| Disabled & Special Needs Support 14 October 2004 |
Meeting MinutesNotes from the meeting held at SCONULPresent: Margaret Coutts (University of Kent) (Chair), Liz Kerr (University of the Arts), Eileen Nazha (Queen Mary), Carole Pickaver (University of Kent), Judith Preece (University of East London), Nikki Trigg (University of Westminster), Mark Walton (British Library) Apologies: Virginia Malone (University of Greenwich), Colin Smith (University of Surrey) Patricia Wiggin and Donna Gordon, from the RNIB, attended for the first part of the meeting, to discuss transcription services for visually-impaired users. Margaret announced that she would be leaving Kent in January to take up the post of Librarian at the University of Leeds. 1. TranscriptionPatricia described the various accessible formats, including:
The main network of transcription centres in the region consists of the RNIB, Oxford University, Anglia Polytechnic University. The same material is not transcribed twice; there is a reciprocal arrangement in place between them. Discussed - possibilities for collaboration between London institutions and the RNIB, which is under great pressure and does not have the resources to produce all that is required.
Action - The RNIB were very enthusiastic about the potential for collaboration in London, and this contact which had been established would be maintained. Eileen volunteered to be the contact person and to email the list of contacts in institutions to ask for a second person as well to liaise with the RNIB, to establish what we want to get from the contact. Action EN 2. Minutes of last meeting and matters arisingThe minutes were accepted as an accurate record. Matters arising: Focus Groups: Mark reported that the British Library focus groups had been successful, and had resulted in a list of the equipment they had being produced. He now writes to all new members who identify themselves as disabled, telling them of the library's facilities, and inviting them to talk to him about their requirements. Alternative formats: Eileen to produce a note of best practice to be sent to the email list, also put on the web page. Action EN, CS, CP Assistive technology: a demo was to be provided for the Directors' meeting at the end of January - Liz volunteered to contact the University of Southampton for advice. Action LK 3. Training eventsVisual impairment/Exchange of Experience - Eileen presented a report based on the evaluations of the session, partly a training session on visual impairment jointly carried out by Paul Jarman (QMUL) and Penny Sturgess and Mary Cox (RNIB), and partly an exchange of experience chaired by Margaret, at Kings College Library, on 16th June. The whole event was very favourably received. The exchange of experience session was very much appreciated and it was suggested that it should be an annual event on its own, possibly longer. Mental health - planning for an event, possibly in May, was ongoing. Noted that CPD25 now carried out the main organisation, in liaison with this Group. Judith would try to get suggestions on speakers, costs etc, and liaise with Nick Hollis of CPD25. Action JP Other possible events:
Carole would ask at the CPD Steering Group about possible dates for both of these events. 4. Assistive technologyThis had been covered to some extent in our discussions with the representatives from the RNIB. We should support Colin with information for his paper on practices, what is offered, whether networked etc., throughout the different libraries. Action CS 6. Website management (standing item)Carole had spoken to John Gilby, and it was decided that items for the website should go to him and he would put them on. The list of disability resources prepared by Angela Groth-Seery, Graduate Library Assistant at the University of Kent, was considered. It was thought we should have a link to CLAUD, and that we should produce a reading list as well. The work that Angela had put into producing the list was greatly appreciated. 7. New publications re. SENDA and libraries (standing item)Margaret had been asked to edit a book on libraries and disability for Facet. She had decided on a handbook format, a checklist rather than a textbook. We believed that nothing with a library focus had been produced so far, although several general resource guides existed. A question came up about building specification guidelines - two websites with useful information are: Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities Centre for Accessible Environments We had received an interim report of the Working Group on Specific Learning Disabilities in Higher Education, sent out by SCONUL. Judith volunteered to co-ordinate a response from this Group. Action JP 8. AOBMargaret circulated her report to the M25 Steering Group. Mark Walton and Jo Knight were going to alternate in attending this Group from the British Library. Mark should be put on the mailing list as a regular member. Action EN Services for visitors using access schemes : M25 Collaboration and Partnership Working Group also working on visitor access schemes : Nikki volunteered to act as a link between 2 groups. Action NT 9. Date of Next Meeting9 December p.m. [provisionally] EN |
