Deaf people and libraries ‐ should there be special considerations? Part 2: material and technological developments

Reports on findings of a study of libraries in the north‐west of England and their service provision to deaf and hard of hearing people. A first article reported on current thoughts within the library profession and developments in staff training, the improvement and promotion of stock, and user education. This article reports on material and technological developments such as minicom, building adaptations and computer and videophone service initiatives. Examines their potential in revolutionizing the approach of deaf people in acquiring information. Considers two apparent contradictory fears: will the introduction of enhanced services stimulate a demand that libraries could not cope with under their current staffing levels, and will the technology ‐ as with experiences in services to visually impaired people ‐ be underused?