It is estimated that there are 1.7 million visually impaired people in the UK (RNIB). According to UKOLN, only 5% of UK publishing output is made available in any alternative format for VIP readers so these 1.7 million people are hugely disadvantaged.
Within this already restricted choice, it is very hard for VIP readers to access information about books to make independent choices. VIP readers cannot skim reviews, or browse along the shelves in a bookshop or library, pulling off books to check out the covers and the blurbs on the back. They cannot choose on impulse from books piled attractively on table-tops or passed on by other readers on the Returned Today trolley.
Key findings from the NLB Reader Opinion Survey in 1998 were:
a) that readers prefer to select books for themselves but often feel they lack the information to do this and so rely on family or library staff to choose for them
b) that readers find traditional catalogues and lists difficult and lengthy to wade through and would prefer more focused booklists
Braille volumes are very bulky; a standard novel can run to 10 Braille volumes. This makes it very difficult for a reader to try something out to see if they like it. Grateful readers often feel obliged to keep on with what has been sent and this tends to reinforce a culture of playing safe with reading choices. A Touch Of will enable VIP readers to experiment and take risks with their reading in a way that sighted readers take for granted.
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