The National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS), through its partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), now provides its members who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled (VIP) with direct access to the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) Global Book Service.

Previously, members were required to submit requests for titles which were then retrieved by library staff. With the introduction of the ABC Beneficiary Application, once a user account has been approved, members can independently search for and download titles directly.

This online collection contains more than 300,000 accessible English-language titles in formats such as audio, e-text and electronic braille and includes Caribbean titles converted into accessible formats by NALIS, ensuring that local content is represented within the global database.

As the Authorized Entity under the Marrakesh Treaty, NALIS is permitted to convert published works into accessible formats for persons who are blind, visually impaired and print disabled, thereby strengthening its role in promoting equitable access to information.

Nalis was recently shortlisted for the 2025 ABC International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing, a recognition which underscores the organisation’s ongoing efforts to expand access to reading materials for this community and to highlight the importance of inclusive publishing.

Nalis remains committed to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of ability, have access to library and information services.