Public Libraries to provide additional support to the print disabled

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The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, today visited the Fremantle City Library to confirm her support for the library's role in the "Library Initiative"

The Library Initiative aims to improve access for people with print disability to print material in a digital format through public libraries around the country. The Department of Families and Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) has provided funding of $1 million for the initiative. The implementation is being managed by The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).

"This initiative provides a significant boost to the range of services Public Libraries already provide to the disabled community" ALIA Executive Director Sue Hutley commented.

"ALIA is proud to be working with FaHCSIA on realising this Initiative. Over 60 metropolitan, regional, rural and remote library services will participate in the initiative throughout Australia and in excess of 800 devices will be made available for loan to print disabled people as a result of this initiative" Ms Hutley added.

The devices will allow people with print disability to access audio books, newspapers, journals and other publications which they may otherwise have no access to. Providing the devices and services through the public library network allows people with disability to participate more fully in the community through participation in reading groups and book clubs to cite just two examples.

Ms Hutley commented "This initiative complements the many programs that public libraries already have in place for the disabled community. Today, hundreds of public libraries provide home delivery services, reading services, book groups, computer training and even days at the races throughout the country. Many of these services are delivered with the assistance of dedicated volunteers and represent further examples of how a library has become much more than just a building in town with lots of books in it.”

ENDS

INFORMATION FOR EDITORS:

Australian Library and Information Association:
Sue Hutley, Executive Director 02 6215 8222 or 0412 764 922

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional association for the Australian library and information services sector. It seeks to empower the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services to the nation, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. ALIA represents the interest of 6,000 members, the profession and Australia's 12 million library users.

http://www.alia.org.au

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/govtint/ndsi/Pages/library_inititative.aspx

http://www.janmclucas.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/Pages/print_disability_fremantle_180411.aspx

Issued on behalf of
Australian Library and Information Association
ALIA House, 9-11 Napier Close, Deakin ACT 2604

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