Tillgänglighet och verksamhet för dyslektiker på folkbibliotek i Södermanland
The aim of this thesis was to investigate the accessibility and activities for dyslectic adults in public libraries in the Swedish county of Södermanland. The questions that were to be answered were four; to what extent do the libraries provide book material and special computer software? To what extent do activities occur? Does the library staff have awareness and knowledge of dyslexia and of activities for dyslectics? What are the obstacles for good service for dyslectic library users? Two methods were used. As a first step, a questionnaire was sent to thirty public libraries. The questionnaire elicited a low level of response, but gave in spite of this an overview of the situation for dyslectics in the libraries of the county. Secondly, four librarians with responsibility for people with special demands were interviewed. The collected material was then compared with previous research and council directions that regulate the activities of public libraries. The result showed that relevant book material was provided at the libraries, but that computer software was less common. The occurrence of activities for dyslectic individuals was very varied. Knowledge and awareness of dyslectics special needs was quite good among the librarians. Obstacles to good service were problems to reach the "invisible" dyslectics and the librarians lack of time.