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Our Ref: MH/cls/d6

13 June 1994

Mr Roger Bowes
Aslib, The Association for Information Management
Information House
20-24 Old Street
London ECIV 9AP

Dear Mr Bowes

PUBLIC LIBRARY REVIEW

Thank you for asking us to comment on the ASLIB independent review of the public library service. We hope the following points will be useful.

1 . Free 'core' services of public library provision should include borrowing of books including talking books, tapes, records and any publications available in Braille.

2, Information on computer can be very useful to disabled library users. This should include up-to-date disability information.

3. Libraries are often used as polling stations. If disabled people are to be able to exercise their right to vote, libraries must be accessible.

4. In addressing the needs of disabled library users, access in the widest sense is a priority. Physical access for wheelchair users, signage that is suitable for people with visual impairments, information on tape and in Braille and an induction loop. The height of book shelves and notice boards should be taken into consideration so that wheelchair users can reach the books and read the notices.

5. To meet the needs of particular groups it is important to consult them, Disabled library users should be invited to comment regularly on local library services.

Yours sincerely

Mary Holland
Assistant Director (Disablement Services)