Reading
Reading – FAQs
Summary: Frequently asked questions about reading.
Magazines
What magazines do you have?
We have a comprehensive list of leisure magazines covering a range of topics and interest groups. RNIB members receive Vision magazine, available exclusively to them. We also product magazines for professionals.
Talking books
Who can join the RNIB Talking Book Service?
Talking Books membership is open to anyone in the United Kingdom who cannot read standard typescript (N12 or less) at normal reading distance with the best possible spectacles. Or, more simply, if you cannot recognise a friend across the road whilst wearing your glasses, you would be eligible to join the service.
How long can I borrow a Talking Book for?
There is no time limit, as long as you are still a subscriber to the service.
How old is the RNIB Talking Book service?
The Service was started in 1935. Read about the history of RNIB Talking Books.
RNIB publications
Where can I find RNIB books or publications?
The Research Library has copies of many, but not all of the books and other material published by RNIB. To find out what is in the library, do a keyword search for "RNIB", or the title of the publication you are looking for, on the Research Library catalogue.
Recent RNIB publications are available for sale from our online shop. You are welcome to visit the library to look at these titles before deciding to buy.
What is in the publications archive?
The Publications Archive contains material published by RNIB before 2000, including campaign reports, books for teachers and other professionals, and issues of key magazines such as New Beacon, Focus and Visability.
What format are the documents in?
All of the documents are in standard HTML and comply with RNIB standards for web accessibility.
How do I find what I’m looking for?
To find what you want in the Publications Archive, choose a user guide that matches your needs. Alternatively, you can browse by document type or simply type some keywords into the Search Publications archive box. Access to the archive is absolutely free. You do not need a password.
Can I copy or re-use material from the archive?
You are permitted to copy some material for your personal use as a private individual only. Unless explicitly stated on the web page, you must not republish any part of the data either on another website, or in any other medium, print, electronic or otherwise, or as part of any commercial service without the prior written permission of RNIB. For more information please read our copyright notice.
Reading methods
How do blind and partially sighted people read?
Blind and partially sighted people read information in different ways. For many partially sighted people, well-designed print information is enough. Others will need this information in a different format to standard print. This could be large print, audio, braille, electronic text or over the internet. Different people have different preferences and one format will not suit everyone. Formats and ways of communicating.
Why aren't there more books available in accessible formats?
Our Right to Read campaign shows that a shocking 96 per cent of books are not available in large print, audio or braille. We are trying to change this.
What technology can be used to help reading?
There are many devices and pieces of software that can help you read information in print, audio, electronic or SMS. Find out more in our technology section.
Should I learn braille?
This is a complex question and there is no one answer. People learn braille for a variety of reasons to use in all or only certain circumstances such as in meetings or for labelling. Other people find braille difficult to learn or not useful for them so they use alternative methods. Find out more about learning braille.
Research
Where can I find statistics about people with sight problems?
Please visit the Research Library's statistics page.
I'm studying the history of a service to people with sight problems
The RNIB Research Library holds annual reports from many UK organisations for blind and partially sighted people, some of them dating back to the nineteenth century. Please contact library@rnib.org.uk for further information.
To find other books and journal articles about a particular service or institution, enter the name of the organisation as a "keyword search" of the Research Library catalogue.
It is unlikely that we will be able to find information about a particular person.
Can you send me research reports for my project or dissertation?
Our Research Library catalogue is available online for you to search for books and journal articles in the subject area which interests you.
The library collections include material on the personal and psychological aspects of sight problems, as well as the education and rehabilitation of blind and partially sighted people, and general information on medical aspects.
I want to interview some blind or partially sighted people
Before you start your research we suggest you learn a little about what it is like to have a sight problem. Why not read about sight loss?
In the UK there are over 200 societies for blind and partially sighted people. You may find that your local society is willing to help with your research.
Content author: webeditor@rnib.org.uk
Last updated: 08/04/2008 18:38
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Your stories
Mary’s story – Mary joined a Telephone Book Club and meets new people over the phone who share her passion. "I live alone. I’ve always been quite active but suddenly I find that I’m not. Reading is my biggest pleasure, I’ve read all my life. The group is very good if you live alone. You get to know other people." Mary’s full story.
