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Status report - Australian State and National
Libraries
On the Forum on Library Services for People with
Disabilities, March 2002
This report has been compiled from information supplied, and from the
web sites of the State Libraries
State Library of Victoria
Access Issues:
- No on-site disabled parking, some occurs in adjacent streets.
- Ramp access main entry, level access points most other
entrances.
- Wheel chair access to most areas in Library
- Information desks, computers/printers & copiers wheel chair
height, no adjustable desks or tables
- manual toilet doors
Onsite Services:
- Building currently being redeveloped, no specific area set aside
for disabled users
- Assistive/adaptive technology: print magnifiers, hand held print
enlargers, some illuminated; audio loop; video magnifier; CCTV; Kurzweil; 2
track audio; large track-balls; screen enhancement Zoom text extra; Braille
printer & converter; voice input Kurzweil; screen reader JAWS, ear
phones provided
Offsite Services:
- TTY (telephone typewriter service)
- All web pages compliant with WC3 Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines and
- Disability services pages available on web site
Collections:
- SLV do not acquire alternative format materials
- Large print format via Legal Deposit, identified on the OPAC,
accessible via NBD
- SLV produced videos have captions
Staff Training:
- No AUSLAN trained staff
- Reference staff have had Disability Awareness Training based on the
Kit developed by SLV/RVIB & VPLN
- This training has been extended to staff of Victorian Public
Libraries
- Reference staff trained in the use of assistive/adaptive
technology
Policy/Initiatives:
- Library Policy Statement on Disability Service
- SLV adheres to ALIA Draft Standards for Library Service to People
with Disabilities
- SLV Diversity Officer: provides training in accessible web design
to range of organisations
- SLV Online Libraries team provides support services to regional
& rural public libraries for a range of software & equipment funded via
Mainstreaming Disability Services project
- Partner in project: Online Services for People with
Disabilities in Australian Public Libraries

State Library of Queensland
Access Issues:
- Main building at Southbank. Easy access, 2 disabled carparks
available
- Ramp between ground & level 1
- Lifts provide access to all floors.
- Current refurbishment includes better wheel chair access to
reference desks, all hardware equipment, reading room tables and design of
toilets.
Onsite Services:
- Assistive/adaptive technologies include Zoomtext Plus; JAWS;
PC-Trac; Ultra compact keyboard; Intellikeys; lap wedges; Smartview; Maggy
Lamps; hand held magnifiers.
- Individual user orientation is provided on request.
- Internet training is offered to public many are aged persons
Offsite Services:
- TTY is available
- Web pages comply with WC3 guidelines.
- Web pages also comply with AGLS and Qld Govt standards for
metadata.
Collections:
- Alternative format materials are not collected, unless an item
specifically meets collection development guidelines.
Staff Training:
- Staff are offered periodic disability awareness training.
- Staff not trained to use JAWS screen reader or Zoomtext
magnification software.
Policy/Initiatives:
- SLQld is working towards implementing the Queensland Government
Strategic Framework for Disability.

Public Libraries Division of SLQld
Access Issues:
- PLD not open to the public only staff and visitors of the
Division.
- Disabled access to carparks, ramp, lift and toilets.
Collections:
- PLD operates the Country Lending Service supplies 159 public
libraries.
- Audio books are circulated as bulk loans, large print
maintained as core stock.
- Captioned videos are circulated as bulk loans
- None of above in the NBD.
Staff Training:
- Seniors and the Internet course developed for Public
Librarians to train the growing no. of senior web users.
- DIAL (Disability Information Awareness Line) is incorporated into
courses for Country Lending Services Library staff.
Policy/Initiatives:
- Guidelines & Standards for Qld Public Libraries: Services for
People with a Disability
- PLD administer Innovation Grants to public libraries for service
development and assistive technology

Library & Information Service of Western
Australia
Access Issues:
- Strategic Bldg Maintenance Plan prepared.
- Access audit commissioned and recommended accessibility
modifications underway.
- Disabled parking available under bldg & ramp access to all
levels.
- Design of doors, toilets and signage are all under review.
- New lift operation panels have voice announcements.
Onsite Services:
- Adaptive technology includes CCTV Aladin video magnifier; Kurzweill
Reading Edge Text Scanner; Infra-red audio enhancement system.
- Individual orientation sessions for disabled users
- Working towards workstations with assistive technology.
Offsite Services:
- TTY service operates, less useage due to National Relay
Service.
- LISWAs web site not WC3 compliant as
yet.
- Web pages list LISWAs disability services and
facilities.
Collections:
Alternative formats are purchased and include: large print books,
audio books CDs & cassettes, CD-Rom, video and captioned video all
selected under CDP and added to the NBD.
Staff Training:
- Most staff are trained to use adaptive software & equipment.
- Some have received awareness training on blind & vision
impaired client needs.
- Some training on creating accessible web sites occurred
recently.
Policy/Initiatives:
- LISWA Disability Plan , reviewed 2000;
- Access audit 2000.
- LISWA Special Needs Consultant networks on disability issues
& services, and is the LISWA rep. for Dept of Culture & Arts,
Disability Services Plan Implementation Committee.
- LISWA gives cash grants to the Association for the Blind WA, which
includes the Braille & Talking Book Library.
- Improved disability access is a 2001-02 Strategic Plan output.

LISWA Public Library Service
Onsite Services:
- Alternate format materials not specifically collected.
- Available via LISWA I-LL services.
Staff Training:
- LISWA Public Library Service provides training and support for PLS
staff.
Policy/Initiatives:
- LISWA PLS gives support to Narkaling Library Mentor Project,
producers of slow speed audio kits for intellectually disabled clients.
- Services for blind & vision impaired currently being
investigated.

State Library of New South Wales
Access Issues:
- Disabled parking available.
- Wheelchair access to the main entrance, lifts, copiers and
toilets.
- Signage to international standards provided.
Onsite Services:
- Range of adaptive/assistivetechnology offers screen reading
software, PC trackball, alternate keyboard, Read&Write software, Kurzweil
3000 scanner, Braille translator & embosser, magnification lamps and CCTV
& resistive touch monitor.
- Disability Information and Referral Service.
Offsite Services:
- Web pages with information on services for Disabled.
Collections:
Alternative format itemscan be used in the Library or via public
libraries by I-LL.
Collection of books and videos on disability issues available for use
in the Library or via public libraries by I-LL.
Staff Training:
- Training has included disability awareness, library services for
disabled clients, web accessibility, adaptive/assistive technology,
AUSLAN.
- Courses are run on Computing for Seniors, Disabilityand the Arts,
Family history for the Deaf community.
Policy/Initiatives:
- Disability Service Consultant engaged.
- Managed project by Disability Access Service for NSW Department of
Disability, Ageing and Home Care, IT & Seniors Strategy trial at the
Liverpool & Fairfield public libraries.
- Environmetrics conducted case study research on SLNSW clients with
a disability.
- NSW.net rollout of PCs to Public libraries 2001-.

State Library of South Australia
Access Issues:
- Major building project currently underway.
- Disabled parking and ramps are available at both buildings.
- Wheel chair access to facilities currently being resolved as part
of the building project.
- Lighting and signage currently being resolved as part of the
building project.
Onsite Services:
- Some assistive technologies include hand held magnifiers, 2-4 track
audio cassette player, large trackball, Zoomtext screen enhancer and JAWS
screen reader.
- CCTV, audio loop and Kurzweil machine not available during bldg
project.
- Assistance for disabled clients available by appointment.
Offsite Services:
- TTY.
- Web pages are Bobby approved and will be WC3
reviewed post-building project to reflect changes.
Collections:
- No specific collections of alternative format items
available to users on-site or via public libraries on I-LL.
Staff Training:
- AUSLAN trained staff.
- Held disability awareness training sessions regularly over last
decade.
- Refresher courses offered as required.
Policy/Initiatives:
- Disability Access Policy.
- Cultural Diversity Section advises on delivery of services.
- Cultural Diversity Section quarterly forums with disability
service providers from both Govt & NGOs.

Northern Territory Library and Information
Service
Access Issues:
- Disabled parking available, ramp access close to entrance.
- Wheel chair access to doors, lifts & toilets.
- Accessibility audit planned.
Onsite Services:
- Funding identified for provision ofassistive/adaptive technology,
however, budget constraints have put this on hold. This is a priority once
additional resources become available.
- Limited training sessions for seniors available for computer and
Internet use.
Offsite Services:
- I-LL available via NT Public Library Network.
- Working towards providing accessible web pages.
Collections:
- No specific collections of alternative format items
available to users on-site or via public libraries on I-LL.
Staff Training:
- Will be identified and provided after appropriate technologies have
been acquired.
Policy/Initiatives:
- NTLIS and Local Govt Association of NT recently collaborated to bid
successfully for Commth funds available via the Networking the
Nation program. Once finalised the funds will be partly used to provide
assistive technology to the NT Public Library Network.

State Library of Tasmania
Access Issues:
- Disabled parking available at entrance at most City and Branch
libraries, and some close by.
- All libraries are accessible to disabled and have automatic doors,
disabled toilets, ramps and accessible lifts.
- Aisle widths were modified, information desks and terminal/computer
tables are adjustable.
- Special high chairs, sloping tables and carry baskets are available
at some locations.
Onsite Services:
- City libraries have video and hand held magnifiers, CC TV.
- Four Branch libraries will be trialling Intellikey keyboards, large
track balls and large monitors.
- All have Hear-a-book Service for 2 track audio format.
- Some individual computer/internet training available for seniors
and disabled clients.
- Loans/I-LL available via general lending service or Home Library
Service.
Offsite Services:
- Web site pages accessible according to WC3
Guidelines.
- Disability services listed on web site.
Collections:
- Alternative format collection include audio books incl. Copyright
restricted audio books for people with print disabilities, large print books,
subtitled video and DVD.
- Identified in OPAC and have separate menu access.
- Inclusion in CDP.
- Inclusion on NBD.
Staff Training:
- Disability awareness training
- Use of equipment
Policy/Initiatives:
- Tech Assist Online four branch libraries to commence trial
of assistive technology, Feb. 2002
- Oct. 01 onwards - trained volunteers in a Nursing home to find
Library web page, search OPAC, place holds and explore the 'good reads' sites
we(SLT) have bookmarked. Feb. 02 reviewing service and teaching
them how to use email to contact Library Services

ACT Library Service
Access Issues:
- Disabled parking available nearby all libraries
- Automatic doors.
- Disabled toilets.
Onsite Services:
- Large screen monitors in one Library, upgrade for all libraries
2001.
- Range of adaptive technology being phased in during 2001/2002.
Offsite Services:
- Disability services available on the Librarys web pages.
- Home Library Services for Aged/Disabled.
- Mobile Library Service for Aged Care Centres.
Collections:
- Alternative materials collections include large print, audio books,
captioned video and DVD and Braille.
Policy/Initiatives:
Web4all Service being trialled in 2001/2002 developed in Canada and
implemented with assistance from Vision Australia.

National Library of Australia
Access Issues:
- Disabled parking available on south side of Building.
- Ramp available to entrance.
- Automatic doors to main entrance, main reading room and
Café.
Onsite Services:
- Main reading room: Aladdin Genie Pro reader enlarges text &
linked to a large monitor/PC, which is also connected to the Internet.
- Hand magnifying lens with light.
- Wide aisles between reference collection shelves.
- low desks & adjustable chairs.
- All reading rooms have a hand held magnifying lens.
Offsite Services:
- Web site currently complies with level A of WC3
Guidelines.
- Progress made towards updgrade to Level AA of WC3 in 2002.
- TTY available.
Collections:
- None specifically identified. Alternative formats not received
under Legal Deposit Legislation.
Staff Training:
- Staff training and awareness sessions conducted by Royal Blind
Society, NSW in 2001.
- Training sessions for staff 2001 conducted by Deafness Resource
Centre ACT.
Policy/Initiatives:
- AUSLAN contracted to interpret several exhibitions in 2001
- Pilot education program being devised to offer specialised tours
for physically and intellectually disabled students
- Printed transcripts of oral history interviews available on request
aim to transcribe within 2 years of recording.
