Libraries, public reading policies, and visual disability in Peru

Abstract

This article analyzes the role of public libraries within the Peruvian State's public reading policies and disability policies, focusing on access to reading for people with visual disabilities. It employed a qualitative methodology and document analysis to examine legal instruments based on four criteria: mention of libraries, strategies to ensure accessibility for people with visual disabilities, rights-based approach, and level of implementation. The results revealed a high level of public library participation in reading policies, although with limited adoption of the international framework in most of the cases analyzed. In disability policies, participation is moderate: while rights are recognized, there remain significant gaps in assigning libraries an active role and in implementing a diversity of services for individuals with visual disabilities. The study concludes with the need to enhance greater coordination between these public policies, encouraging the mainstreaming of key concepts between both sectors and strengthening coherence and alignment between national and international legal frameworks.