Based on the idea that digital technologies and online tools are a key factor in promoting improved library services for visually impaired readers, seven partners, from six countries, started in 2020 a two years project aiming at promoting the professional development of library staff in ICT methodologies dedicated to this special category of users, in order to integrate vulnerable people and increase their inclusion in libraries and society, by improving services dedicated to blind and visually impaired.

The project “TECH. LIBRARY – Enhance public library services for visually impaired users through ICT tools and training” was implemented with the support of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, KA204, Strategic partnerships for adult education, through a consortium in which, alongside with the National Library of Romania, and under the coordination of Unione della Romagna Faentina (Italy) acting as lead partner, participated 5 other institutions with relevant experience in the field: Petko R. Slaveykov Regional Library – Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria), Rijeka Public Library (Croatia), ARGO (Italy), Mazsalaca Town Library (Latvia), Ljubljana City Library (Slovenia).

TECH.LIBRARY has three main objectives:

1. Encouraging the exchange of best practices between different library staff on services and ICT tools for the inclusion of visually impaired users;
2. Expanding the digital skills of library staff through tailor-made training activities on ICT tools;
3. Creating a network of collaborative libraries in response to the needs of visually impaired users.

In order to achieve the planned objectives, the following activities were carried out:

1. Exchange of best practices to enable each participant to learn and understand how other libraries from other countries use ICT for the benefit of visually impaired users;
2. A web platform was developed to allow users to train, share experiences and opinions, communicate and disseminate project activities and initiatives;
3. Joint short-term training of staff on the latest ICT technologies to provide services to visually impaired users.

Those interested can find on the project website various useful information, videos, training materials, demonstrations and other content needed in the process of becoming a truly inclusive library for visually impaired readers. One of the most important outcomes of the project is the Practical Handbook, translated into the partners’ languages and also in English. The Handbook includes statistical data and policies, practices in libraries and other specialised institutions for working with the visually impaired in terms of environmental accessibility, personal assistance, hardware tools, software tools, digital libraries, Braille collections, as well as a list of online resources and recommended literature for working with the visually impaired.

The website and the practical handbook are also available in English.

TECH.LIBRARY platform: https://www.tech-library.eu/

TECH.LIBRARY FB page: https://www.facebook.com/ErasmusTechLibrary

TECH.LIBRARY YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@techlibrary5509

TECH.LIBRARY LinkedIN page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tech-library-b73aa4202/