Moon Literacy - Research

Research

RNIB Research Library is a good place to start reading up on Moon research. It can be searched online through the RNIB website.

Moon at the RNIB National Library Service

Prior to becoming part of the RNIB National Library Service, the former NLB completed a 2 year survey of library users who are learning to read Braille and Moon. The following is an excerpt from the survey report:

The Library houses 2000 titles in Moon, taking up a fairly sizeable corner of the library floor and said to be the world’s largest collection of Moon for loan. I have worked at the Library for 3 years now, providing assistance to learners of both Braille and Moon as part of the Reader Development Team.

At the present time the Library provides a library service for over 300 active Moon readers of whom 60 are learning to read the format. We lend various materials for learners: Moon easy readers (short texts in Grades 1 and 2) and Moon courses (Journey Round the Moon and Moon Journey Phase Two).

The survey revealed both the immense benefit that readers are deriving from learning a tactile format and the problems that can be involved, as one learner commented:

“I’m frustrated by the lack of support” (NLB Member)

All learners were contacted a minimum of three times throughout the duration of the project. They were asked about their progress and were offered help and support. We found that learners appreciated the contact with the library:

“One consistent issue that came from the contacts is that learning Braille or Moon, is for many, a daunting task and the fact that we contacted them appeared to have acted as a motivator. It was interesting to note that a number of readers stated that our call had inspired them to progress further with their learning when they were on the point of giving up.” (Extract from NLB Learners Project report)

A major problem highlighted by the report is the lack of Moon teachers. This is a well-known issue and one that applies equally to Braille. The potential for growth in the uptake of the Moon format is certainly there but is being hampered by a severe lack of resources.

The production of Moon has always been troubled by high manufacturing costs (for example, when compared to Braille). Visually impaired readers who could benefit from Moon are certainly missing out because of this. However, the production of Moon through a modified Braille embosser – often called ‘Dotty Moon’ - makes the format more economically viable and therefore more available to those who could take advantage of this easy to learn tactile system.

We have plenty of lessons to learn from the survey and it is certainly a challenging time for the Moon format. It is clear that tactile formats add a dimension to reading that audio, large print and screen reading technology still cannot provide. Moon represents an essential alternative for those who either do not wish to, or are unable to learn Braille.

My colleagues and I are convinced of the continued importance of the Moon format and we believe that it is essential to maintain support for both existing and potential future Moon readers. It is vital for the library to be able to offer visually impaired readers as much choice as possible, which is ultimately why Moon is such a valuable format.

Simon Morgan
Reader Development Assistant

The following research/articles are available on the Birmingham University VICTAR website:

Douglas, G., McLinden, M., McCall, S. (2003). “An investigation into the potential of embossed 'dotted' Moon as a production method for children using Moon as a route to literacy.” Project Report submitted to DfES SEN Small Grants Programme, Birmingham: University of Birmingham, Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research (mimeo).

McCall, S., McLinden, M. (2001). "Accessing the national literacy strategy: the use of Moon with children in the United Kingdom with a visual impairment and additional learning difficulties." The British Journal of Visual Impairment, 19, 1, 7-16.

McLinden, M., McCall, S. (1997). "Journey to the Moon." Eye Contact, 17, Spring, 17 - 18.