The Six Steps Promise What are the Six Steps? How can we use them - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The Six Steps Promise What are the Six Steps? How can we use them to improve our library services?

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people Share the Vision • National Charity • Over 25 years of engagement • Represents all home countries • Activities and responses • Organisation

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people Why is this important? “ Without reading for pleasure, I am and my life is incomplete ” • Two million blind or partially sighted people • Reading is an essential skill • Health benefits/combats loneliness • Our duty

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people What is “Six Steps”? • A nationally agreed simple “promise” • Achievable actions • Low cost • Consistency • Updated in 2016

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people 1. Ensure that all blind and partially sighted customers are connected to the most appropriate service for their reading needs using the Six Steps, and that they are able to make full use of an accessible public library service 2. Use Reading Sight (www.readingsight.org.uk), the free website supporting blind and partially sighted people to access reading and reading services 3. Provide local collections of accessible reading materials and information in physical or digital formats, and be able to signpost customers to wider range of resources 4. Plan your digital and physical access strategies in consultation with blind and partially sighted people 5. Designate a champion for the reading needs of blind and partially sighted people, who has familiarised themselves with the specialist resources and services available 6. Support and promote Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight (www.rnib.org.uk/manil) run annually by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people 1. Ensure that all blind and partially sighted customers are connected to the most appropriate service for their reading needs using the Six Steps, and that they are able to make full use of an accessible public library service • Make sure your library service is signed up to the Six Steps • Find out who your Champion is • Find out which services provide which formats or support • Assess your own library spaces for accessibility • Make sure your resources are as accessible as you can make them • Find out who else supports people with sight loss in your area

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people 2. Use Reading Sight the free website supporting blind and partially sighted people to access reading and reading services www.readingsight.org.uk

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people 3. Provide local collections of accessible reading materials and information in physical or digital formats, and be able to signpost customers to wider range of resources

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people 4. Plan your digital and physical access strategies in consultation with blind and partially sighted people

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people 5. Designate a champion for the reading needs of blind and partially sighted people, who has familiarised themselves with the specialist resources and services available

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people 6. Support and promote Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight (www.rnib.org.uk/manil) run annually by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people The Six Steps Module • SCL Learning Pool • Five short sections • Accessible by all home nations • Free

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people Library on a shelf • Demonstration collection • 12 pilots • Free

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people What can you do? • Spread the word • Take the course • Find out more • Use your knowledge

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people What next? • Talk to your champion • Talk to your colleagues • Share your experiences • Training module • Partnerships • “Library on a shelf”?

Six Steps to better library services for blind and partially sighted people Resources www.readingsight.org.uk www.calibre.org.uk www.rnib.org.uk www.clearvisionproject.org Contacts Mark Freeman (Stockton-On-Tees/Share the Vision) mark.freeman@stockton.gov.uk Mark McCree (RNIB) mark.mccree@rnib.org.uk Emma Scott(Calibre) emma.scott@calibre.org.uk Alex Britton (Clearvision) info@clearvision.org.uk