Download all language versions of the practical project guide
Multiplier workshop/Multiplier event
Project abbreviation TECH.LIBRARY Digital technologies and online tools are a key driver to promote improved library services for visually impaired readers.
However, in most EU countries: -
- library staff are not fully aware of the scope and potential of ICT tools and services for including visually impaired users, and awareness is also poor of the valuable experiences and best practices that can be replicated locally and internationally;
- the digital competences of library staff are often insufficient to integrate digital tools effectively.
TECH.LIBRARY focuses on 3 main objectives:
- Fostering the exchange of best practices between different library staff on services and ICT tools for the inclusion of visually impaired users;
- expand the digital competences of library staff through customized training activities on ICT tools;
- creating a collaborative network of libraries to respond to the needs of visually impaired users.
To achieve the intended objectives, the following activities will be implemented:
- Project coordination that will ensure sound technical and financial management of the project;
- Exchange of best practices and study visits to enable each participant to learn and understand how other libraries and countries are using ICT for the participation of visually impaired users;
- Development of a web platform allowing users to learn, share experiences and opinions, communicate, network and disseminate project activities and initiatives;
- Short-term joint training of staff on the latest ICT technologies for offering services to visually impaired users;
- Targeted dissemination and exploitation activities: 6 conferences (3 at transnational level and 3 at national level) to disseminate project achievements and to engage.
The TECH.LIBRARY project is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, sub-programme KA2 - Cooperation for innovation and exchange of good practices. The partnership consists of 6 public libraries from 6 different countries supported by one technical partner. The project will involve 122 participants in training and exchange activities on best practices, while 260 will participate in multiplier events. In addition, a significant number of external libraries will be engaged in networking and experience sharing through the web platform, which will also provide them with useful information, training videos and materials, demonstrations and much more content to improve the digital competences of their staff (it is estimated that more than 300 users will register and actively participate in the platform)
Three intellectual outputs will result from the project activities:
- TECH.LIBRARY online platform
- Training videos in 7 different languages
- Practical guide and best practice recommendations in 7 different languages.
The expected impact of the project is to foster professional development of library staff in ICT methodologies, while up-skilling their key competences and promoting much greater inclusion in libraries by improving key services for blind and visually impaired users across Europe.
Becoming a truly inclusive library for visually impaired readers is not only about being able to adapt to ever-changing digital technologies, but also about enabling library staff to play an inclusive role. In addition to the Regional Library "Petko R. Slaveykov" - V. Tarnovo, the City Library in the town of Tarnovo is also participating. Rijeka, Croatia (Gradska knjiznica Rijeka, Croatia), the National Library of Romania in Bucharest (Biblioteca Nationala a Romaniei, Romania), the Library of Mazsalaca - Latvia (Mazsalaca municipality, Latvia), the City Library of Ljubljana, Slovenia (Mestna knjiznica Ljubljana, Slovenia) and the Coordinator is Unione della Romagna Faentina. It is an alliance between 6 neighbouring small municipalities in the south-eastern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, centred on the town of Faenza, supported by the NGO ARGO Faenza, Italy. The project has a duration of 24 months and, due to the epidemiological situation, started in a postponed manner in March. January 2021.
