JAM system in place in libraries
A system allowing people with learning difficulties and communication barriers to ask for a minute of patience in now in place at libraries in Cork county.
Cork County Council announced on Monday that its library and arts service is now associated with the JAM Card.
Developed by the NOW Group, it is a discreet way of allowing people with any type of communication difficulty to ask for Just A Minute of patience as they go about their daily lives.
Following staff training, Cork County Council’s Library Service has recently received a Certificate of Accreditation from the NOW Group.
Any time a person with a JAM Card needs that little bit of extra assistance or time, they can approach a library staff member, present their JAM Card, and then relate with trained staff who will give those extra few minutes that may be required.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Gillian Coughlan said: “Cork County Council’s libraries are among the most popular and most important ways that we engage with our communities. They represent the fundamental values of the Council, championing inclusion, support and learning.
“In adopting the JAM card initiative and engaging in accredited training, our libraries are building on their immense work in ensuring that libraries are welcoming to everyone. This is an opportunity for JAM card users, library staff and the wider community of library users to come together and strengthen local community bonds.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said: “The increase in library membership over the past year is a very clear indication of the importance of the Library Service to the people of Cork county and the council has responded in kind by consistently innovating with new ways to support members. Inclusion and accessibility are put to the forefront of service delivery and this greatly enhances the value of our libraries in our communities.”
Cork County Librarian Emer O’Brien added: “At Cork County Council Library and Arts Service, we pride ourselves on continuously testing our services to make sure they are as accessible and barrier free to everyone who wants to engage with our library staff and our services. The JAM Card is another very important step for us.”
Maeve Monaghan, Chief Executive of the NOW Group commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Cork County Council Libraries to the JAM Card family. Equal and appropriate access to public services and cultural facilities is essential for people with communication barriers. The staff at Cork County Library Service will be helping to open up the wonderful world of books and reading to a wide-ranging group of people who may otherwise feel daunted or even excluded.”
The JAM Card can be used either as a card or an app and is designed to be used by children and adults. It is available free of charge to anyone who needs it by contacting jamcard.org.