The outcome of a review into proposals to change arrangements for Northamptonshire County Council’s audio book service, Sound Reads service, has been announced.
The council has decided that it will continue to use audio book supplier Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) to provide audio books for customers with visual impairments, but that Calibre will also be an option for customers. A decision was also made for Calibre to continue the library by post service instead of the county council. Existing users of this service are expected to be moved to Calibre by the end of the year
Cabinet Member for voluntary sector, communities and heritage Cllr Ursula Jones said:
"It’s clear that Calibre offers an excellent service, but because the consultation has demonstrated the overwhelming support of our customers for the RNIB service, the best way forward is to both retain RNIB’s services but also offer customers the option to use Calibre.
Users of the audio book service will have their subscription renewed on an annual basis and we will work with customers to ensure they are using the service that best meets their needs.
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to take part in the consultation. Customer feedback is a vital tool in helping us to reach the right decisions and in this particular case, it’s brought to the fore the high value placed on the services our libraries provide for people with visual impairments."
The details here are taken from the press release announcing the decision. You can see the full press release by using the link below.
The consultation about changes proposed for the Sound Reads Service closed on 31st August 2007. The consultation involved all customers of the service, members of the public, the Sound Reads Steering Group (including Northamptonshire Association for the Blind) and the council's own Healthier Communities Scrutiny Committee. Existing feedback was fed in to the consultation.
For further information or to comment upon our services, please use:
- the contact details on the right
- TextDirect: 18001 01604 773935
- Sound Reads Helpline: 0845 7573676 (local rate), Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 12:30pm