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Joining the Library

About the Library collection

DAISY players

Joining the Library

Who can join the Library?

Anyone with a print disability and is a permanent resident of Australia. Refer to Join the Library for more information on eligibility.

How much does it cost to join?

Membership is free.

Can I join on behalf of a family member?

Yes, however membership must be in the name of the person with the print disability, and their consent must be given if they are able to give it.

Can I join on behalf of a school or organisation?

Teachers can join on behalf of a student, but membership must be in the student’s name, with the teacher as the alternate contact. If the student is under 16 years of age the application must include the consent of a parent or guardian.

Why do I need to provide an ‘alternate contact’?

If we cannot contact you to return a call or talk to you about membership, loans or equipment we need to be able talk to someone else, preferably a family member who does not live with you.

Who can be a referee? (See below for DVA referees)

  • Vision Australia staff member
  • Occupational therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Diversional therapist
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Public library staff
  • Doctor (GP)
  • Optometrist
  • Social worker
  • Neurologist
  • Orientation and mobility instructor
  • Special education teacher
  • Nurse
  • Orthoptist
  • Speech pathologist
  • Nursing home staff
  • Physiotherapist
  • Welfare officer

Who can be a referee for DVA Gold Card holders?

  • Local Medical Officer (GP)
  • Occupational therapist
  • Specialist
  • Low Vision Clinic
  • Optometrist

Does my referee need to physically sign the membership application form?

Providing their contact details is enough, unless you are a DVA gold card holder.

About the Library collection

How do I select books?

  • You can select your own books, magazine and newspapers: log into i-access, the online library catalogue using a computer, Smart phone, iPad, or Android tablet. Use the Vision Australia Connect App. More information.
  • If you would like books to automatically be selected for you, the membership form includes a list of reading categories for you to choose from. Tick the ones you would like to receive.
  • You can also add your favourite authors to the form.
  • Contact us if you would like your preferences updated.

How do I access the library materials?

Visit our website to find out how to access the Library.

Can I have a copy of your catalogue?

You can login to i-access, the online library catalogue or use the Vision Australia Connect App to browse or search for the titles. More information is available about books and resources in our collection.

What if I don’t know how to use a computer? 

We recommend you ask a friend or family member to help you with accessing i-access, the online library catalogue, using your own player, a DAISY player or using the Vision Australia Connect App. Further information is available in the reading technology guides.

Do you have eBooks?

No, ebooks are not available through the Vision Australia Library. You can borrow ebooks through most public libraries. More information about ebooks.

Do you have large print books?

No, however large print books are available from most local Public Libraries.

Can I ask for material to be converted to large print for me? 

As a Library member you can request up to 360 pages to be converted to braille, audio, large print or e-text per financial year. Contact Vision [email protected] or 1300 847 466 for more information

Can I buy an audio book from you?

No, the only way you can access an audio book from our Library is by becoming a member and borrowing the books.

Do you have books in other languages? 

The Library includes collection of books and a few magazines in other languages. These are listed under Books and resources. You can search in i-access the online library catalogue for language when using Advanced. German speaking members can access the collection of a partner library in Germany. Please contact the Library for more information.

Where do I find tools for reference and research?

Vision Australia have access to a number of online references that may assist you in your studies.

Can I suggest titles for the library collection?

Yes, if there is a title you would love but we don’t have it, email [email protected] and we will do our best to source it for you. Your suggestion must include, the author, a specific title (“any books by” is not sufficient) and preferred format eg. Daisy-audio or Braille. Please ensure that you include your name (or the name of the library member you are assisting) and suburb of residence, so that we can locate your library record.  Your suggestion will receive a response within 7 working days.

DAISY players

What does DAISY stand for?

Digital Accessible Information System.

How do I return my rented DAISY player when I am finished with it?

You can return it to us through the post in the box you received it in free of charge, by marking the box “return to sender”.

What happens if the player breaks down?

Call us straight away on 1300 654 656.

Can I take my DAISY player on holidays or to the hospital? 

Yes, but it needs to be plugged into a power point in order to work. 

Why is my 3G DAISY player is so slow?

If you are using a 3G DAISY player, having 20 books at a time will make the player run slowly.

Limiting the number of books on your player to 5 at a time will improve the speed.

More information about DAISY players

Please go to Technology Guides and Training.