TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2011 – CNIB has named HarperCollins Canada as the recipient of the 2011 Dr. Dayton M. Forman Memorial Award that recognizes outstanding leadership in the advancement of library and information services for Canadians living with vision loss or print disabilities.
For more than one million Canadians who are blind or partially sighted, the CNIB Library helps people rediscover the joys of reading by making books, magazines and newspapers available in accessible formats like audio and braille.
CNIB entered into a partnership with HarperCollins Canada in 2009, which is the first of its kind with a commercial publisher. HarperCollins has since supplied the Library with their entire backlist of audio books in addition to honouring a favourable pricing model for newly acquired titles.
“We believe that one of our primary responsibilities as a publisher is to ensure that our authors’ works are available as broadly as possible,” said Steve Osgoode, Senior Director, Digital Business Development, HarperCollins Canada. “The fact that the HarperCollins collection has proven to be so popular with CNIB library patrons is thrilling for us. We are all very proud to be involved in this relationship.”
The HarperCollins collection has enriched the Library’s offerings by adding contemporary and in-demand titles by authors such as Michael Crighton, Barbara Gowdy and Dale Brown.
“This partnership is tremendously important for ensuring equitable access to current and quality literature for Canadians living with vision loss or print disabilities,” said Margaret McGrory, Vice President and Executive Director, CNIB Library. “Our clients can now enjoy a wider, more comprehensive collection that includes books with buzz.”
Dr. Dayton M. Forman was a humanitarian and longstanding CNIB volunteer who was committed to making a difference in the lives of Canadians who cannot easily access printed material. The award was established in his memory in 1996. Past recipients include The Vancouver Public Library; Hiroshi Kawamura, President of DAISY Consortium; the University of Toronto’s Adaptive Technology Resource Centre; and Frank Clegg, President, Microsoft Canada.
“I would like to congratulate HarperCollins Canada for their trailblazing contributions and compassionate commitment to helping CNIB further advance its mission,” said Betty Nobel, Chair of the CNIB Library Board.
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About CNIB
CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. To learn more, visit cnib.ca or call the toll-free CNIB Helpline at 1-800-563-2642.
For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Korinowsky
Specialist, Communications, CNIB