시각장애인의 도서관자료 접근․이용권 확대 방안

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to propose the strategies for enhancing the rights of individuals with visual impairments in accessing and using library materials. First, the current state of library services for those with visual impairments in Korea were analyzed in terms of the characteristics of the users, the intent for using library services, format for library materials, and types of existing libraries. As a model for improving the library services, Bookshare in the United States was introduced regarding the purpose, process, eligibility for membership, and measures for protecting the copyright of the materials. This article concluded with the following strategies for enhancing the accessibility and usability of library materials by individuals with visual impairments: (a) financial support for private libraries for individuals with visual impairments; (b) expanding the accessibility of digital environment across the agencies for various types of library materials; (c) building an integrated data retrieval system for materials in alternative format; and (d) facilitating the collaboration and role specification among different types of libraries.