Far Cromwell Road
Bredbury
Stockport
SK6 2SG
Tel: 0161 355 2093
Email: [log in to unmask]
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