About the CNIB Library

Collection Access Policy

La Bibliothèque en français

The CNIB Library provides a collection of unabridged books and other materials in a variety of alternate formats: braille, PrintBraille, audio, electronic text and descriptive video, to meet the information and lifelong learning needs of Canadians who are blind or print disabled. The collection parallels the print collection of most public libraries. CNIB collection materials are produced exclusively for the use of persons with a perceptual disability as stated in Section C. 32 of the Canadian Copyright Act.

Items in the collection may not be copied or duplicated for any purpose without the consent or agreement of the CNIB Library. Included in the collection are books and materials from other sources such as the Library of Congress and the Royal National Institute for the Blind and special criteria may apply for circulation and use.

Access to materials in the CNIB Library collection requires compliance with Section 32.(1) of the Canadian Copyright Act. Libraries, other information service providers and agencies, providing access to materials from the CNIB Library collection, are required to verify a user's disability in accordance with the definition provided for "perceptual disability" in the Copyright Act.

The CNIB Library retains the right to refuse access to its collection by any individual or organization that contravenes CNIB copyright agreements.

The intention of this statement is to ensure that copyright owners are respected and that this service, so generously supported by authors, publishers, donors and volunteers, is not jeopardized for those who are unable to read print.