A Study of the Resources and Services for Visually Impaired Patrons in Taiwan`s Public Libraries

Abstract

This study analyzed the distribution of library resources and services for visually impaired patrons in Taiwan and the operation problems facing the public libraries. It focused on the resource acquisition approaches, service types, and problems of resource integration. Adopting both questionnaire survey and interview with the involved librarians, this study found library resources and services for the visually impaired were currently insufficient, and the existing resources and services were highly concentrated on a few libraries. Difficulties with resources integration among the libraries included the varying formats and standards used in the conversion of publications, the reluctance to cooperate due to managerial complexity and varying degrees of willingness, and technological barriers. Suggestions were made based on the findings.