- Country
- Slovenia
- Scope of application
- Culture and leisure
- Type of organisation
- Public administration
- Organisation responsible
- Network of Slovenian Public Libraries (Splošne knjižnice)
- Association of Slovenian Public Libraries (Združenje splošnih knjižnic)
The Overcoming Barriers (in Slovene: Premagujemo ovire) initiative implemented across the network of Slovenian public libraries comprises a broad set of measures to ensure that library services are accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities. Slovenian public libraries actively adapt both physical infrastructure and service delivery to reduce barriers arising from mobility, sensory, and cognitive impairments.
Physical accessibility is systematically addressed through wheelchair-accessible entrances, designated parking spaces for persons with disabilities, and ramps for bibliobus services, while many libraries are listed on the national portal of wheelchair-accessible locations.
To address sensory and communication barriers, many library event spaces are equipped with induction loops for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, and some libraries provide sign language interpretation at specific events. Collectively, libraries curate collections of materials in Slovenian Sign Language and accessible formats.
Libraries support users with visual impairments by offering specially marked print materials, tactile books, audio books, and technologies such as electronic magnifiers, screen readers, and voice synthesizers. Some branches have installed adaptive computers tailored for users with visual impairments, and the public library network collaborates with the Knjižnica slepih in slabovidnih Minke Skaberne to broaden service reach.
The adoption of digital services such as mCOBISS and Moj COBISS allows users who have difficulty visiting library premises to access core services remotely, including online registration, reservations, renewals, e-book access (e.g., BIBLOS), and database access from home.
Inclusivity is strengthened through partnerships with disabled people’s organisations, centres for social work, and rehabilitation institutions. Libraries also provide free space for meetings of organisations representing persons with disabilities and participate in awareness-raising and information dissemination.
More about the Overcoming Barriers initiative.
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