When passing by the Blindlib (Blind Library), I’ve always wondered how the visually impaired make their way to the library, and how do the librarians deal with a bunch of blind people.
I chose the SALB (South African Library for The Blind), because it has always caught my eyes attention when passing by it – just wondering if all the people who are library members can read Braille, I guess I was also a bit ignorant because I’ve always thought that all the members of the Blindlib are fluent with Braille, otherwise they would not make use of the library.
I also didn’t know that there could be Braille magazines, especially produced for the visually impaired.
Before going to the SALB, I anticipated coming across a few visually impaired people making their way in and out of the library, like a normal daily routine of a library, but to my surprise the SALB has a totally different operational system.
Other than having a flock of visually impaired people into the library, the library produces and borrows their clients’ books in a form of a tape or cd recording. Members and clients of the library who are fluent with Braille request books (maximum of six) and then in turn the book is delivered to their door.
They different kinds of sections and services namely,
the library services – dealing with administrative work which includes managing and maintaining the electronic management system and making certain that the library members get what they want in time.
the audio production – this section of the library deals with maintaining the standards of the material the library provides and delivers i.e. producing, converting and copying various print magazines to the digital audio medium
the Braille production – which makes sure that a high quality of Braille material is produced including books in Braille in all the 11 official languages (of South Africa) and that the library staff members are fluent with Braille.
the production support services – helps with the training and monitoring of volunteers and temporary staff members in the production of audio and Braille titles, provides advice where it is needed and assists the external clients of the library.
the Braille consultancy – “ it encompasses an additional function of standard setting”.
Under the Information technology and technical services:
•the technical services – “managing and administrating the transport and vehicle needs of the library”
•information technology – responsible for the development and support of the technological requirements of the library.
Marketing – promotes, produces and markets the library material and services.
Management Services – “this section is primary responsible for providing support to the SALB Board, the Director and all section heads of the library. It is responsible for recording, reporting and providing relevant information required by the Public Finance Management Act and various other legislations relating to finance and human resources”. This section comprises:
•Financial Management and Fundraising
•Human Resource Management and Development
•Administration and Cleaning Services
Together these sections and the great, willing and welcoming staff of the Blindlib help maintain and manage the library.
Facts about the library:
●The SALB was founded by Josephine (Josie) Wood in 1918
●The SALB is not only a national library for the blind, but it is the only library for the blind in the continent of Africa.
●The SALB has members and clients all over the world including, Australia, United Kingdom, Spain, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and so on.
●The SALB provides and distributes free information service to its clients including free Daisy player
●The SALB has over 24, 000 title books
●The SALB provides their readers with magazines i.e. National Geographic, Bona, Oprah, Chess Magazines and Sports Magazines as readers digest.
●The SALB has a membership base of 5, 773 members
a special thank you to the staff of the Blindlib especially Mr F. Hendrikz (director) for a great co-operation, and making my visit worthwhile.
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