We’re improving the Vision Australia Library service, with it getting a makeover and an expanded catalogue.
In the coming months, we’ll be updating the i-access online library and merging it into the My Vision Australia portal on www.visionaustralia.org. We’ll also be launching a new version of the Vision Australia Connect app.
These updates will mean the Vision Connect app and online catalogue are more accessible and user friendly and will also make it easier to join the Vision Australia Library.
The updates will be compatible with your existing DAISY devices.
Vision Australia Library members will also be given the opportunity to add a Bookshare membership to their account. This will allow them to access Bookshare’s large catalogue of educational and technical books, as well as a growing list of books for leisure reading.
Adding a Bookshare account will be an opt-in process. Library members who opt-in will receive a free 12-month Bookshare membership, after that they will be able to hold a Bookshare membership for $45 a year.
For Library members who are National Disability Insurance Scheme participants, the yearly Bookshare cost can be covered from their Consumables budget. Those who choose not to become Bookshare members will still be able to access the Vision Australia Library free of charge.
Bookshare books will be available in synthetic voice audio and electronic text and members will be able to choose their preferred format through the updated i-access portal or the Vision Connect App.
Between late October 2019 and the end of March 2020, we'll be contacting all Vision Australia Library members to let them know what's happening and to link them to the new Vision Australia Library service.
Through the transition and updates, library members can continue to access our large range of audio books, newspapers, magazines and braille books and music as usual.
As part of the updates to Vision Australia Library, we’re also keen to hear from current library members about their experiences with i-access and how it can be improved. Take our short survey here to provide your feedback. The survey closes on Tuesday, October 22.
Any questions? Contact the Vision Australia Library on 1300 654 656 or by emailing library@visionaustralia.org. You can also check out our frequently asked questions on Vision Australia Library’s web page here.