1. Reflective Tapes: Reflective tapes installed at the building entrance assist visually impaired users in navigating and following directional cues more easily.

2. Accessible Ramp: Facilitates the passage of physically disabled users in wheelchairs at the building entrance.

     

3. Tactile Ground Surface Indicators: Throughout the building, from the entrance to the top floor, yellow tactile ground surface indicators and directional guides fixed to the floor are provided to support the mobility of visually impaired users.

     

4. Restrooms and Emergency Call System: On all floors, there are restrooms equipped for use by individuals with disabilities, featuring a mounted emergency call system. 

     

5. Elevators: Elevators are accessible for both visually impaired individuals and wheelchair users. The elevator buttons are labeled with Braille for the visually impaired. Additionally, the elevators provide audible announcements to inform users of the current floor during each stop.

          

6. Circulation: The self-check” machine for borrowing and returning books is designed to be accessible for individuals with physical disabilities and wheelchair users. The device’s height and screen positioning are adapted to accommodate users with disabilities.

                                                                 

7. Information Desk: The information desk is designed to be accessible for individuals with physical disabilities and allows wheelchair users to comfortably approach and use the space.

                                                                 

8. The Search Terminal:The search terminal has been designed to accommodate users with physical disabilities. It has been configured for wheelchair access and other height adjustments accordingly and has been made available for use.

                                                                

9. Multi-Purpose Room: The multi-purpose room can be adapted for use as a conference room, computer lab, or general activity space. The hall contains 56 computers, and the rear section includes 8 computers with additional space behind them to ensure ease of use for individuals with physical disabilities and wheelchair users. Additionally, wireless mice and keyboards are provided to enhance accessibility and ease of computer use.

    

    

10. Barrier-Free Door Access: To support ease of use for individuals with physical disabilities, general access areas remain continuously open. In addition, the photocopy unit, accessibility services area, and library entrance are equipped with automatic doors, enabling smooth wheelchair access for users.

    

                                                         

11. Furniture:The furniture used in the disabled services area is designed to accommodate both wheelchair users and visually impaired individuals, allowing safe and comfortable navigation within the library. The risk of collisions has been minimized through thoughtful design.

                                                         

12. Accessibility Services Officer: Special attention has been given to the placement of the staff member responsible for the accessibility services area. Their workstation is positioned to allow direct supervision and easy communication with users—particularly visually impaired individuals, followed by those with physical disabilities. The staff member's location is designed to have a clear view of all sections within the accessibility services area.

     

13. Audio Recording and Reading Booth: An acoustically treated audio recording and reading booth has been established within accessibility services unit  and equipped with various tools for immediate use. The booth provides a suitable environment for producing audiobooks in DAISY format for visually impaired users. This format allows users to navigate audiobooks similarly to printed materials—enabling direct access to any section, table of contents navigation, and other enhanced features. The booth is sound-insulated using pine wood, stone wool, thermal glass pyramid foam, and rubber for optimal acoustic performance. 

                                                                

14. DAISY Recording Device: The device is specifically designed for producing audiobooks in DAISY format for visually impaired users. It includes both CD playback and recording capabilities, and supports the use of memory cards. The device can open audio files in MP3, MP2, DAISY ADPCM2, and PCM formats, as well as DAISY 2.0 and 2.02 formats—special audio formats developed for the visually impaired. The DAISY Editing Software allows users to set pause intervals between sentences during recording, and to input titles and descriptions as text.

     

15. Braille Embosser: When needed, the Braille embosser provides information access for users by printing in A3, A4, and A5 formats. Due to its impact-based printing mechanism, the device is used with its original acoustic cabinet to reduce noise, and is housed within an additional sound-insulated enclosure.

          

16. Braille Translation Software: This software converts text into a format suitable for Braille printing. It supports uncontracted Turkish Braille as well as first- and second-level contractions and syllable-based abbreviations. The software can open files containing MathType equations, as well as LATeX and Scientific Notebook formats. It is capable of translating Braille in over 100 different languages. 

17. Monitors and Keyboards: In the accessibility services area, two Braille Monitors and Raised-Key (Embossed) Keyboard Monitors are available for use. The monitor is integrated with a special keyboard that allows visually impaired users to write using the 6-dot Braille system. It operates in full compatibility with screen reader software on the computer and allows the use of screen reader shortcuts through its 6-dot raised Braille keyboard. It is managed via Windows. The key commands on the raised keyboard can be customized, and alternative key assignments can be made as needed. All functions can be configured individually. The keyboard is designed to match the user's natural hand movements and features navigation keys.

18. Screen Magnification Software: The software offers up to 6× magnification across 36 levels and can display text in high-definition resolution. It includes built-in color options that reduce glare and enhance contrast for improved visibility.

 

19. Graphic Embosser: This device uses adjustable heat to raise the surface of special paper, allowing shapes and graphics to be embossed onto tactile graphic sheets. It also provides voice prompts to ensure ease of use for visually impaired users.

20. Screen Reader Software: The library uses “JAWS,” the most widely adopted screen reader software both in Turkey and globally. From the moment the operating system is activated, the software enables visually impaired users to access and control the computer and its programs.The screen reader includes built-in OCR (Optical Character Recognition), allowing it to read text embedded in various image formats. It also features a "DAISY Player" for listening to DAISY-format books specially designed for visually impaired users.Users can bookmark specific parts of a text during reading to revisit or copy those marked sections later, which supports studying, research, and note-taking activities. On frequently visited websites, such as newspaper columns, users can place markers at desired points and return to them instantly with a single keystroke. These bookmarks can be viewed in a list and used for quick navigation—providing an efficient way to move through complex web portals. Bookmarks can be saved either temporarily or permanently.The software allows users to create personalized voice profiles by adjusting the speed and pitch for each voice, improving the reading experience according to their working preferences. Aside from images and icons, the program can vocalize nearly everything on the screen. Users can also label images and graphics, making them accessible.Additionally, the software can read Arabic and Ottoman Turkish script using Turkish or English synthesizers, without requiring a dedicated Arabic synthesizer.

21. Headphones: In the accessibility services area, all computers are equipped with specially prepared headphones designed for listening to audio resources by visually impaired users. These headphones are resistant to moisture and sweat. Their use is essential to prevent users from being disturbed by surrounding noise or audio from other computers.

22. Audio resources: In our library, audio resources in different languages can be accessed through online databases, depending on our subscription status.

23. Book Reading System: In the accessibility services area, computers used by visually impaired users are equipped with the Pearl Document Reader (Book Reading System). This system can read documents within seconds, convert scanned text into Braille format, and send it to a Braille printer for printing. With advanced search options, users can scan books from libraries with book databases online, download them, and read them. For users with low vision, scanned books can be customized with various contrast levels and text sizes to improve readability.

24. Portable Book Reading Machine:The accessibility services area is equipped with a "Portable Book Reading Machine" for visually impaired users. This device can magnify objects and text accurately and instantly, allowing for scanning and reading. Lightweight and portable at just 1.6 kg, it is easy to use. It can be powered either by a rechargeable battery or a power cable. It also has the capability to store scanned documents and photos. 

25. Screen Magnifier: The accessibility services area is equipped with a 22-inch "Topaz Screen Magnifier" for visually impaired users. The device features an automatic focus function that instantly sharpens the image. Users can place any document beneath the device to begin reading directly. It also allows for the examination of static images. The screen height is adjustable, and the platform on which objects are placed can rotate 360 degrees. The magnification can be increased up to 66 times.

26. Physical Disability Mouse: The accessibility services area is equipped with a "Physical Disability Mouse" for users with physical disabilities. This device allows users to operate the computer in a Windows environment without using their hands. It also provides the ability to use the keyboard.

 

 

27. Visual Guidance: The self-check (Book Borrowing and Returning) device has visual guidance features for users with hearing impairments. In the accessibility services area, computers used by hearing-impaired users are equipped with visual materials that include subtitles and sign language translations for guidance. Hearing-impaired users can also virtually navigate the building through a virtual tour video on the promotional screen located in the Central Library building. Additionally, floor plans and directional signs on each floor provide further guidance for hearing-impaired users.

 

   

 

Muhammet KIZIL

Artvin Çoruh Üniversitesi Kütüphane ve Dokümantasyon Daire Başkanı

İletişim: (0466) 215 10 21 Dahili: 45 00

E-posta: [email protected]