KOM LOSS En studie av Läs- och skrivstugans verksamhet på tre bibliotek i Västra Götalandregionen
The purpose of this Master Thesis is to investigate whether the technical service available in the "Reading and Writing Corner" has an influence on the total quality of service in a public library. This service is intended to give sensory/print-handicapped persons access to information. The title KOM LOSS is a Swedish expression for "come on" and LOSS is short for reading and writing support. I have chosen to study three libraries in the region of Västra Götaland, Sweden. The thesis examines total quality from the aspects of goal steering, accessibility, education and marketing. I have also investigated how well the library itself is adapted to disabled persons. In order to inform myself about library service for the disabled I have studied literature on the subject. My thesis contains a summery of these documents and is also based on interviews. I have used Total Quality Management as a quality theoretical starting point for my analysis and discussion. The results of the analysis show that the service provided for sensory/print-handicapped people is of good quality in the "Reading and Writing Corner", but in order to create a more effective utilization of the resources, the library ought to frame distinct goals for the "Reading and Writing Corner". The library staff should have a working knowledge of different kinds of disabilities and they should be trained in how to interact with disabled persons. It is also important that they can evaluate and consequently adjust the services provided at the "Reading and Writing Corner" when necessary.