Multimodal approach to compensation of visual impairment in specialized and inclusive library and information services for blind users

The authors review the instruments of visual impairment compensation in library and information services for blind and weak-sighted users as the case study of the Russian State Library for the Blind. The method of data formalization for library services analysis was tested for specialized and non-specialized library systems. The potential role of specialized, public and other libraries in the inclusive library and information system for the visually impaired users is analyzed. The authors emphasize the effectiveness of integration of the interested libraries while 40 Scientific and Technical Libraries, 2026, № 2 keeping their unique functionality and identity. They also emphasize the role of multimodal approach to library and information services for the users with sensory restrictions of information perception. The authors conclude that building on theoretical foundations and technological schemes for multimodal instruments of visual impairment compensation would not only provide the blind and weaksighted users with the access to information but also expand the possibilities for meeting information and cognitive demands by sighted people.