The LSN meeting in Berlin, 2016 decided to move forward with updating guidelines  to people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Deafblind. The need for the new guidelines emerged due to the exceptional progress in information technology and growth of social media. This provides numerous new solutions and possibilities of adjustment of library programmes, services and content for this population. In addition these guidelines will cover information needs of the deafblind community, something that is not present in the previous edition of the guidelines.

Survey on library programmes and services for people who are deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind

For the purpose of writing guidelines a survey is being conducted to gather examples of modern day practice in the organization of library programmes and services that meet needs of people who are deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind.

The survey is conducted internationally from February 10th until March 31st 2018 – extended until April 30th 2018. Please, send examples to [email protected] and [email protected].

Go to the survey

Workshop Washington 2017

In connection with the LSN meeting in Berlin, a workshop was held in Washington in order to share experiences and obtain suggestions to what should be included in the guidelines. Report on the workshop by Chris Corrigan.

Presentations

Draft outline for the new guidelines

Outline on Guidelines for People who are Deaf, Hard or Hearing or Deafblind

  • Introduction, refer to UN SDGs, include purpose of guidelines

  • Description of populations:  deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind

  • Deaf Culture worldwide

  • History of library services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing

  • Human Rights perspective (Anne will write this)

  • Vision for the guidelines and needs assessment (Cultural sensitivity and diversity, less special, more inclusive)

  • Policies and infrastructure

  • Communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing or deaf and blind

  • Partnership, advisory groups, cooperation with other libraries

  • Services (access and culture)Accessible collections

    • Creating content

    • Media, mixed media (books and tape with signing)

    • Programming

      • Cultural (Story time, exhibits…)

      • In sign language and other methods

    • Celebrations (National Deaf History Month, International Week of the Deaf, World Deaf Day)

    • Communication: social networks, email, tweet, chat, ask a librarian, TTY

    • Space design

    • Services by age

      • Children and Young adults

      • Adults and seniors

  • Technology

    • Basic technology that everyone should have

    • Advanced technology for those who want enhanced services

  • Staff

    • Management

    • Qualifications

    • Training

    • Diversity

  • Funding

  • Advocacy and public relations

    • Public, social media, websites,

    • Using deaf people to promote the service

    • Marketing

  • Definitions (List of terms)