Latest news from RNIB National Library Service about key projects to enhance the service we offer readers.
Downloading audio books
Updated March 2013
You may remember that RNIB carried out research last autumn into the scope of a potential RNIB audio download service that would address current gaps in the market and is tailored to meet the needs of blind and partially sighted people. Thanks to those of you who responded to that survey.
We asked for your opinions about several proposed download service offerings from RNIB and how these might meet your needs in terms of content, functionality, cost, etc.The findings are now available and show that the majority of respondents would like us to pursue the option of an accessible RNIB-branded website to download titles from both the Talking Book catalogue and audio books from a mainstream provider. We are now investigating this option further with potential partners and will report back to you when we have further news.
New catalogue and library computer system
Updated January 2013
We are developing a new catalogue and library computer system, which will make browsing, choosing and ordering books much easier. This is a major investment and reflects RNIB's commitment to the Library and to the importance of accessible books and reading for blind and partially sighted people.
We are developing a new catalogue and library computer system, which will make browsing, choosing and ordering books much easier. This is a major investment and reflects RNIB's commitment to the Library and to the importance of accessible books and reading for blind and partially sighted people.We are developing a new catalogue and library computer system, which will make browsing, choosing and ordering books much easier. This is a major investment and reflects RNIB's commitment to the Library and to the importance of accessible books and reading for blind and partially sighted people.
We had hoped to launch the new catalogue last autumn but it has become clear that we need to allow more time for testing to ensure the system is robust and fully accessible before going live.
The complexities stem from the fact that several different IT systems are being brought together to create a single catalogue and computer system. This is not an easy process, either technically or from an information management point of view. Results from the first phase of accessibility testing showed that some processes needed further work before we could reasonably expect customers to carry out user testing. That work is being done at the moment and as soon as we are in a position to proceed to the next stage of the project we will be in touch with the many readers who have kindly offered their services as volunteer testers.
We are sorry that things have not moved as swiftly and smoothly as we had hoped. The project plan has been reviewed and at this stage, we hope to be in a position to launch the new catalogue and computer system later this year although we can't rule out the possibility of further issues cropping up.
We will keep you informed of new developments on this web page and in our Read On magazine and monthly enewsletter.
Braille and giant print collections
Our braille and giant print library moved from Stockport to RNIB's state-of-the-art warehouse in Peterborough in November 2012. The Stockport Library team is still based in Stockport in a new office.
The Stockport library team can be contacted at:
RNIB National Library Service, 2nd Floor, Highbank House, Exchange Street, Stockport SK3 0ET.
Reader Services Team - 0161 429 1970
Children's Librarians - 0161 429 1973
Music Librarian - 0161 429 1975
The address for returning books to the library is now:
RNIB National Library Service
PO Box 173
Peterborough PE2 6WS
United Kingdom
Do we have your email address?
To help us communicate with you quickly and efficiently, please make sure we have your correct email address. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email library@rnib.org.uk