Creator: International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
Date Updated: March 31, 2024
Overview
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section discusses the general goals of getting materials to people with print disabilities. The Marrakesh Treaty for people with print disabilities (2018) allowed the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to make changes to international copyright law. IFLA and the Marrakesh Treaty aim to make materials easier for people with print disabilities to access.
The information in this resource is summarized from the IFLA Libraries Serving Persons with Disabilities Section.
Quick Facts
IFLA Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section shares documents and updates on the Marrakesh Treaty and how organizations like libraries and publishers can get involved.
Visit the IFLA Libraries Serving Persons with Disabilities Section
WIPO: Summary of the Marrakesh Treaty:
- Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled (MVT)
- Limits domestic copyright law for persons with print disabilities
- Creates contracts between parties to share accessible format copies under certain conditions.
- Exception or limitation shall:
- Cover only certain special cases.
- Not conflict with the normal exploitation of the work
- Not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the right holder.
- The Treaty enables WIPO to establish an info-sharing access point between member organizations.
IFLA- Getting Started 2018 guide Getting Started FAQ Marrakesh Treaty: A Practical Guide for Librarians:
- Marrakesh Treaty helps libraries share otherwise restricted materials with people with print disabilities and gives best practices and resources.
- By removing legal barriers to making and sharing accessible format works,
- Reduce time, money and energy by allowing libraries to share materials.
- Libraries can make and share accessible materials from copies of alternate formats with other libraries.
Guiding Document Guidelines for Library Services to Persons with Dyslexia:
- Provides general guidelines on accessible library services for children and adults.
- Have various books for all reading levels, including different Audiobook formats.
- Accessible space includes wayfinding, quiet spaces, and a list of resources.
- Online and printed materials to be in clear font styles.
Reference
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (visited March 2024). Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section. IFLA-Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section, from https://www.ifla.org/units/lpd/.
Coates, Jessica et al., (Aug 2018) IFLA, Getting Started: Implementing the Marrakesh Treaty for persons with print disabilities – A practical guide for librarians. IFLA- Getting Started: Implementing the Marrakesh Treaty for persons with print disabilities – A practical guide for librarians, from https://repository.ifla.org/handle/123456789/443.
World Intellectual Property Organization (2013) Summary of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled. WIPO- Summary of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled. from https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/marrakesh/summary_marrakesh.html
IFLA Section of Libraries Serving Disadvantaged persons et al., (March 2004) Guidelines for Library Services to Persons with Dyslexia, IFLA Professional Reports; No. 70. IFLA- Guidelines for Library Services to Persons with Dyslexia, from https://repository.ifla.org/handle/123456789/491