JISC TechDis Publisher Lookup Awards

Press Release

Many people find it difficult to access the world of books. Whether through dyslexia, visual impairment or motor difficulties, thousands of ‘would be’ readers are destined to be ‘unable to’ readers. However, commonplace technologies can transform access to books. Where librarians and publishers work together to provide digital copies to disabled users, magnification, colour change, keyboard access and text to speech can transform the reading experience giving genuine independence to the user.

The publisher lookup awards seek to raise awareness and improve practice by offering:

• librarians a chance to nominate publishers who have shown real professionalism in meeting requests for alternative formats – see Library Service Award. Closing date for nominations is Friday 03 September. See press release at Library Service Award - providing alternative formats.
  
• publishers a chance to nominate their own good practice where individuals or teams within the organisation have taken specific steps to address the needs of disabled users. See Publisher Award.Closing date for nominations is Monday 15 February 2010. See press release at Publisher Award for Accessibility - reshaping business processes.
  

The Publisher Lookup Awards are sponsored by Dolphin and iansyst, experts in assistive technology with a key interest in supporting disabled readers.

What people are saying about the Publisher Lookup Awards

“Librarians and support assistants who rise to the challenge of obtaining e-books for dyslexic learners are often surprised how easy it is and how rewarding it can be to see a satisfied learner. These awards should encourage more to explore digital copies for their learners.”
Anna Tylor, Chairperson Right to Read Alliance.

“This is a great opportunity for hard pressed library staff and learners to publicly say ‘Well done’ to publishers who have given us exceptional support.”
Helen Brazier, head of RNIB National Library.

“I’m delighted to hear about the awards – they will be invaluable in celebrating best practice and encouraging high standards of service.”
Geraldine Smith, Learning and Teaching Librarian at the Open University Library. JIBS disability advisor.

“This is a great collaboration with the common aim of proving that barriers to access can be broken down - to the benefit of both readers and publishers”.
Alicia Wise, Chief Executive of the Publishers Licensing Society (PLS) and Head of Digital Publishing at the Publishers Association.

“This is an excellent opportunity for publishers to demonstrate the art of the possible.”
Richard Orme, Head of Accessibility, RNIB.