Resources for Libraries

HELP! THERE IS A BLIND PERSON IN MY LIBRARY

Don’t panic. You are ready for this moment.

There are three different scenarios here and we will describe all of them.

George is a gentleman in his late sixties. He retired a year ago and makes regular trips to his local library to use the computer and read magazines. Truthfully, these library visits fill a social need for George. George was in sales and loves to talk to people.

When you look up and see George you realize it has been several weeks since he has visited the library. You greet him and notice that he is not quite the same George that you used to know. He asks you where the large print books are located and the light goes on in your brain. George has lost a significant amount of vision. He has avoided the library because he is still uncomfortable with the change.

Don’t just send him off in the direction of the large print books. Walk with him to the collection. Stop by the front desk and offer him a hand held magnifier to use while browsing the shelves. Mention the audio described videos and taped books. Tell him about the computer software that you have installed to give him the freedom to continue using the computer.

George will probably be able to follow you without needing help but offer to let him take your arm. Remember not to take his arm and push him in front of you. Let him take your arm and walk slightly in front of George. You might want to mention the low vision support group that meets regularly in your library.

Elizabeth is a totally blind college student who just moved to your town to attend school. She walks into the library and stops to get her bearings. You walk over and ask her if you can help. Elizabeth explains that she will be using your library on a regular basis and wishes to know what services you can offer her. Elizabeth has a guide dog and this is the first time you have seen a dog in your library. The dog is lovely and you want to pet it. Elizabeth explains that you should not pet the dog while it is working. You ask Elizabeth to follow you to the front desk so she can apply for a library card. If you need her to sign the application you fold a crease on the signature line and ask her to sign on the crease. Hand her the pen with the point still retracted and let her position the pen herself. Now you can take her on a tour of the library. Point out landmarks like doorways and steps. Show her the ladies room and explain anything that is unusual about the way it is laid out. Introduce her to other staff members and explain what they do. A blind person can’t recognize people by their face so if they talk to them for a minute they may learn something distinctive about their voice or speech pattern.

You proudly show off the recorded books and descriptive videos. Elizabeth asks about your computer access. You bring her to the computer with speech access and a scanner for reading print books. You explain the hours that this technology is available and ask her if she would like training. Elizabeth says she knows the software you are using but she would like a lesson on using your library catalogue. You both have time so Elizabeth sits down at the computer. You show her where the chair is by placing her hand on the back of the chair. Now you use the clock face to tell her where things are. For example, the scanner is at 3:00 opening from the front. You have small raised dots on the important keys so you tell Elizabeth to put her hands on the home row and you are off.

Before Elizabeth leaves you ask her if she would like to set another appointment to use the computer.

You have story hour every Tuesday afternoon for young children. One Tuesday you notice a blind child with her mom. You introduce yourself to the little girl and her mom. You ask the little girl her name and she says her name is Susan. You speak directly to the child and ask her how old she is. Susan says she is 6 years old and starting first grade. You help Susan and her mom find a seat for the story. Susan seems to have some vision so you place them close to the reader in an area that is well lit but not too bright.

While the story is being read, Susan’s mom comes over to talk to you. She says that Susan really did not want to come to the library. She thinks libraries are only for sighted kids.

After story time you bring Susan and her mom to the computer station that is loaded with speech access and show Susan how she can type and hear the computer talk. Then you take them to the section with print/braille books and show Susan how she can read the braille and her friends and family can read the print. Susan asks to check out 2 books. You help her get her very own library card. Mom is smiling. Now you go to the video section and explain how audio described videos work. Susan adds 2 Disney films to her books and starts talking about inviting her sighted friends over for a movie date. Now everyone is smiling and you remember why you chose to be a librarian.

Gayle Yarnall, President

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