Notes from the meeting held at SOAS

Present: Anne Poulson (SOAS) (Chair), Liz Kerr (University of the Arts), Eileen Nazha (Queen Mary), Carole Pickaver (University of Kent), Nikki Trigg (University of Westminster)

Apologies: Jo Knight (British Library), Judith Preece (University of East London), Colin Smith (University of Surrey), Mark Walton (British Library)

1. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising

The minutes were accepted as an accurate record.

Matters arising:

Transcription - Anne's emails to London Met, TVU, City University on a pilot project had produced no responses and she suggested we extend it to Brighton. Action AP

(4) Assistive technology - the demonstration for the Directors' meeting had had to be abandoned because the high fees asked of companies had deterred them from coming. Decided that we would express our disappointment to the Steering Group. Action AP

2. Assistive technology questionnaire

Anne reported that there had been 24 responses (over 50%), which had still to be fully analysed. Action AP

3. Budget for 2005/6

Anne reported that we had had £1000 for this year. We would discuss the 2005/6 workplan at our next meeting and cost items accordingly to make an appropriate bid for next year's budget.

4. Training events

Mental health - we had been unsuccessful in locating trainers able to carry out a training event. However, CPD25 were holding a training session in May and we thought there was no point in duplicating.

Exchange of Experience - we decided to hold a session with no speakers, just following up on issues raised in the recent questionnaire, on 22nd June in the morning (followed by lunch), at SOAS. To be chaired by Anne, with four members of the Group acting as facilitators (Liz, Nikki, Eileen volunteered at the meeting).

Liz was organising it - Eileen would send her a list of last year's attendees.

Topics for discussion:

• Services for external users
• Access
• Information skills training
• Cheap ideas on accessibility, signage

5. Website management (standing item)

Reported that the list of resources was now OK.

The paper on accessibility of library information for disabled users needed to be revised for publication - noted that we should follow a set format, with standard headings etc. for publications on the website. Action EN

Suggestions that we should create a form for users to inform us of other useful sites etc., also that we should use the website to inform people of other training sessions etc. - ask John Gilby. Action CP

6. Publicising the WG

Noted that the survey and Exchange of Experience seminar would raise the profile of the Group.

Suggested that we should try to get a member from the Advocacy Working Group again, following the resignation of Virginia Malone. Action AP

Anne was also going to talk about the work of the Group at the next Directors' Group meeting. Action AP

7. New publications re. SENDA and libraries (standing item)

Margaret Coutts had been asked to edit a book on libraries and disability for Facet - noted that this was due to be published in November.

8. AOB

Anne reported that she had been asked to visit Bulgaria to talk about good practice for disabled users in libraries at the end of September.

Workplan for next year - discuss at our next meeting

Liz suggested a link between this group and ARLIS as art students have a high rate of dyslexia.

Noted the CLAUD conference this year was on 7th July - about disabled staff in libraries.

9. Date of Next Meeting

29th July 12.00 at the University of Kent

EN
10 May 2005