Access to library services There are a number of Framework for the Future programmes which aim to support and encourage public libraries in opening up access. Most of these have focused to date on access for people with disabilities (see below). More recently the scope has widened to consider more general issues of access to services. Single membership card for London's public libraries: feasibility study This report sets out the findings of a feasibility study on a single membership card for all of London’s public libraries. The study, commissioned by MLA from the London Libraries Development Agency (LLDA), finds that London’s chief librarians strongly support a move towards a single membership. A single card would provide greater flexibility and improved accessibility. However, it also notes that there are significant challenges to be met, including financial and technical implications, and the retention of the strong local identification and ownership that most libraries enjoy. The study provides a number of possible ways forward as options for discussion.  Single membership card for London's public libraries: feasibility study (PDF 352KB)
Libraries and disability Funding and governance of library and information services for visually impaired people A report on the funding and governance of library and information services for visually impaired people has been published, funded jointly by the British Library, MLA and IFLA (the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions). The study compares different international approaches, and explores the impact that levels of funding and governance models have on outcomes. The report concludes that there is a remarkable degree of consensus in terms of preferred models, focusing on: - a system of clearly defined and co-ordinated roles and responsibilities, whether these are fulfilled by private, voluntary or public bodies
- the funding of services by regular government expenditure
- the delivery of services as much as possible via mainstream physical and digital channels
Technological innovation is identified as a key driver of change. The main barriers are perceived as levels of funding and copyright restrictions of various kinds. The report concludes that “There is no single ‘best practice’ model for providing library and information services to visually impaired and print impaired users: the situation varies greatly from country to country.” It does however go on to make a wide number of recommendations to: national and local government; service providers; funders; publishers; organisations representing or working on behalf of users; and others. The full report is available in three parts: The following Framework for the Future programmes have sought to improve access to resources and services for disabled people: Feasibility Study for Revealweb II This study was commissioned by MLA, RNIB and NLB to review the service strategy and future direction for Revealweb, the database of accessible reading material for blind and partially sighted people. The study explores the activities required to transition the Revealweb service to Unity UK, a national public libraries’ resource sharing service, outlining the project approach, risks, dependencies, timeframes and associated costs. The MLA, RNIB and TCR have committed to funding the transition.
Feasibility Study for Revealweb II Interim Report (PDF 494KB)
Feasibility Study for Revealweb II Final Report (PDF 283KB)  Supporting library staff and managers
A new web resource to provide information and learning for public library staff relating to access and equal opportunities for disabled people has been developed for MLA by Nord Anglia. The resource aims to improve access to libraries and library services for people with disabilities by supporting the staff who work with them. It does this through a range of resources including learning modules, case studies and background materials. The resource is on the MLA website: Libraries and Disability Access to print-based materials Rightscom undertook a feasibility study into the potential for publishers to provide their electronic files of books to agencies for people with visual disabilities:  Reading material for VIPs: using digital publishing workflows (Word 240KB)
 Reading material for VIPs: using digital publishing workflows (PDF 22KB)
The purpose of the study was to assist MLA in identifying some of the challenges that will need to be met if visually-impaired people are to be enabled to 'read what everyone else is reading'. The project sought to understand how digital content formats created at various stages of the book publishing production workflow might be used to improve the range and currency of content available to visually impaired people. The report identifies a number of recommended further actions for MLA, DCMS and others which the authors believe would facilitate improvements in the quality of library provision for visually impaired people. Other resources There is a lot of other useful and relevant material in the policy area of the MLA website under Disability , including the Disability Portfolio (a portfolio of twelve guides on how to best to meet the needs of disabled people) and Disability checklist.
| 
