Abstract

There has been a shift in the way people access information: eBooks and the widespread use of graphics to convey information have created a “new normal” for how students read and learn. While these resources are readily available, too many of them are not accessible. As a result, people with disabilities such as vision impairments, physical limitations and dyslexia, often face barriers to information. Benetech/Bookshare has partnered both with US and international library partners to provide access to over 600,000 books, periodicals and more to qualified patrons.

With the passage of the Marrakesh Treaty, which became effective in 2016, libraries around the world are uniquely positioned to provide their patrons with accessible reading materials in a variety of languages from all over the world. Benetech has been helping libraries hoping to implement Marrakesh access in their country. By using technology to leverage publisher-supplied geographic permissions blended with locally scanned exception-based distribution, libraries are able to customize what is available and visible to users in each country. Bookshare’s direct-to-consumer model reduces the workload of educational and library professionals, while enhancing access and independence for individual readers with disabilities. The Seven Point Digital Rights Management Plan helps ensure that Bookshare’s partners and readers honor distribution limitations, and that copyrighted works are securely distributed only to qualified individuals with bona fide disabilities.

In this session participants will learn several ways for librarians and readers to broaden access to content for people who are blind or print-disabled, including hosting library collections and federating national and educational collections so they are available to wider audiences.

Biography

Dr. Lisa Wadors Verne, is the Senior Program Manager: Education, Research & Partnerships for Benetech Labs and its Global Literacy services including Bookshare and Diagram. She has doctorate in Special Education and Policy from the University of California, Berkeley.

Brad Turner has over 25 years of experience in technology, marketing and management. At Benetech, Brad is responsible for creating and operationalizing the strategic direction of the Benetech Global Literacy Program, including products, services, partnerships, and funding.