Pat Beech

Pat Beech MBE has worked in libraries all her life, starting out as a mobile librarian in Shropshire in 1972 and working her way up to Acting Joint Head of Services in Shropshire. In 2001, Pat joined the National Library for the Blind (NLB) where she quickly established herself as a leading advocate of equal access to books and reading for blind and partially sighted people. A merger between NLB and RNIB resulted in Pat's appointment as Manager of the newly created RNIB National Library Service. Pat believes everyone has the right to a free public library service.

Detail Session 4

Through the looking glass – services for people with sight loss

Three million people in the UK have a sight problem or print reading disability. 96% of books are not available in alternative formats. Reading Sight is a new website providing information and resources for frontline library staff about all aspects of providing an accessible library service for people with sight loss. Pat will explore with delegates how the web site can be developed with library staff to ensure that those with a visual impairment can be supported in accessing library services.