The Alberta Library provided the framework to make the partnership a reality and pilot projects were established at Calgary Public Library and Edmonton Public Library. The CNIB provides service to people with visual impairments. The TAL agreement allows libraries to also offer CNIB materials to people with other conditions that prevent them from using regular print materials. This includes individuals with a reading or learning disability, and those with an illness or orthopedic disability which prevents them from being able to hold a book or turn pages, for example, arthritis. In these cases, the library is considered the CNIB client and passes on the materials to its users.
Libraries provide on-site access to the service for their eligible clients.
The collection includes such items as encyclopedias, periodicals, novels, web sites and books in French. The digital texts are sent to clients on floppy disks or are e-mailed. Library staff members were trained and the implementation of the program was begun in early 2000. Alberta libraries continue to be involved in developing cooperative library service for people with print disabilities.