National Library of New Zealand
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation Work Plan. 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2006
1. About Us
The National Library of New Zealand Act 2003 requires the National Library to make its collections accessible for all the people of New Zealand. This requirement is consistent with the NZ Disability Strategy’s vision of a fully inclusive society.
Our Vision
New Zealanders connected with information important to all aspects of their lives.
To do this, we will ensure that:
- New Zealand’s documentary heritage is nurtured.
- New Zealanders’ access to information is facilitated.
- Relationships are fostered and advanced.
Our People
As at 30 April 2005, the Library had 412 staff across the Chief Executive’s office and seven directorates:
- The Alexander Turnbull Library is responsible for collecting, managing, preserving and providing access to the Alexander Turnbull Library collections.
- Collection Services develops, manages, and provides access to the general collections. It also acquires and catalogues published materials for the Schools and Turnbull Library collections and the general collections.
- Services to Māori is responsible for leading the development of effective partnerships with Māori, ensuring the Library achieves its partnership goal.
- School Services provides advice and support to schools to ensure they have the tools to use and manage information effectively in support of the teaching of the New Zealand curriculum, and is responsible for the development of the Schools collection.
- Digital Innovation and Technology Services supports the Library in providing national access to library and information resources.
- Policy and Information Democracy provides policy advice to Government on library and information issues supported by a research and evaluation programme, and provides services to the Minister.
- People, Culture and Resources provides support services to other areas of the Library and strategic management of those services.
2. Website
Desired Outcome
A National Library web presence that enables disabled people being able to access information in formats appropriate to their various needs.
Description
The National Library will make its website accessible to the standards specified in the "New Zealand Government Web Guidelines".
A redeveloped National Library web presence will improve the delivery of its content and access to fulfil the requirements for disabled people.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
By June 2006:
A redeveloped National Library website adheres to the New Zealand E-Government web guidelines.
The National Library will set criteria to determine the level of Bobby-guideline compliance appropriate to its website.
The National Library during redevelopment will conduct appropriate user testing of Website by disabled people.
Strategy Objective and Action
Foster an aware and responsive public service Action 6.5
3. Electronic Access to Library Services
Desired Outcome
Improved on-site access to electronic resources for clients with disabilities
Description
Electronic resources are easily accessible for those with sight impairments or other physical disabilities when visiting the General Reference Service.
Issues:
- Viewing text on OPACs and PC’s
- Workstations being user friendly for people in wheelchairs
- PC keyboard and mouse can be difficult to use for those with physical disabilities
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
By June 2006 develop and propose a range of possible scenarios in response to completed literature review. Changes for consideration include:
- Setup a public access Internet PC on a height adjustable workstation with easily adaptable keyboard and monitor shelves
- Setup a public access Internet PC with a large monitor, anti-glare device, mouse enhancement and screen magnification software with suitable enhanced keyboard.
- Acquisition of hand-held magnifiers
- Introduce screen reading software/speech output
- Introduce alternative input devices e.g. keyboards with adaptive devices such as sticky keys, trackballs, voice recognition software
Strategy Objective and Action
Foster an aware and responsive public service. Action 6.5
4. Print Disabilities Unit - general
Desired Outcome
Print disabled people are not disadvantaged in relation to print resources but can easily access a wide variety of audio books through the National Library’s Print Disabilities Collection.
Description
The National Library increases its provision of audio books to local authority libraries, educational organisations and disability services, thereby both supporting them to provide a service to print disabled clients and augmenting the scope and quality of the material available to their clients.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The library will annually provide 34,000 (estimated) items from the collection
- Clients receive resources in a timely and effective manner
- 100% of subject requests are selected and dispatched within 5 working days
- 90% of author/title requests are processed within 48 hours of receipt
- issues monitored as part of business unit monthly reporting
Strategy Objective and Action
Create long-term support systems centred on the individual.
Action 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7
Support lifestyle choices, recreation and culture for disabled people. Action 9
5. Print Disabilities Unit – expanded access
Desired Outcome
Print Disabled students can easily access the National Library’s Print Disabilities Collection and the Library service supports the needs of Schools and Special Needs Units.
Description
The National Library will continue to expand access to the Children’s and Young Adult’s Collection and services to Schools and Special Needs Units, thereby supporting them in the education of students with disabilities.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
- Annual consultation with clients to ensure the adequacy of the collection and that client needs are being met.
- Clients receive resources in a timely and effective manner
- 100% of subject requests are selected and dispatched within 5 working days
- 90% author/title requests are processed within 48 hours of receipt
- issues monitored as part of business unit monthly reporting
Strategy Objective and Action
Provide the best education for disabled people. Action 3.3, 3.4, 3.6
Enable disabled children and youth to lead full and active lives. Action 13.5
6. Print Disabilities Unit – review implementation
Desired Outcome
The Print Disabilities Unit is meeting the current and changing needs of clients.
Description
Work identified through a review of the Print Disabilities Unit is progressed to develop the Unit’s position and strategic direction. This includes consultation with disabled users and the on going assessment of future formats and developments of audio books and the use of digital books.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
By June 2006:
- A strategy is in place for future development of the Unit, ensuring it will meet the changing needs of Print Disabled people.
- Strategies are in place to monitor management of collection and client needs.
- There is on going assessment of formats and development of knowledge of digital books.
Strategy Objective and Action
Create long-term support systems centred on the individual.
Action 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7
Support lifestyle choices, recreation and culture for disabled people. Action 9
7. Employment
Desired Outcome
Identify work experience opportunities and placements of disabled people.
Description
Maintain established links with the Mainstream Programme and other supported employment trusts and agencies, and continue to identify employment opportunities for registered participants.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
National Library of New Zealand managers use the Mainstream programme and other supported employment trusts and agencies as a potential source for recruitment.
Opportunities to identify and make employment placements of disabled people are actively pursued by library managers.
Strategy Objective and Action
Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people.
Action 4.1, 4.8, 4.9
Foster an aware and responsive public service. Action 6.3
8. Policy Advice and Policy Development
Desired Outcome
National Library policy advice and policy development (where the Library has lead responsibility or has been allocated a specific piece of work in a joint project) is consistent with the objectives of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
Description
The National Library will review the available "Disability Perspective Framework" and develop procedures or guidelines to ensure a disability perspective is included as part of its policy development and policy advice process where appropriate.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
- The Disability Perspective Framework is reviewed by September 2005.
- Procedures or guidelines are introduced by March 2006 to include consideration of a disability perspective when developing policy, strategies or initiatives for which the Library has been given specific responsibility.
Strategy Objective and Action
Foster an aware and responsive public service. Action 6.1, 6.2, 6.5
9. Increased Awareness
Desired Outcome
All staff are aware of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
All new staff will be made aware of the New Zealand Disability Strategy as part of their induction programme.
National Library of New Zealand people talk about and are more aware of disability issues
Description
Increase disability awareness within the National Library of New Zealand.
Information is available for all staff about the rights of disabled people.
Promote and support staff disability network.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The National Library is an active participant in the annual Disability Mentoring Day.
Information about the New Zealand Disability Strategy is included in the Library Induction programme by June 2006.
Internal policies and procedures are amended by June 2006 to provide guidance about the needs of disabled staff (for example, in planning meeting venues and arranging training).
Disabilities network is well represented on the Library’s EEO Monitoring and Advisory Group.
Strategy Objective and Action
Encourage and educate for a non-disabling society. Action 1.1
Promote the rights of disabled people. Action 2.1, 2.2
Foster leadership by disabled people. Action 5.1
Foster an aware and responsive public service. Action 6.3