In 2010 a telephonic questionnaire was conducted with 314 members of the SA Library for the Blind (10% random provincial sample), which covered seven service areas: The overall findings were that:

1. Braille: – 76% of members responded and were generally satisfied with spelling, layout and use of the Braille Code, the majority preferred contracted Braille
2. Audio production: - all respondents were using a Daisy player and it was much appreciated, minimal problems being experienced (percentage error messages attributed to dirt and scratches have been addressed by the purchase of a buffing machine). The use of the Victor Reader, a modern playback machine with sophisticated features will increase as members’ technological skills improve.
3. Narration: – the responding members were satisfied with the quality of narration of books and half felt there was a need for narrators to read books in their mother tongue
4. Service: – 99% of the responding members were satisfied with the service and felt they were treated with respect and courtesy
5. Cataloguing: – over 80% of responding members received books in the language they requested and on the correct reading level
6. Book collection: – 98% of response group were happy with the variety of subject categories, however there was an expressed need for more titles in popular categories such as history, detective and true crime stories
7. Magazines: only 67% of the response group were aware of the magazine collection and a definite need for popular magazine titles was expressed.

This was a useful exercise by the SALB to identify specific shortcomings. Improvement strategies have been identified for each service area and these are currently being undertaken. SALB is committed to improving their products and they encourage feedback and welcome suggestions from members on expanding and improving their service.

Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 7226 | Fax: +27 (0) 46 622 4645 | www.salb.org.za | 112B High Street
PO Box 115 | Grahamstown | Eastern Cape | South Africa | 6140