URN_NBN_SI_DOC-QH6JAB9U

Knjižnica 55(2011)2-3, 17–32 18 Short scientific article UDC 026/027-056.262 Abstract Purpose: Providing services to library users with special needs makes libraries for the blind and partially sighted different from other types of libraries. In spite of the Slove- nian Library Act which defines them as special libraries providing public library service, they have not become a part of the public library system yet. The national program for culture issued by the Ministry of Culture in 2008 stated that the solution should be proposed by the year 2011. Methodology/approach: The Centre for library system development at the National and University library made an analysis of the current state and identified the weaknesses of the Slovenian library system and services for the blind. The solutions and best prac- tices from abroad, national legislation and professional guidelines for libraries serving the blind were also explored. The concept of providing library services to the blind as public services was elaborated. Results: The Centre for library system development suggested an integrated system with the central library providing library services i.e. reproduction of library materials in alternative techniques, and directing other libraries in providing services and developing new activities for the blind. Public libraries, already providing services to users with special needs should be encouraged to seek their own solutions. Originality/practical implications: The suggested concept of the national library for the blind is harmonized with the Slovenian library system and it could be realized with the cooperation of all the stakeholders involved. Keywords : public library systems, users with special needs, library services, libraries for the blind and partially sighted, visually impaired, print-disabled, Slovenia 1 Študija o možnosti vzpostavitve ustreznega statusa knjižnice za slepe in slabovidne v sistemu javnih knjižnic Med knjižnicami, ki v Sloveniji opravljajo svojo dejavnost kot javno službo, še vedno manjka pomemben element: (splošna) knjižnica za slepe in slabovidne. Dve knjižnici, ki sta posebej specializirani za slepe in slabovidne uporabnike: Knjižnica in fonoteka Minka Skaberne pri Zvezi društev slepih in slabovidnih Slovenije (v nadaljevanju ZDSSS) in Knjižnica Zavoda za slepo in slabovidno mladino, skrbita za člane društva ter za učence oziroma gojence zavoda. Prva je torej društvena, druga pa šolska knjižnica. Dejavnost prve, ki izvaja naloge splošne knjižnice za posebno skupino uporabnikov, je financirana iz sredstev, ki jih društvo sproti pridobiva na razpisih. Če bi primerjali njene vire glede na funkcije, ki jih knjižnica izvaja, z minimalnimi pogoji, ki so predpisani za javne splošne knjižnice, bi ugotovili, da je knjižnica nezadostno razvita: nima