Expansion of European Library Systems for the Visually Disadvantaged

Informazioni relative al progetto

EXLIB

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 1037

Progetto chiuso

Data di avvio 1 Gennaio 1993

Data di completamento 30 Giugno 1994

Finanziato da

• Specific programme of research and technological development (EEC) in the field of telematic systems in areas of general interest - Libraries -, 1990-1994

Costo totale € 0,00

Contributo UE Nessun dato

Coordinato da

STUDIE EN VAKBIBLIOTHEEK VOOR VISUEEL EN ANDERSZINS GEHANDICAPTEN
Netherlands

Exploitable results

EXLIB: expansion of European library systems for the visually disabled

EXLIB investigates and provides a range of user requirement specifications and standards to ensure compatible access to the European Unions information resources between normally sighted and visually disadvantaged Union citizens. Visually disadvantaged persons (a substantial minority in the Union of 20-25 million citizens) have severe difficulties in gaining access to information in comparison with normally sighted persons. The increasing use of digital storage of information in libraries and the dominantly visual presentation of output calls for other forms of output that are accessible to the visually disadvantaged. EXLIB has therefore examined existing technologies, systems and services including existing and near-future telematics provision for visually disadvantaged and normally sighted persons. This should lead to recommendations (ie standards, specifications and planning of implementation trials) upon the most appropriate means to provide enhancements of service to the target population. Its recommendations to enhance access to information services by the visually impaired provided the basis for national projects in Ireland, the Netherlands and Portugal. Perhaps the most immediate impact of the project, however, is in its information dissemination and awareness raising activities. Additional information is available from website http://www.svb.nl/project/exlib/exlib.htm.