Libraries serving persons with Print Disabilities and the National Library of the Netherlands (KB)

Let’s work together, let’s library for all

Public libraries play an important role in providing services to their communities, including persons with print disabilities. We invite you to share how you are making your library an accessible and inclusive place for all users; how can we, libraries serving persons with print disabilities (LPDs) and other libraries do more to collaborate; and how can LPDs better support public libraries in their work.

This is an opportunity to highlight the positive work you are doing in your community, in both physical and digital environments, including access to your collections. Worldwide, books and services are becoming more accessible, and the European Accessibility Act will ensure this trend continues. What steps have you taken to make your collections and services discoverable and accessible, and how are you making library activities and programs inclusive for persons with print disabilities? A special welcome to Public Libraries to come and present your ideas and experiences at the LPD Satellite as we work together and library for all.

Topics

  • General accessibility in the library. How can everyone navigate the library to retrieve a book or use the space? How do you make the library accessible and user friendly for everyone?
  • Knowledge of the needs and wishes of current and potential library users with a print disability. Do they prefer a special library, or do they want to use the general public library? Which public library offerings would they like to use if the services and collections were (more) accessible?
  • What makes a book accessible? Is there a general agreement on the characteristics of an accessible book, or do we need several levels of accessibility and how do we translate that to the discoverability of the book?
  • Are the current metadata for accessibility in cataloguing sufficient or do we need more? Such as user-friendly accessibility information on books and shelves to enable persons with print disabilities to search items and to decide whether the chosen title can be read in the way they like. How can the current cataloguing metadata on accessibility be translated into that information?
  • What will be the impact of more born accessible publications on the traditional role of the special libraries when it comes to acquiring new titles for their collections? Are there new models of cooperation between the two parties involved (publishers and special libraries) on the horizon?
  • Best practices of existing collaborations of LPD libraries and public libraries.
  • Do we need (more) collaboration between libraries serving persons with print disabilities and public libraries? Is mixed membership a recommended option? Can services be (further) integrated?
  • Best practices of inclusive library services, successes and lessons learned. Library programs and activities. Library familiarity with universal design.

An international perspective on accessible publications and library services is encouraged.

Dates and location

18-19 August 2023 (satellite to WLIC Rotterdam, NL) –  Korenbeurs, Schiedam

Abstract submission

Papers should be submitted and presented in English.
Submissions should include

  • title of the paper;
  • abstract fitting in with the topics of the satellite in max. 500 words;
  • presenters’ name(s), professional affiliation, country, brief biographical note and a photo, email address.

Please submit your proposals to Koen Krikhaar via lpd-satellite@dedicon.nl

Timeline

  • All proposals must be in by 1st of March 2023
  • Proposals will be evaluated by the satellite program committee group and successful applicants will be informed by 1st of April 2023

Please note

All expenses, such as travel, and accommodation are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. Letters of invitation can be issued to presenters upon request. Free entrance for presenters.

Organisation

This IFLA WLIC 2023 satellite is organised by IFLA Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section in cooperation with the National Library of the Netherlands (KB). Contributing local partners: Bibliotheekservice Passend Lezen (Netherlands), Luisterpuntbibliotheek (Belgium), Dedicon (Netherlands)