Search Results

1-4 of 4 results for subject:Libraries

Show detailed: On Off

Results: 10 20 50 100

Sort by: Newest first Oldest first

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements for the provision of libraries to the armed forces are required under Queen's Regulations; and what Library services are provided.

Asked by

Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

2 February 2010

Reference

505 c204W; 313618

House

House of Commons

Libraries: Digital Technology

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps his Department is taking to assist in the establishment of the European Digital Library.

Asked by

Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

23 July 2007

Reference

150789; 463 c717W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what factors underlie the decision not to include a requirement for access technology for visually-impaired people in the funding for the People's Network and UK online; what plans she has to include it; and if she will make a...

Asked by

Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

25 April 2003

For answer on

6 May 2003

Answered on

6 May 2003

Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what factors underlie the decision not to include a requirement for access technology for visually-impaired people in the funding for the People's Network and UK online; what plans she has to include it; and if she will make a statement; [110478] (2) if she will make it her policy to ensure that when public money is made available to libraries a proportion of it is allocated to library services and to access to books for visually-impaired people; and if she will make a statement; [110480] (3) what plans she has to ensure that the review of the Public Library Standards of England and Wales will ensure that there are specific requirements for library services to visually-impaired people; [110479] (4) what assessment she has made of the access to reading of visually-impaired people; and what plans she has to assist the charities who work in this field to improve the level of access; [110481] Mr. Caborn: Applications for Capital Modernisation Funding (CMF) to support UK Online centres had to include access provision for those with physical, learning, or sensory disabilities. Successful bidders would have received appropriate equipment. UK Online includes a public libraries element, The People's Network, which is funded by the National Lottery through the New Opportunities Fund, and allows each computer to be configured for those with visual impairments. In addition, 811 packages, made available to online centres, include large keyboards together with magnification and screen reading software, which incorporates voice output for text. The Office of the e-Envoy has also established a Working Group of those in the website design industry to improve accessibility and the Department for Education and Skills is investing significant sums to facilitate the implementation of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA) which will broaden access to education, and educational material. The Copyright (Visually Impaired Persons) Act 2002 removes barriers to obtaining copyright clearance for voluntary bodies and educational establishments working on behalf of the visually impaired. A commencement order is expected to be made shortly. Current Public Library Standards encourage Library Authorities to provide effective, and relevant services reinforced by the creation of local targets which focus on important user groups including those with disabilities. A review of existing Public Library Standards will, of course, include consideration of how the standards should best reflect the needs of the visually impaired and other specialist users. Within the local authority Standard Spending Assessment there is block funding for cultural services, including Public Libraries. In accordance with the policy for local government, outlined in the White Paper "Strong Local Leadership--Quality Public Service", there is no intention to `ring-fence' funds to the public library service. Each local authority must use its own discretion when allocating funds in this area. No formal assessment of access to reading for the visually impaired has been made. The Government are committed to ensuring that disabled people can participate in every aspect of normal life, although, in considering public expenditure, the Government must also take into account a wide range of competing priorities. A number of different Government Departments have an interest in this policy area, and activity is wide and varied, including improving access to books and publications in alternative formats. The Director General of the RNIB has recently written to Government Departments setting out a series of recommendations and actions which he would like to see put in place. A meeting of officials from across Whitehall is planned for mid-May and, it is expected that an announcement of what assistance might be available will follow soon after.

Date

6 May 2003

Reference

404 c610-1W;404 c606-7W; 110478;110480;110479;110481

House

House of Commons

LIBRARY FACILITIES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE

That this House believes the Government should publish clear standards for the provision of library services for visually impaired people in Britain, to be implemented by local authorities; and further believes that UK publishers should be obliged to provide digital text files, in appropriate file formats, for the use of...

Primary sponsor

Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat)

Type

Early day motions

Date

30 April 2003

Reference

1113

House

House of Commons

Librarians' tools

Type

House

Session

Year

Department

Member

Primary member

Answering member

Legislative stage

Legislation

Subject

Publisher