A sighted person can sit down at a computer terminal on the libraries premises and search for their favorite novel or needed research materials. By placing this same information on the Internet, the library offers this service to an entire new population of individuals, the blind and print impaired. In addition to providing database responses on materials that may lie within the walls of the library, information on related web sites could also be offered. A search for information on The Gross National Product of Brazil could also yield a listing of associated web sites on the Internet. Sites who may feel they meet the criteria for inclusion in the database could be encouraged to write to the researchers and submit their site for inclusion.
Searchable databases provide almost unlimited possibilities.
These few I have mentioned can be expanded with time and used to bring, not only the blind, but others who may be severely disabled or home bound into the mainstream of library patronage When providing this access to the Internet it is important to not only consider the variety of services provided, but also the format in which they will be offered. Graphics are making their presence known on the Internet, with the advent of java script, shockwave, and other fancy bells and whistles, more web sites are leaning toward pages which are anchored by large graphical displays. Although these graphics may be lovely to look at they are, unfortunately, totally inaccessible to the blind and print impaired. Many web designers do not realize that it is possible to provide these bells and whistles while, at the same time, considering the needs of the blind and print impaired. If a graphical page is what is desired, there is a way to provide the access to the blind while still providing the eye catching graphics which many believe will make or break a web page.