In Edinburgh we have managed to attract many people who want to use access technology. In my opinion, initially the time staff have to spend with the user is as or maybe even more vital than the technology. Blind users like consistency as much as possible. What I mean is that they get familiar with individual staff members and locations and then become far more relaxed. When I started my job about 10 years ago I had the advantage of knowing two of the previous incumbents. They had informed me that it had been relatively easy to get potential users to visit, however getting them to return proved problematic. Many blind people, particularly if they are newly blind are understandably not focused on what they can or want to achieve using technology. I found that to talk to them, find out their interests or goals and then customise a strategy to gradually build their confidence and skills works best. I am lucky as I am afforded time to do this and realise that mainstream librarians may be unable to dedicate so much time and thought into one area of their work. As with everything, money is the stumbling block. A well qualified staff member who can empathise with the users goes along way to attracting and fulfilling blind users needs.
As for getting in touch with potential users, well nothing beats word of mouth for visually impaired people. If you manage to help one or two people who are active in the blind world, word will spread very quickly. Keeping all staff informed about what you can do for blind users is another useful tool. At Central Library we have regular front and back of house tours for the staff in the community libraries. After they have visited there is a noticeable upturn in enquiries as a direct result of the staff having us fresh in their minds.
Jim
