Od Brajevog pisma do vještačke inteligencije: evolucija biblioteke pristupačnih formata u Crnoj Gori

1. Uvod

Pristupačnost kulture, obrazovanja i informacija predstavlja fundamentalno ljudsko pravo, a njegovo ostvarivanje za osobe sa oštećenjem vida zahtijeva posebne institucionalne i tehnološke kapacitete i pa­žnju. U Crnoj Gori, iako su opšta obrazovna i kul­turna infrastruktura postale dostupne široj javnosti nakon Drugog svjetskog rata, osobe sa invalidite­tom dugo nijesu imale adekvatne resurse koji bi im omogućili ravnopravan pristup knjigama i drugim publikacijama za lakše čitanje i usvajanje znanja.

Prve publikacije na Brajevom pismu, kada je riječ o Crnoj Gori, pojavile su se sredinom prošlog vijeka, prateći inicijative za obrazovanje djece sa ošteće­nim vidom u Perastu i Risnu. Međutim, sistemska institucionalizacija bibliotečkih resursa za ovu kori­sničku grupu dogodila se tek osnivanjem Biblioteke za slijepe Crne Gore (dalje u tekstu: BZSCG) 2006. godine (u godini obnove nezavisnosti Crne Gore). Ova ustanova na taj način je postala ključni prostor za kulturne i obrazovne aktivnosti osoba sa ošteće­nim vidom, omogućavajući im pristup književnosti, obrazovnim materijalima, naučnim i kulturnim sa­držajima u pristupačnim formatima.¹

U savremenom digitalnom društvu, obilježenom ubrzanim tehničko-tehnološkim napretkom i sve­obuhvatnom primjenom vještačke inteligencije, BZSCG suočava se sa novim izazovima i moguć­nostima u svom radu. Pristupačni formati, uklju­čujući Brajevo pismo, audio-knjige i elektronske publikacije, sada se mogu unaprijediti kroz au- tomatizovane sisteme, personalizaciju sadržaja i inteligentne aplikacije koje značajno olakšavaju pristup znanju skraćujući vrijeme, omogućavajući bolje skladištenje podataka i bržu razmjenu. Isto­vremeno, postavlja se pitanje očuvanja tradicio­nalne forme knjige (crni tisak), kulturne baštine, ali i etičkijeg korišćenja novih tehnologija, što su ujedno i glavni izazovi koji se stavljaju pred savre- menu civilizaciju.

1. Introduction

Access to culture, education, and information rep­resents a fundamental human right, and ensuring it for persons with visual impairments requires special institutional and technological capacities, as well as dedicated attention. Although the general educational and cultural infrastructure in Montenegro have be­come more accessible to the wider public after World War II, persons with disabilities for a long time lacked adequate resources that would enable them to have equal access to books and other publications for easier reading and knowledge acquisition.

The first publications in Braille in Montenegro ap­peared in the mid-20th century, following initiatives for the education of children with visual impair­ments in Perast and Risan. However, the systematic institutionalization of library resources for this user group occurred only with the establishment of the Montenegro State Lending Library for the Visually Impaired (hereinafter: MSLLVI) in 2006—the same year Montenegro regained its independence. In this way, the institution became a key space for the cultural and educational activities of persons with visual impairments, providing access to literature, educational materials, scientific and cultural content in accessible formats.¹

In the modern digital society, marked by rapid tech­nical and technological progress and the widespread application of artificial intelligence, the MSLLVI faces new challenges and opportunities in its work. Accessible formats, including Braille, audiobooks, and electronic publications, can now be enhanced through automated systems, content personaliza­tion, and intelligent applications that significantly facilitate access to knowledge by shortening the re­search time, improving data storage, and enabling faster exchange. At the same time, questions arise regarding the preservation of the traditional printed book, cultural heritage, and the ethical use of new technologies—all of which represent key challeng­es facing contemporary civilization.

¹ “According to the Marrakesh Treaty, an accessible format is any format that allows persons with print disabilities to read as easily and comfortably as a person without disabilities” (Zlatar Radigović, 2023: 5-6).

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Cilj ovog rada jeste da što vjernije prikaže razvoj bi- bliotečke djelatnosti za osobe oštećenog vida u Cr­noj Gori, od prvih publikacija i školskih inicijativa, preko osnivanja i razvoja Biblioteke za slijepe Crne Gore, do savremenih izazova i perspektiva u digi­talnoj eri sa kojima se ta ustanova susreće. Posebna pažnja posvećena je ulozi biblioteke u kulturnoj in- kluziji, obrazovanju i razvoju pristupačnih formata, kao i mogućnostima koje otvara savremena tehno­logija u unaprjeđenju dostupnosti znanja svima.

2. Stručno-teorijska osnova i međunarodni okviri inkluzivnih bibliotečkih usluga

Inkluzivnost i pristupačnost postaju osnove djelo­vanja biblioteka kao nosioca i izvora znanja i po­uzdanih informacija. S obzirom na značajnu ulogu biblioteka u obrazovanju i kulturi zajednica u koji­ma djeluju, neophodno je njihove sadržaje učiniti dostupnim što većem broju korisnika. U tom smi­slu, posebno se akcenat stavlja na pristup osoba sa invaliditetom. Uzimajući u obzir potrebe svih pri­padnika zajednice bez obzira na pol, starost, rasu, invaliditet i slično – biblioteke mogu postati nosioci socijalne pravde i doprinijeti smanjenju društve­ne isključenosti (Kulikauskienė & Liukinevičienė, 2020: 80)

Naime, savremene Biblioteke uspostavljaju direk­tnu vezu sa društvom te kroz svoje aktivnosti, od di­gitalne pismenosti, preko cjeloživotnog učenja, do sprovođenja kulturnih i obrazovnih aktivnosti, kao i smanjene društvene isključenosti, igraju značajnu društvenu ulogu i funkciju i nastoje da odgovore potrebama zajednice. U tom smislu, četiri osnovne uloge Biblioteke su: informaciona, obrazovno-kul- turna, komunalna i socijalna. Informaciona uloga biblioteka odnosi se na obavezu obezbjeđenja rav­nopravnog pristupa visokokvalitetnim informaci­jama, dok se obrazovno-kulturna odnosi na nefor­malne vidove obrazovanja kao što je organizacija radionica za razvoj informatičke pismenosti, kurse- va stranih jezika i slično. Komunalna uloga se od­nosi na saradnju sa lokalnim zajednicama, školama, naučnim institucijama, nevladinim organizacijama i kulturnim institucijama, što je čini pristupačnim mjestom za zajedničke projekte i društvenu interak­ciju. Ova uloga je posebno važna za stigmatizovane i socijalno isključene grupe. Socijalna uloga inte- griše prethodne uloge i kroz razne besplatne uslu­ge te pristup savremenim tehnologijama promoviše društvenu pravdu i inkluziju svih socijalnih grupa (Ibid., 81-82).

Koncept društveno inkluzivne biblioteke neodvojiv je od koncepta društveno odgovorne organizacije te

The purpose of this paper is to faithfully present the development of library activities for persons with visual impairments in Montenegro—from the first publications and educational initiatives, through the establishment and growth of the Montenegro State Lending Library for the Visually Impaired, to the modern challenges and perspectives that the in­stitution faces in the digital era. Special attention is given to the library’s role in cultural inclusion, edu­cation, and the development of accessible formats, as well as to the opportunities that modern technol­ogy provides for improving access to knowledge for all.

3. Theoretical Framework and International Context of Inclusive Library Services

Inclusiveness and accessibility have become the foundations of libraries operations as carriers and sources of knowledge and reliable information. Considering the significant role of libraries in the education and culture of the communities in which they operate, it is essential to make their content available to as many users as possible. In this sense, particular emphasis is placed on accessibility for persons with disabilities. By taking into account the needs of all members of the community, regard­less of gender, age, race, disability, or other char­acteristics, libraries can become agents of social justice and contribute to reducing social exclusion (Kulikauskienė & Liukinevičienė, 2020: 80).

Modern libraries establish a direct connection with society, and through activities such as promoting digital literacy, lifelong learning, cultural and edu­cational programs, and reducing social exclusion, they play a significant social role and strive to meet community needs. In this regard, the four funda­mental roles of a library are informational, educa­tional-cultural, communal, and social. The informa­tional role of libraries refers to the obligation to pro­vide equal access to high-quality information, while the educational-cultural role encompasses informal forms of education, such as organizing workshops for developing digital literacy, foreign language courses, and similar programs. The communal role relates to cooperation with local communities, schools, scientific institutions, NGOs, and cultural institutions, making the library an accessible place for joint projects and social interaction. This role is particularly important for stigmatized and socially excluded groups. The social role integrates all other mentioned roles, promoting social justice and inclu­sion of all social groups through free services and access to modern technologies (Ibid., 81-82).

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podrazumijeva četiri nivoa odgovornosti: za infor- macione resurse i knjižni fond, za bibliotečko oso­blje, za korisnike biblioteke i za društvo u cjelini. Inkluzivne biblioteke integrišu sve gorenavedene uloge na društveno odgovoran način: obezbjeđuju pristup uslugama različitim zajednicama, okuplja­ju pojedince, zajednice, organizacije za zajednič­ke aktivnosti, kontinuirano razvijaju kompetencije osoblja/zaposlenih, uključujući sposobnost za rad sa osobama sa fizičkim, mentalnim i senzornim in­validitetom, osobama sa razvojnim poremećajima i slično (Ibid., 83). Osim toga, posluju u skladu sa nacionalnim i međunarodnim propisima koji obe- zbjeđuju jednake mogućnosti i pristupačnost.

Ključni međunarodni standardi i smjernice kada je u pitanju rad biblioteka sa osobama sa invaliditetom su: Konvencija Ujedinjenih nacija o pravima oso­ba sa invaliditetom (2006), Marakeški sporazum o olakšavanju pristupa objavljenim djelima za slijepe osobe, osobe sa oštećenjem vida ili osobe sa dru­gim poteškoćama u korišćenju štampanih materija­la (2013), kao i Smjernice Međunarodne federacije bibliotečkih udruženja i institucija (IFLA) za omo­gućavanje pristupa bibliotekama osobama sa invali­ditetom (IFLA, 2005; 2024).

Marakeški sporazum o olakšavanju pristupa objav­ljenim djelima za slijepe osobe, osobe sa oštećenjem vida ili osobe sa drugim poteškoćama u korišćenju štampanih materijala usvojen je (WIPO) na Diplo­matskoj konferenciji održanoj u Marakešu, 27. juna 2013. godine, a Crna Gora ga je ratifikovala 2022. godine. Dvije osnovne obaveze koje proizlaze iz Sporazuma su obezbjeđenje ograničenja ili izuzeća u odnosu na autorsko pravo, kako bi se omogućile izmjene potrebne da se napravi kopija nekog djela u pristupačnom formatu za osobe sa teškoćama u pristupu štampanim djelima, i obezbjeđenje preko­granične razmjene pristupačnih kopija.

U skladu sa Konvencijom o pravima osoba sa in­validitetom, koju je Crna Gora ratifikovala 2009. godine, osobe sa invaliditetom, inter alia, imaju pravo na pristupačnost fizičkog i digitalnog okruže­nja (član 9), pravo da slobodno izražavaju mišljenje kroz pristupačne formate (član 21), da se obrazuju i razvijaju ličnost, talente i kreativnost, kao i men­talne i fizičke sposobnosti (član 24), te da uživaju pristup kulturnim materijalima u pristupačnim for­matima, televizijskim programima, filmovima, po- zorišnim i drugim kulturnim aktivnostima u pristu­pačnim formatima, zatim pristup mjestima gdje se odvijaju kulturna događanja ili pružaju kulturne us­luge, poput pozorišta, muzeja, bioskopa, biblioteka i turističkih usluga, te, u mjeri u kojoj je to moguće,

The concept of a socially inclusive library is insepa­rable from the concept of a socially responsible or­ganization and includes four levels of responsibility: for information resources and book collections, for library staff, for library users, and for society as a whole. Inclusive libraries integrate all of these roles in a socially responsible manner: they provide ac­cess to services for diverse communities, bring to­gether individuals, communities, and organizations for joint activities, and continuously develop staff competencies, including the ability to work with persons with physical, mental, and sensory disabili­ties, as well as those with developmental disorders (Ibid., 83). Furthermore, they operate in accordance with national and international regulations that en­sure equal opportunities and accessibility.

The key international standards and guidelines related to library services for persons with dis­abilities include: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Pub­lished Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled (2013), and The International Federation of Library Associa­tions and Institutions (IFLA) Guidelines for Library Services to Persons with Disabilities (IFLA, 2005; 2024).

The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Pub­lished Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled was adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) at the Diplomatic Conference held in Mar­rakesh on June 27, 2013, and Montenegro ratified it in 2022. The two primary obligations arising from the Treaty are ensuring limitations or exceptions to copyright to allow the creation of copies of works in accessible formats for persons with print disabili­ties, and enabling cross-border exchange of acces­sible copies.

In accordance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Montenegro in 2009, persons with disabilities have, inter alia, the right to accessibility of both physical and digital environments (Article 9); the right to freedom of ex­pression through accessible formats (Article 21); the right to education that develops personality, talents, creativity, and mental and physical abilities (Arti­cle 24); and the right to access cultural materials, television programs, films, theater performances, and other cultural activities in accessible formats. They should also have access to venues where cul­tural events take place-such as theaters, museums, cinemas, libraries, and tourist facilities-and, to the

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pristup spomenicima i lokalitetima od nacionalne kulturne važnosti (član 30).

Međunarodna federacija bibliotečkih udruženja i in­stitucija je 2024. godine usvojila revidiranu verziju ranijeg dokumenta pod nazivom “Pristup bibliote­kama osoba sa invaliditetom – kontrolna lista” u ci­lju usklađivanja sa napretkom u oblasti bibliotečkih usluga za osobe sa invaliditetom, posebno u oblasti asistivne tehnologije (engl. assistive technologies), elektronskih formata i alata za onlajn komunikaci­ju (IFLA, 2025). Revidirane Smjernice se fokusi- raju na pristup bibliotečkim pravima zasnovan na ljudskim pravima, uz promovisanje univerzalnog dizajna, asistivne tehnologije i informacija koje su fizički i digitalno dostupne svima. Posebno je nagla­šena odgovornost rukovodstva biblioteka kroz po­litike pristupačnosti, obuku osoblja, partnerstvo sa drugim organizacijama i slično. Osim toga, date su smjernice za različite korisničke grupe, kao i fizičke i digitalne prostore biblioteka.

Skupština Crne Gore je, u oktobru 2025. godine, usvojila Zakon o izmjenama i dopunama Zakona o bibliotečkoj djelatnosti, koji je predložilo Ministar­stvo kulture i medija, a posebno se odnosi na imple­mentaciju Marakeškog sporazuma, te uvodi novu instituciju – Biblioteku pristupačnih formata, odno­sno transformiše Biblioteku za slijepe Crne Gore u matičnu ustanovu za sva odeljenja i biblioteke pri­stupačnih formata u Crnoj Gori.

4. Od prvih publikacija do prve biblioteke pristupačnih formata

Odmah nakon Drugog svjetskog rata, obrazovanje i kultura u Crnoj Gori, kao i u mnogim drugim dr­žavama, postaju dostupni široj javnosti, čime se in­tenzivira interakcija na polju obrazovanja, kulture i nauke, a što govori o munjevitom podizanju svijesti i novoj ulozi obrazovanja. Otvaraju se škole, bibli­oteke, kulturni centri i druge institucije od javnog značaja, čime se na adekvatan način omogućava što bolje obrazovanje i lakši pristup informacijama ci­jeloj populaciji. U tom periodu, ubrzan razvoj teh- ničko-tehnoloških dostignuća dodatno je olakšao širenje znanja i informacija, pa se velika pažnja po­klanja upravo mehanizmima korišćenja tehničko- tehnoloških sredstava u obrazovnom sistemu.

Uprkos tom duhu i državnoj politici, osobe ošteće­nog vida u Crnoj Gori sve do 2006. godine nijesu imale adekvatnu instituciju koja bi im omogućila sistemski (organizovan i specijalizovan) pristup knjigama (časopisima, periodici i drugim publika­cijama) u pristupačnim formatima. Prve publikaci­je na Brajevom pismu (Pierre, 1975) pojavile su se

extent possible, to monuments and sites of national cultural significance (Article 30).

The International Federation of Library Associa­tions and Institutions (IFLA) in 2024 adopted a re­vised version of its earlier document titled “Check­list for Library Services to Persons with Disabili­ties”, aligning it with developments in library ser­vices for persons with disabilities, especially in the areas of assistive technologies, electronic formats, and online communication tools (IFLA, 2025). The revised Guidelines emphasize a human right-based approach to library access, promoting universal design, assistive technologies, and physically and digitally accessible information for all. Particular emphasis is placed on library management respon- sibilities—such as accessibility policies, staff train­ing, and partnerships with other organizations. In addition, the Guidelines provide recommendations for various user groups as well as for the physical and digital spaces of libraries.

In October 2025, the Parliament of Montenegro ad­opted the Law on Amendments to the Law on Li­brary Activities, proposed by the Ministry of Cul­ture and Media, which specifically focuses on the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty. The law introduces a new institution—the Library of Acces­sible Formats, transforming the Montenegro State Lending Library for the Visually Impaired into the central institution for all departments and libraries of accessible formats in Montenegro.

5. From the First Publications to the First Library of Accessible Formats

Immediately after World War II, education and cul­ture in Montenegro, as in many other countries, became more accessible to the general public, in­tensifying interaction in the fields of education, culture, and science. This marked a rapid rise in social awareness and a redefined role of education. Schools, libraries, cultural centers, and other pub­lic institutions were established, thereby ensuring broader access to education and information for the entire population. During this period, the acceler­ated development of technical and technological achievements further facilitated the dissemination of knowledge and information, with particular at­tention paid to integrating new technologies into the educational system.

Despite this progressive spirit and state policy, per­sons with visual impairments in Montenegro did not have an adequate institution that would provide them with systematic (organized and specialized) access to books, journals, periodicals, and other

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sredinom prošlog vijeka, kada su u Perastu, a potom i u Risnu, otvorene škole za djecu sa oštećenim vi­dom. Godine 1948. u Perastu je osnovan Dom za slijepe u okviru kojeg je postojala škola, što je ujed­no predstavljalo i svojevrsni početak organizovane upotrebe knjiga na Brajevom pismu u Crnoj Gori (Poleksić, 2021: 16). Važno je naglasiti da je Rado­van Nikolić, iz Nikšića, kao učenik te škole, bio je­dan od pionira u korišćenju novoformirane školske biblioteke na Brajevom pismu.

Data škola je 1950. godine premještena u Risan, gdje odmah zatim prerasta u Zavod za slijepu djecu i omladinu, šireći sopstvenu biblioteku (JU Resursni centar za djecu i mlade “Podgorica”, s. a.). Zbirka te škole vremenom je rasla i dobrim dijelom uspijeva­la da zadovolji potrebe korisnika na tlu Crne Gore. Deceniju i po kasnije, tačnije 1965. godine, ova in­stitucija je premještena u Titograd (današnja Podgo­rica), kada dobija nov naziv: “Zavod za školovanje i profesionalnu rehabilitaciju invalidnih lica”. Vre­menom, Zavod je više puta mijenjao naziv, da bi od 2012. ponio ovaj po kome se i danas prepoznaje ne samo u državi, nego i u regionu: Javni resursni cen­tar za djecu i mlade “Podgorica”. Takođe, dio zbirke na Brajevom pismu više decenija je bio pohranjen u depou Narodne biblioteke “Radosav Ljumović”, u Podgorici, da bi nakon osnivanja Biblioteke za sli­jepe Crne Gore 2006. godine bio prenesen u novu ustanovu, gdje se i danas čuva i koji je dostupan korisnicima.

Inicijativa za osnivanje Biblioteke za slijepe Crne Gore pokrenuta je još 2001. godine od strane Save­za slijepih Crne Gore, a idejni tvorac je bio politi- kolog, književnik, filozof i poznati kulturni posle­nik mr Božidar Denda koji će sve do danas odigrati ključnu ulogu u razvoju ove ustanove. Nakon više­godišnjih konsultacija i sastanaka sa Ministarstvom kulture, odnosno Vladom Crne Gore, Biblioteka je i formalno osnovana 2006. godine, u godini obnove crnogorske nezavisnosti (Biblioteka za slijepe Crne Gore, s. a.). Prvi direktor biblioteke bio je mr Boži­dar Denda koji tu funkciju obavlja uspješno bez pre­kida i danas, a biblioteka je od samog početka imala status javne ustanove i uvrštena je među republičke institucije kulture sa jasnom misijom koja se, pri­je svega, sastoji u omogućavanju pristupa kulturi, obrazovanju i informacijama osobama sa oštećenim vidom.

Odmah po osnivanju, biblioteka je uspostavila sa- radnju sa Bibliotekom za slijepe “Dr Milan Budi- mir” iz Srbije kako bi nabavila zvučne i Brajeve knjige za fond koji je tek trebalo učiniti “ozbilj­nijim” po obimu. Ova saradnja omogućila je da

publications in accessible formats until 2006. The first Braille publications (Pierre, 1975) appeared in the mid-20th century, following the establishment of schools for children with visual impairments in Per­ast and later in Risan. In 1948, a Home for the Blind was founded in Perast, which included a school— marking the beginning of organized use of Braille books in Montenegro (Poleksić, 2021: 16). It is im­portant to note that Radovan Nikolić from Nikšić, a student of that school, was one of the pioneers in using the newly formed school library in Braille.

In 1950, the school was relocated to Risan, where it soon evolved into the Institute for Blind Chil­dren and Youth, expanding its library collection (JU Resursni centar za djecu i mlade “Podgorica”, s. a.). Over time, the collection grew and largely managed to meet the needs of users across Montenegro. A decade and a half later, in 1965, the institution was moved to Titograd (present-day Podgorica) and re­named into the Institute for the Education and Pro­fessional Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities. Over the years, the Institute underwent several name changes until, in 2012, it adopted its current name, widely recognized both nationally and regionally: the Public Resource Center for Children and Youth “Podgorica.” Part of the Braille collection was for decades stored in the depository of the National Li­brary “Radosav Ljumović” in Podgorica. After the establishment of the Montenegro State Lending Li­brary for the Visually Impaired in 2006, this collec­tion was transferred to the new institution, where it remains preserved and accessible to users today.

The initiative for establishing the Montenegro State Lending Library for the Visually Impaired was launched in 2001 by the Union of the Blind of Mon­tenegro. The conceptual founder was political scien­tist, writer, philosopher, and prominent cultural fig­ure Mr. Božidar Denda, who has played a key role in the library’s development up to the present day. After several years of consultations and meetings with the Ministry of Culture and the Government of Montenegro, the library was officially established in 2006—the year of Montenegro’s restoration of in­dependence (Biblioteka za slijepe Crne Gore, s. a.). The first director, Mr. Božidar Denda, has success­fully held this position continuously since its found­ing. From the outset, the library was established as a public institution and included among the republic­level cultural institutions, with a clear mission: to provide access to culture, education, and informa­tion for persons with visual impairments.

Immediately after its founding, the library estab­lished cooperation with the Montenegro State

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BZSCG za relativno kratko vrijeme postane ključni i regionalno prepoznatljivi prostor za kulturne, na­učne i obrazovne aktivnosti za osobe sa oštećenim vidom u Crnoj Gori.

Ratifikacija Marakeškog sporazuma 2019. godi­ne dodatno je unaprijedila mogućnosti Biblioteke, otvarajući prostor za širu i intenzivniju međuna­rodnu razmjenu publikacija i značajno proširenje korisničke grupe na sve osobe koje, iz bilo kojeg razloga, nijesu u mogućnosti da koriste standardne štampane formate, uključujući osobe oboljele od Parkinsonove bolesti, tremora i sličnih stanja koja onemogućavaju upotrebu crnog tiska (Poleksić, 2021: 62-63).

Posebno treba istaći da pionirski koraci BZSCG-a uključuju pokretanje audio-časopisa Glas 2011. go­dine (do oktobra 2025. objavljena su 174 broja ovog mjesečnika) i časopisa na Brajevom pismu Tačke kulture 2018. godine (do oktobra 2025. objavljno je 46 brojeva ovog dvomjesečnika), kao i Kulturnog centra “Homer” (Udruženje građana KIC “Homer”, s. a.), koji je emitovao program “Radio Homer” do 2024. godine (Arhiv BZSCG, 2011). Riječ je o je­dinim časopisima te vrste u Crnoj Gori u trenutku pokretanja. Osnivanjem Biblioteke za slijepe, publi­kacije u pristupačnim formatima postale su dostu­pne širokom krugu korisnika, što predstavlja važan korak u inkluziji i kulturnom razvoju Crne Gore.

U skladu sa modernim tehnološkim trendovima i globalnim procesima, BZSCG postaje ključna insti­tucija za omogućavanje kulturnog pristupa, obrazo­vanja i razvoja za osobe sa oštećenim vidom, ali i za društvo u cjelini, postavljajući temelje za budući ra­zvoj inkluzivne kulture i obrazovanja u Crnoj Gori.

6. Biblioteka za slijepe Crne Gore: Centar znanja, inkluzije i kulture

Od drevnih vremena, biblioteke predstavljaju te­meljne institucije kulture svakog društva, a njihova uloga u očuvanju, širenju i dostupnosti znanja odra­žava jedan od najviših civilizacijskih standarda koji se neprestano stavlja na razne provjere. Jasno je da kultura, obrazovanje i informisanje moraju biti jed­nako dostupni svima, bez obzira na fizičke sposob­nosti, odnosno da pravne odredbe koje to definišu ne smiju ostati mrtvo slovo na papiru. Upravo ova ideja utemeljila je i postojanje biblioteka u pristu­pačnim formatima, kao ključnog (i stvarnog!) pre- duslova kulturne inkluzije svih grupa korisnika koje se oslanjaju na ove formate.

JU BZSCG nastala je kao odgovor na dugogodišnju potrebu za sistematskim i institucionalnim rješe-

Lending Library for the Visually Impaired “Dr. Mi­lan Budimir” from Serbia in order to acquire audio and Braille books and expand its collection. This collaboration enabled the Montenegro State Lend­ing Library for the Visually Impaire to become, in a relatively short time, a key and regionally recog­nized center for cultural, scientific, and educational activities for persons with visual impairments in Montenegro.

The ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty in 2019 further enhanced the library’s capacities, opening opportunities for broader and more intensive inter­national exchange of publications and significantly expanding the user base to include all persons un­able to use standard print formats for any reason— including individuals with Parkinson’s disease, tremors, and similar conditions that make it difficult to read printed text (Poleksić, 2021: 62–63).

Of particular importance are the pioneering efforts of the MSLLVI, which include launching the audio magazine Glas in 2011 (with 174 issues published by October 2025) and the Braille magazine Tačke kul­ture in 2018 (46 issues published by October 2025), as well as the Cultural Center “Homer” (Udruženje građana KIC “Homer,” s. a.), which broadcasted the program “Radio Homer” until 2024 (Arhiv BZSCG, 2011). These were the only magazines of their kind in Montenegro at the time of their founding. The establishment of the MSLLVI made publications in accessible formats available to a broad range of users, representing a significant step forward in the inclusion and cultural development of Montenegro. In line with modern technological trends and global developments, the MSLLVI has become a key insti­tution for ensuring access to culture, education, and development for persons with visual impairments— and for society as a whole—laying the foundations for the future advancement of inclusive culture and education in Montenegro.

7. Montenegro State Lending Library for the Visually Impaired: A Center of Knowledge, Inclusion and Culture

Since ancient times, libraries have been fundamental institutions of every society’s culture, and their role in preserving, disseminating, and ensuring access to knowledge is one of the highest standards of civiliza­tion—one that is constantly being tested in various ways. It is clear that culture, education, and informa­tion must be equally accessible to all, regardless of physical ability, and that the legal provisions defining such access must not remain mere words on paper. This very idea laid the foundation for the existence of

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Tabela 1. Hronologija ključnih događaja i razvojnih faza korišćenja pristupačnih formata u Crnoj Gori do i od osnivanja Biblioteke za slijepe Crne Gore

Table 1. Chronology of key events and developmental phases in the use of accessible formats in Montenegro before and after the establishment of the Montenegro State Lending Library for the Visually Impaired

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njem koje bi omogućilo ravnopravan pristup pisanoj riječi. Njeno uspostavljanje ocijenjeno je kao zna­čajan civilizacijski i kulturološki iskorak za Crnu Goru, otklanjajući decenijsku prazninu u kulturnom i obrazovnom sistemu države, po prvi put omogu­ćavajući svima istinski jednake šanse kada je riječ o informisanju, stvaranju i obrazovanju. Pomenuta ustanova nije samo biblioteka u užem smislu, već i centar znanja, komunikacije, stvaralaštva i samo­stalnosti za hiljade građana oštećenog vida, kao i za druge osobe kojima je publikacija u pristupačnom formatu jedini put do informacija i znanja.

Aktuelni pristup bibliotečkoj i izdavačkoj djelat­nosti koji je u permanentnom razvoju, prilagođen ovim korisničkim grupama, obuhvata širok spektar usluga: od nabavke i ustupanja bibliotečkog ma­terijala u audio i elektronskoj formi, na uvećanom štampanom tisku i Brajevom pismu, do stvaranja sopstvene produkcije publikacija u pristupačnim formatima i podrške obrazovnom procesu. Posebna pažnja usmjerena je na omogućavanje inkluzivnog obrazovanja, informisanja i razvoja kulturne svije­sti, što ovu instituciju čini nezamjenjivom u životu zajednice njenih korisnika.

Primarna djelatnost Biblioteke za slijepe Crne Gore je kulturna, a rukovodstvo i zaposleni se već godi­nama neumorno trude da javnosti približe činjenicu da nije riječ o nekakvoj socijalnoj, već isključivo o ustanovi kulture. Radi adekvatnog razumijevanja ove problematike važno je podsjetiti na riječi direk­tora Božidara Dende, koji pojašnjava da ni zaposle­ni u Ministarstvu kulture nijesu uvijek imali jasnu sliku o ovoj instituciji. Biblioteka funkcioniše kao javna ustanova u okviru Ministarstva kulture, jedna od dvanaest nacionalnih ustanova kulture u Crnoj Gori, i finansira se preko zakona o budžetu. To su činjenice koje otklanjaju svaku drugu nedoumicu u pogledu ciljeva i misije.

Uz posvećen rad 14 zaposlenih (koliko u ovom trenutku ustanova broji), biblioteka je postigla za­pažene rezultate: osim standardnih knjiga na Bra- jevom pismu i u audio-formatu, organizovala je brojne književne večeri, izdavala vlastite časopise i proširila usluge u online formatu, omogućavaju­ći korisnicima iz cijelog svijeta da istražuju brojne sadržaje. Iako broj zaposlenih nije optimalan pre­ma standardima, Biblioteka je primjer kako kvali- tet nadmašuje kvantitet. Stručnost i profesionalnost osoblja te kolegijalni odnosi prožeti harmonijom stvaraju radno okruženje koje inspiriše i podržava. Svi zaposleni su dobro obučeni za komunikaciju sa osobama oštećenog vida, čime je osiguran najbolji mogući doživljaj korisnika.

libraries offering materials in accessible formats, as a key (and real) precondition for the cultural inclusion of all user groups who rely on such formats.

The MSLLVI was established as a response to the long-standing need for a systematic and institu­tional solution that would enable equal access to the written word. Its establishment was recognized as a significant civilizational and cultural step forward for Montenegro, filling a decades-long gap in the nation’s cultural and educational system and, for the first time, granting everyone truly equal oppor­tunities for information, creativity, and education. The institution is not merely a library in the narrow sense but also a center of knowledge, communica­tion, creativity, and independence for thousands of citizens with visual impairments, as well as for oth­ers who rely on publications in accessible formats as their only path to information and knowledge.

The current approach to library and publishing activ­ities, which is continually developing and is tailored to these user groups, encompasses a wide range of services-from the acquisition and lending of library materials in audio and electronic form, large print, and Braille, to in-house production of publications in accessible formats and support for educational pro­cesses. Special attention is directed toward fostering inclusive education, information access, and cultural awareness, making this institution an irreplaceable part of its users’ community life.

The primary activity of the Montenegro State Lend­ing Library for the Visually Impaired is cultural, and for many years, its management and staff have worked tirelessly to make the public understand that this is not a social welfare institution but a cultural institution in the truest sense. To fully understand this distinction, it is worth recalling the words of Director Božidar Denda, who emphasized that even employees at the Ministry of Culture did not always have a clear understanding of this institution, because the Library functions as a public institution within the framework of the Ministry of Culture—one of twelve national cultural institutions in Montenegro and is financed through the state budget. Those facts dispel any doubts about its goals and mission.

Through the dedicated work of its 14 employees, the Library has achieved remarkable results: in ad­dition to its standard Braille and audio books, it has organized numerous literary events, published its own magazines and expanded its services online, enabling users from around the world to access its rich content. Although the number of employees does not fully meet professional standards, the Li­brary stands as an example of how quality surpasses

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Uprkos tome, ustanova se od osnivanja suočava sa brojnim izazovima, poput nedostatka adekvatnog prostora i zakonske podrške. Iznajmljeni prostor u Ulici Radosava Burića u Podgorici, koliko god bio prilagođen, ne omogućava potpuno ispunjenje misi­je biblioteke. Kao i svaka druga biblioteka, BZSCG obavlja primarnu bibliotečku djelatnost, a organi­zaciono je podijeljena u tri odjeljenja: bibliotečko, tehničko i opšte. Svako od njih ima jasno definisan djelokrug poslova.

Biblioteka raspolaže fondom od 28.500 jedinica i ima preko 1.200 aktivnih korisnika, dok je ukupan broj korisnika tokom 20 godina premašio 1.800. To­kom tog perioda, biblioteka je na korišćenje ustupila preko 230.000 publikacija. Svake godine objavljuje preko 100 audio-publikacija i oko 30 publikacija na Brajevom pismu. U okviru svoje produkcije posje­duje tri tonska studija u kojima profesionalni spikeri čitaju knjige koje se zatim konvertuju u audio-for­mat, kao i Brajeve štampače i štampariju, donaciju Saveza slijepih Slovenije, te pruža usluge čitaonice (CdM, 2025).

Biblioteka je aktivan učesnik sajmova knjiga u ze­mlji i regionu. Od 1. januara 2010. godine pridruže­ni je član DAISY konzorcijuma, čime je omogućena produkcija audio-knjiga u DAISY formatu, standar­du za čitaoce bez vida u zemljama EU. Prva knjiga u ovom formatu snimljena je 25. februara 2011. go­dine, a riječ je o romanu Pjer i Žan Gija de Mopasa­na (Fond BZSCG, s. a.).

Budući da je prema ranije važećem Zakonu o bi- bliotečkoj djelatnosti Biblioteka okarakterisana kao specijalna ustanova, što je u suprotnosti sa međuna­rodnim standardima i predstavlja oblik diskrimina­cije, radna grupa Ministarstva kulture i medija Crne Gore pripremila je izmjene i dopune zakona koji je, kako je navedeno, Skupština Crne Gore usvojila u oktobru 2025. godine. U tom smislu, prihvaćena je i inicijativa za promjenu naziva u “Biblioteka pristu­pačnih formata Crne Gore”, pri čemu je predloženo da nosi ime uglednog književnika i naučnika Vojsla- va Voja Minića, naučnika bez vida i žrtve Drugog svjetskog rata.

BZSCG raspolaže značajnim legatom – muzikalija­ma na Brajevom pismu, poklonom korisnika iz SAD Milorada Popovića, i oblikuje posebne audio-edici- je kao što su “Žena kroz vijekove u Crnoj Gori” i “Autori čitaju svoja djela”. Povodom 17. godišnjice postojanja, biblioteka je priredila sopstveno audio- izdanje Gorskog vijenca Petra Drugog Petrovića Njegoša, koje je pročitao glumac Jovan Dabović, a produkciju i postprodukciju potpisuju Vladimir Jo- vović i Slobodanka Grdinić (Janjušević, 2023: 8).

quantity. The expertise and professionalism of its staff, along with collegial relations grounded in har­mony, create a work environment that inspires and supports. All employees are well-trained in com­municating with persons with visual impairments, ensuring the best possible user experience.

Nevertheless, since its founding, the institution has faced numerous challenges, such as a lack of ade­quate space and insufficient legal support. The rent­ed premises in Radosav Burić Street in Podgorica, though adapted, do not allow the Library to fully realize its mission. Like any other library, MSLLVI performs core library activities and is organized into three departments: Library services, Technical ser­vices, and General affairs, each with clearly defined areas of responsibility.

The Library’s collection contains 28,500 units and serves more than 1,200 active users, with a total of over 1,800 registered users over its 20 years of op­eration. During that period, the Library has lent more than 230,000 publications. Each year, it produces over 100 audio publications and around 30 Braille publications. Its in-house production facilities include three recording studios, where professional narrators record books later converted into audio format, as well as Braille printers and a printing press (donated by the Association of the Blind of Slovenia), and it offers reading room services (CdM, 2025).

The Library actively participates in book fairs both domestically and in the region. Since January 1st, 2010, it has been an associate member of the DAI­SY Consortium, enabling the production of audio­books in the DAISY format, the standard used for visually impaired readers across the EU. The first book in this format was recorded on February 25, 2011—Guy de Maupassant’s Pierre and Jean (Fond BZSCG, s. a.).

Under the previous Library Activity law, the institu­tion was classified as a special library, which con­tradicted international standards and was seen as dis­criminatory. Therefore, a working group of the Min­istry of Culture and Media of Montenegro prepared amendments to the law, which were adopted by the Parliament of Montenegro in October 2025. These amendments also included the initiative to rename the institution as the Library of Accessible Formats of Montenegro, with a proposal to bear the name of Vojslav Vojo Minić, a distinguished blind writer and scientist who was a victim of World War II.

MSLLVI holds a valuable legacy collection of Braille music scores, donated by Milorad Popović, a user from the United States, and produces special audio editions such as “Women Through the Cen-

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Biblioteka aktivno učestvuje u projektima muzej­ske pristupačnosti, kao što su “Ljepota Crne Gore na dlanu”, “Priroda na dodir” i “Dodir nasljeđa”, pružajući tehničku i konsultativnu podršku, audio- vodiče i natpise na Brajevom pismu. Organizovala je i prvi minifestival filmova za slijepe u Crnoj Gori 2008. godine i od tada za svoje korisnike redovno prikazuje filmove u pristupačnom formatu.

Online radio Biblioteke započeo je emitovanje pro­grama 23. juna 2011. godine, nudeći slušaocima audio-verzije časopisa, muzičke blokove i infor­mativne emisije prilagođene osobama oštećenog vida. Program obuhvata šest dnevnih informativnih blokova, pokrivajući teme: politika, društvo, ekono­mija, kultura, tehnologija, sport i meteorologija, što korisnicima omogućava potpuni pristup aktuelnim informacijama i elektronskim sadržajima.

8. Saradnja i projekti

Od svog osnivanja, BZSCG kontinuirano razvija sa- radnju sa brojnim domaćim i regionalnim instituci­jama. Posebno je intenzivna razmjena sa partnerima poput Biblioteke “Dr Milan Budimir” iz Beograda, Specijalne biblioteke za slijepa i slabovidna lica Re­publike Srpske u Banja Luci i Biblioteke za slijepa i slabovidna lica Bosne i Hercegovine u Sarajevu. Sporazume o saradnji BZSCG je potpisala i sa in­stitucijama kao što su Istorijski institut Univerziteta Crne Gore, Narodna biblioteka Gračanica, Javna bi­blioteka u Boljevcu i Novom Pazaru te Specijalna bolnica za psihijatriju “Dobrota” u Kotoru.

Poseban segment saradnje čine donacije, koje omo­gućavaju pristup publikacijama korisnicima širom Crne Gore i regiona. BZSCG je do sada donirala sto­tine izdanja ustanovama kao što su osnovne i srednje škole, domovi za djecu i stare, zdravstvene ustano­ve, univerzitetske biblioteke, crkve i kulturni centri. Istovremeno, Biblioteka prima vrijedne donacije od udruženja, organizacija i pojedinaca, što dodatno obogaćuje njen fond i kapacitete za rad sa osobama sa oštećenim vidom. Ova međusobna podrška omo­gućava širenje kulturne dostupnosti i doprinosi in- kluziji osoba sa različitim vrstama invaliditeta, ali i jača regionalnu saradnju i razmjenu iskustava.

Delegacije BZSCG redovno učestvuju u zvaničnim posjetama, seminarima i radionicama u zemlji i ino- stranstvu, što omogućava kontinuiranu edukaciju zaposlenih i jačanje međunarodnih mreža saradnje. Bibliotekari učestvuju u konferencijama, studijskim putovanjima i radnim sastancima sa kolegama iz drugih biblioteka, čime razmjenjuju najbolje prakse u oblasti inkluzivne kulture, tehnologija za osobe sa oštećenim vidom i bibliotekarskih standarda.

turies in Montenegro” and “Authors Read Their Works”. To mark its 17th anniversary, the Library produced its own audio edition of Petar II Petrović Njegoš’s The Mountain Wreath (Gorski vijenac), narrated by actor Jovan Dabović, with production and post-production by Vladimir Jovović and Slo- bodanka Grdinić (Janjušević, 2023: 8).

The Library is also an active participant in museum accessibility projects, including “The Beauty of Mon­tenegro in Your Palm”, “Nature by Touch”, and “The Touch of Heritage”, providing technical and consult­ing support, audio guides, and Braille signage. It or­ganized the first mini-festival of films for the blind in Montenegro in 2008, and since then, it has regularly screened films in accessible formats for its users.

The Library’s online radio began broadcasting on June 23, 2011, offering listeners audio versions of magazines, music segments, and informational programs adapted for persons with visual impair­ments. Its schedule includes six daily news blocks, covering topics such as politics, society, economy, culture, technology, sports, and weather—thus en­suring that users have full access to up-to-date in­formation and digital content.

9. Cooperation and Projects

Since its establishment, the MSLLVI has continu­ously developed cooperation with numerous domes­tic and regional institutions. Particularly intensive exchanges have taken place with partners such as the “Dr Milan Budimir” Library in Belgrade, the Special Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired of the Republic of Srpska in Banja Luka, and the Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired of Bos­nia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo. The MSLLVI has also signed cooperation agreements with institutions including the Historical Institute of the University of Montenegro, the National Library Gračanica, the Public Libraries in Boljevac and Novi Pazar, and the Special Psychiatric Hospital “Dobrota” in Kotor.

A special segment of collaboration involves dona­tions, which make publications accessible to users across Montenegro and the wider region. To date, the Library has donated hundreds of editions to in­stitutions such as primary and secondary schools, children’s and elderly care homes, healthcare insti­tutions, university libraries, churches, and cultural centers. At the same time, the Library receives valu­able donations from associations, organizations, and individuals, further enriching its collection and strengthening its capacity to serve persons with vi­sual impairments. This mutual support enhances cultural accessibility, fosters the inclusion of persons

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Pored osnovne bibliotečke djelatnosti, BZSCG je postala pionir u stvaranju inkluzivnih kulturnih sa­držaja i novih tehnologija koje znanje i kulturu čine dostupnim svima. Kroz brojne projekte, Biblioteka kombinuje bibliotekarsku, kulturnu i obrazovnu mi­siju, postajući uzor drugim institucijama u regionu. Projekat “Ljepote Crne Gore na dlanu“ (2019–2020) omogućio je posjetiocima istoimene izložbe da kroz 3D modele dožive kulturne i prirodne znamenito­sti Crne Gore, od Sat kule u Podgorici i mosta na Đurđevića Tari, do manastira Ostrog i Cetinjskog manastira. Posebna vrijednost projekta bila je mo­gućnost prepoznavanja eksponata dodirom, dok su za djecu organizovana takmičenja sa simboličnim nagradama. Projekat je podržan od Evropske komi­sije i Savjeta Evrope, a njegova koordinatorka Iva­na Peruničić dobila je priznanje European Heritage Stories (2019), postavljajući temelje daljim inklu- zivnim inicijativama (Mladiinfo.me, 2024).

“Muzej za sve – Put ka pristupačnijim muzejima u Crnoj Gori i Bosni i Hercegovini“ (2021–2023), po­držan od UNESCO-a, uključivao je izložbe sa 3D modelima, audio-vodičima i natpisima na Brajevom pismu, omogućavajući osobama sa oštećenjem vida da u potpunosti dožive kulturnu i prirodnu baštinu. Projekat je okupio radove mladih autora i pet muze­ja, demonstrirajući moć inkluzivne kulturne sarad- nje (PMCG, s. a.).²

BZSCG je u saradnji sa mnogim relevantnim usta­novama u državi uspjela da realizuje niz značajnih programa koji se prije svega fokusiraju na pristu­pačnost, taktilnost i mogućnost da se naizgled ne­premostive prepreke prevaziđu. Saradnja sa Prirod- njačkim muzejom rezultirala je izložbom “Priroda na dodir”, koja je predstavila eksponate u taktilnoj formi uz prateće audio-sadržaje (Kalač, 2023). Na­stavak ove prakse najavljen je za 2026. kroz par­tnerstvo sa Elektrotehničkim fakultetom i Zavodom za školstvo, sa izložbama “Igra za sve – pametno, održivo, inkluzivno” i “3D štampana hrana i umjet­nost”. U saradnji sa Muzejskim društvom Crne Gore i Evropskom kućom organizovana je izložba “Nasljeđe Crne Gore kroz dodir”, koja prikazuje slike u 2D formatu uz taktilne reprodukcije, audio- vođenje i natpise na Brajevom pismu (Biblioteka za slijepe Crne Gore, 2023).

² Projekat u partnerstvu JU Biblioteke za slijepe Crne Gore i Udruže­nja Život sa Down sindromom Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine iz Sarajeva, uključio je Zavičajni muzej Pljevlja, Polimski muzej Bera- ne, Narodni muzej Crne Gore, Prirodnjački muzej Crne Gore, Muze­je i galerije Podgorice, kao i institucije iz BiH: Historijski muzej BiH u Sarajevu, Umjetničku galeriju BiH u Sarajevu, Muzej Hercegovine iz Trebinja i Muzej grada Mostara.

with various types of disabilities, and reinforces re­gional cooperation and the exchange of experiences. Delegations from the MSLLVI regularly participate in official visits, seminars, and workshops both in Montenegro and abroad, which enables continuous professional development of staff and the strength­ening of international cooperation networks. Librar­ians take part in conferences, study visits, and work­ing meetings with colleagues from other libraries, sharing best practices in the fields of inclusive culture, assistive technologies for the visually im­paired, and library standards.

Beyond its core library functions, the MSLLVI has become a pioneer in creating inclusive cultural con­tent and developing new technologies that make knowledge and culture accessible to everyone. Through a wide range of projects, the Library com­bines its library, cultural, and educational missions, serving as a model for other institutions in the region. The project “The Beauty of Montenegro in Your Palm” (2019–2020) enabled visitors of the exhibi­tion of the same name to experience Montenegro’s cultural and natural landmarks through 3D mod- els—from the Clock Tower in Podgorica and the Đurđevića Tara Bridge to Ostrog Monastery and the Cetinje Monastery. A distinctive value of the project was the possibility of tactile exploration of exhibits, while special competitions for children were orga­nized with symbolic prizes. The project was sup­ported by the European Commission and the Coun­cil of Europe, and its coordinator, Ivana Peruničić, received the European Heritage Stories (2019) rec­ognition, laying the foundation for further inclusive initiatives (Mladiinfo.me, 2024).

The project “Museum for All – The Path Towards More Accessible Museums in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina” (2021–2023), supported by UNESCO, included exhibitions featuring 3D models, audio guides, and Braille labels, enabling persons with visual impairments to fully experience cultural and natural heritage. The project brought together works of young authors and five museums, demonstrating the power of inclusive cultural coop­eration (PMCG, s. a.).²²

² The project, implemented in partnership between the Public Institu­tion – Library for the Blind of Montenegro (MSLLVI) and the Asso­ciation “Life with Down Syndrome” of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina from Sarajevo, involved the participation of several institutions: the Heritage Museum of Pljevlja, the Polim Museum of Berane, the National Museum of Montenegro, the Natural History Museum of Montenegro, and the Museums and Galleries of Pod­gorica, as well as institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina — the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, the Museum of Her­zegovina in Trebinje, and the City Museum of Mostar.

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Tabela 2. Ključni projekti i edukacije za osobe sa invaliditetom (OSI)

Table 2. Key Projects and Training Programs for Persons with Disabilities (PWD)

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Trenutni projekat, koji se realizuje u saradnji sa Istorijskim institutom Crne Gore, pod nazivom: “Arhitektura na dodir – Pristupačni leksikon Crne Gore” (2023 – najava 2026), fokusira se na taktilne mape ključnih kulturnih spomenika, audio i digi­talne vodiče optimizovane za čitače ekrana, kao i radionice i predavanja za OSI, arhitektonske radi­onice i širu javnost. Projekat je nedavno nagrađen prestižnom nagradom Savjeta Evrope u okviru ini­cijative Evropski dani baštine (European Heritage Days – EHD) i podržan grantom od 10.000 eura, potvrđujući inovativni i društveno odgovoran pri­stup Biblioteke. Naime, projekat je odabran kao jedan od najboljih primjera promocije inkluzivne kulturne baštine u Evropi, a cilj mu je povećanje pristupačnosti arhitektonskog nasljeđa osobama s oštećenjem vida, kroz upotrebu višesenzornih ala­ta i prilagođenih edukativnih sadržaja (Univerzitet Crne Gore, 2025).

Ova inicijativa predstavlja primjer uspješnog me- đuinstitucionalnog partnerstva u cilju unaprjeđenja kulturne pristupačnosti. Posebno je značajno što je BZSCG po drugi put u posljednjih pet godina do­bitnik nagrade Savjeta Evrope, čime se potvrđuje kontinuitet njenog doprinosa inkluzivnoj kulturnoj politici na evropskom nivou.

Ovi projekti omogućavaju osobama sa oštećenim vidom da aktivno učestvuju u kulturnom i društve­nom životu, razvijaju profesionalne i kreativne vje­štine te stiču samostalnost kroz dostupnost kulturnih sadržaja. Pored toga, Biblioteka organizuje i edu- kativne radionice za djecu i mlade, omogućavajući im upoznavanje sa kulturnim nasljeđem i razvijanje kritičkog mišljenja kroz interaktivne aktivnosti.

Osim kulturnih i obrazovnih projekata, BZSCG ak­tivno doprinosi i profesionalnom osnaživanju OSI kroz obuke, mentorstvo i rad u biblioteci. Mnogi polaznici ovih programa kasnije dobijaju zaposle­nje ili se uključuju u druge kreativne i obrazovne inicijative, što potvrđuje društvenu vrijednost Bibli­oteke.

Jedan od prvih značajnih poduhvata bile su obuke tiflografa i korektora, realizovane kroz Grant šemu Zavoda za zapošljavanje. Ove stručne obuke omo­gućile su polaznicima praktičnu primjenu u pro­dukciji audio-knjiga i publikacija, čime je osnažen kapacitet Biblioteke, a polaznici su dobili priliku za profesionalnu emancipaciju i aktivno uključivanje u kulturni život.

Program 3D štampa i radionice “Dodirni svoje ide- je“ kontinuirano razvija kreativne i tehničke vješti­ne osoba sa oštećenjem vida. Kroz izradu taktilnih modela i praktičnu primjenu 3D štampe, učesnici

The MSLLVI, in cooperation with many relevant national institutions, has successfully implemented a series of important programs primarily focused on accessibility, tactility, and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers. Collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Montenegro resulted in the exhibition “Nature to the Touch,” which presented exhibits in tactile form accompa­nied by corresponding audio content (Kalač, 2023). This practice is planned to continue in 2026 through a partnership with the Faculty of Electrical Engi­neering and the Institute for Education, with the ex­hibitions “Play for All—Smart, Sustainable, Inclu­sive” and “3D Printed Food and Art.” In coopera­tion with the Museum Society of Montenegro and the European House, the exhibition “Montenegro’s Heritage through Touch” was organized, featuring 2D artworks accompanied by tactile reproductions, audio guides, and Braille labels (Biblioteka za slij­epe Crne Gore, 2023).

The current project, implemented in cooperation with the Historical Institute of Montenegro, titled “Architecture to the Touch – Accessible Lexicon of Montenegro” (2023 – projected completion 2026), focuses on tactile maps of key cultural monuments, audio and digital guides optimized for screen read­ers, as well as workshops and lectures for persons with disabilities (PWD), architectural profession­als, and the general public. The project was recent­ly awarded a prestigious Council of Europe prize within the European Heritage Days (EHD) initia­tive and supported by a €10,000 grant, confirm­ing the Library’s innovative and socially respon­sible approach. It was selected as one of the best examples of promoting inclusive cultural heritage in Europe, aiming to increase the accessibility of architectural heritage for persons with visual im­pairments through the use of multisensory tools and adapted educational content (Univerzitet Crne Gore, 2025).

This initiative represents a successful example of inter-institutional partnership dedicated to im­proving cultural accessibility. It is particularly sig­nificant that the MSLLVI received the Council of Europe Award for the second time in the past five years, reaffirming its ongoing contribution to inclu­sive cultural policy at the European level.

These projects enable persons with visual impair­ments to actively participate in cultural and social life, develop professional and creative skills, and achieve greater independence through accessible cultural content. In addition, the Library organizes educational workshops for children and youth, help-

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istražuju nove tehnologije i razvijaju inovativne pri­stupe učenju i izražavanju, dok šira javnost svjedoči potencijalu inkluzivnih rješenja u kulturi i obrazo­vanju.

Obuka za DAISY audio-knjige, primjenjujući me­đunarodne standarde, pruža tehničkom timu i kori­snicima znanja potrebna za snimanje i produkciju pristupačnih publikacija. Ovaj kontinuirani pro­gram, aktivan od 2010. godine, osigurava da Bi­blioteka održava visoke standarde pristupačnosti i kvalitetne produkcije.

Najnoviji aspekt ponude u BZSCG jeste EPUB format, koji omogućava savršeniju navigaciju kroz tekst, a prve publikacije u ovom formatu postale su dostupne u oktobru 2025. godine na nosačima zvu­ka za sve korisnike koji koriste kako offline, tako i online modele biblioteke (Glas, 2025).

Sve ove aktivnosti potvrđuju da BZSCG nije samo biblioteka, već institucija koja gradi inkluzivnu, pri­stupačnu i obrazovnu sredinu. Biblioteka pokazuje kako kulturne i obrazovne inicijative mogu postati prostor jednakih šansi, zajedništva i aktivnog druš­tvenog uključivanja, dok svojim inovativnim pristu­pom postavlja standarde za cijeli region.

Misija BZSCG, kako ističe direktor Božidar Bobo Denda, može se sumirati u jednoj rečenici: “Knjigu sam položio u dlanove gdje je nedostajala – ne kao poklon, već kao pravo koje je čekalo da se vrati”. Denda dodaje da je želio da knjige budu dostupne svima koji to žele, bez obzira na njihove sposobnosti, jer “nema granica kada se radi o ljubavi, a uz knjige neuzvraćene ljubavi nema niti može biti” (Ćuković, 2025). Ova filozofija jasno definiše posvećenost Bi­blioteke inkluziji, pristupačnosti i širenju kulture či­tanja među osobama sa oštećenim vidom.

10. Knjiga i pristupačni formati u eri tehnološke transformacije

Savremeno globalno digitalno društvo, obilježeno brzim tehnološkim napretkom i sve širim primje­nama vještačke inteligencije (VI), stavljaju biblio­teke pristupačnih formata na permanentnu probu. One se, čini se, u ovom trenutku nalaze na prelo- mnoj tački razvoja, jer njihova fundamentalna mi­sija, obezbjeđivanje ravnopravnog pristupa znanju osobama sa invaliditetom, sada dobija sasvim novu dimenziju kroz mnogobrojne alate koji omoguća­vaju automatsku obradu, personalizaciju i adapta­ciju sadržaja. Istovremeno, postavlja se pitanje od izuzetnog značaja, a to je: kako će se transformisati sama knjiga kao kulturni i obrazovni artefakt u eri globalne digitalne fleksibilnosti?

ing them engage with cultural heritage and develop critical thinking through interactive activities.

Beyond its cultural and educational initiatives, the MSLLVI also contributes to the professional em­powerment of persons with disabilities through training programs, mentorship, and work experi­ence within the Library. Many participants of these programs later gain employment or join other cre­ative and educational initiatives, demonstrating the Library’s broader social value.

One of the earliest major initiatives was the train­ing of typhlographers and proofreaders, carried out through a grant scheme of the Employment Agency of Montenegro. These professional training programs enabled participants to apply their skills in the production of audiobooks and publications, strengthening the Library’s capacity while empow­ering participants to engage more fully in cultural life.

The program “3D Printing – Touch Your Ideas” continuously develops the creative and technical skills of persons with visual impairments. Through the creation of tactile models and practical 3D print­ing activities, participants explore new technologies and develop innovative approaches to learning and expression, while the broader public witnesses the potential of inclusive solutions in culture and edu­cation.

The DAISY audiobook training, applying interna­tional accessibility standards, provides both the Li­brary’s technical team and users with the knowledge needed for recording and producing accessible pub­lications. This ongoing program, active since 2010, ensures that the Library maintains high standards of accessibility and quality production.

The most recent addition to the Library’s services is the EPUB format, which offers improved text navi­gation. The first publications in this format became available in October 2025, distributed on audio me­dia for all users who access the Library both offline and online (Glas, 2025).

All these activities confirm that the MSLLVI is not merely a library but an institution that builds an in­clusive, accessible, and educational environment. It demonstrates how cultural and educational ini­tiatives can become spaces of equal opportunity, community, and active social participation, setting regional standards through its innovative approach. The mission of the Library, as stated by Director Božidar Bobo Denda, can be summarized in one sentence: “I placed the book into the hands where it was missing—not as a gift, but as a right waiting

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Pristupačni formati (Brajevo pismo, audio-knjige, elektronske publikacije sa sintetizovanim govorom ili uvećanim tekstom) tradicionalno služe uklanja­nju barijera za osobe sa senzornim ili kognitivnim poteškoćama. Međutim, svjedoci smo da razvoj vještačke inteligencije omogućava značajno una­prjeđenje ovih formata, i to brzinom koju je nekada nemoguće ispratiti. Moderni VI sistemi mogu u re­alnom vremenu pretvarati tekst u govor prirodnog zvuka, automatski prevoditi tekst u Brajevo pismo, prilagođavati prikaz sadržaja individualnim potre­bama korisnika, pa čak i generisati opis vizuelnih i grafičkih elemenata koji su ranije bili nedostupni osobama sa oštećenjem vida.

Takođe, VI omogućava razvoj inteligentnih infor- macionih sistema u bibliotekama, koji mogu prepo­ručivati sadržaje prema interesovanjima, čitalačkim navikama ili nivou razumijevanja korisnika (sve to na osnovu usavršavanja određenih algoritama). Ovakav pristup podstiče aktivno učešće osoba sa in­validitetom u kulturnom i obrazovnom životu, čine­ći biblioteku suštinskim mjestom inkluzije i socijal­ne participacije (biblioteka tako postaje svojevrsni akademski forum, a ne samo čitaonica).

Ipak, razvoj i primjena VI u bibliotekama nosi i zna­čajne izazove koje je važno pravovremeno detek- tovati i razumjeti. Prvo, pitanje zaštite privatnosti i ličnih podataka korisnika je od kritičnog značaja, jer inteligentni sistemi uče iz korisničkog ponaša­nja. Drugo, postoji rizik digitalne isključenosti, na­ročito među zajednicama sa ograničenim tehnološ­kim resursima ili osobama sa slabijom digitalnom pismenošću, što može stvoriti dodatne poteškoće. Takođe, komercijalizacija VI alata može ugroziti princip otvorenog i besplatnog pristupa koji je te­melj biblioteka pristupačnih formata i dodatno mar- ginalizovati ili getoizirati ekonomski slabije slojeve stanovništva.

Za samu knjigu, era vještačke inteligencije pred­stavlja dvostruki izazov. S jedne strane, omogućava stvaranje “dinamičkih tekstova”, odnosno adaptiv­nih publikacija koje se prilagođavaju tempu čitanja, interesovanjima i sposobnostima korisnika. S druge strane, pojavljuje se pitanje očuvanja autentičnosti i trajne forme knjige, jer algoritamski generisani sa­držaji mogu smanjiti stabilnost i kulturnu vrijednost tradicionalnog teksta. Očuvanje klasičnih formata, poput Brajevog pisma, ostaje od ključnog značaja ne samo kao metod čitanja, već i kao alat za obra­zovanje i intelektualnu emancipaciju osoba sa ošte­ćenjem vida.

BZSCG, kao nacionalna institucija specijalizovana za pristupačne formate, nalazi se u centru ove tran-

to be restored.” Denda adds that his wish was for books to be accessible to everyone who seeks them, regardless of their abilities, because “there are no boundaries when it comes to love—and with books, there can be no love unreturned” (Ćuković, 2025). This philosophy clearly defines the Library’s com­mitment to inclusion, accessibility, and the promo­tion of reading culture among persons with visual impairments.

6. Books and Accessible Formats in the Era of Technological Transformation

The modern global digital society, marked by rapid technological progress and the growing application of artificial intelligence (AI), places libraries of ac­cessible formats under constant examination. These institutions seem to be at a turning point in their de­velopment, as their fundamental mission—provid­ing equal access to knowledge for persons with dis­abilities now acquires a completely new dimension through numerous tools that enable automatic pro­cessing, personalization, and adaptation of content. At the same time, a crucial question arises: how will the book itself, as a cultural and educational artifact, transform in an era of global digital flexibility?

Accessible formats (Braille, audiobooks, electronic publications with synthesized speech or enlarged print) have traditionally served to remove barriers for persons with sensory or cognitive disabilities. However, we are now witnessing that the develop­ment of AI significantly enhances these formats—at a pace that is often difficult to keep up with. Modern AI systems can convert text into natural-sounding speech in real time, automatically translate text into Braille, adjust the display of content to individual user needs, and even generate descriptions of visual and graphic elements that were previously inacces­sible to persons with visual impairments.

AI also enables the development of intelligent infor­mation systems within libraries, capable of recom­mending content based on users’ interests, reading habits, or comprehension levels (all derived from adaptive algorithms). This approach fosters active participation of persons with disabilities in cultural and educational life, transforming the library into a true academic forum rather than merely a reading room.

However, the development and implementation of AI in libraries also bring significant challenges that must be recognized and understood in time. First, the issue of privacy and data protection is critical, as intelligent systems learn from user behavior. Second, there is the risk of digital exclusion, es-

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sformacije. VI omogućava bržu i efikasniju konver­ziju knjiga u audio i digitalne formate, razvoj perso- nalizovanih aplikacija za čitanje i pretragu sadržaja, kao i pristup školskim i obrazovnim materijalima u realnom vremenu. Savremeni TTS (Text-to-Speech) sistemi sa prirodnim naglaskom i interaktivni inter- fejsi značajno olakšavaju korišćenje literarnih i edu- kativnih sadržaja osobama sa dodatnim senzornim ili kognitivnim poteškoćama.

Ipak, primjena naprednih VI sistema zahtijeva ula­ganja u infrastrukturu, obuku zaposlenih i licenci- ranje softvera. Za instituciju sa ograničenim budže­tom, ovo predstavlja realan izazov. Brzi tempo tehnoloških promjena postavlja pitanje kontinuiteta i održivosti sistema, dok je podrška za crnogorski jezik, kao manji i tehnološki slabije podržani jezik, dodatni izazov u primjeni VI alata za glasovnu sin­tezu i prepoznavanje govora.

Budućnost biblioteka pristupačnih formata u eri vještačke inteligencije obećava znatno povećanje inkluzivnosti i personalizacije usluga. Istovreme­no, ona nosi pitanja očuvanja kulturne baštine, sta­bilnosti tradicionalne knjige i etičkog korišćenja tehnologije. Da bi se iskoristio puni potencijal VI, potrebno je multidisciplinarno djelovanje – uključi­vanje bibliotekara, tehnoloških stručnjaka, etičara i samih korisnika. Samo tako biblioteke mogu ostati relevantne, tehnološki savremene i društveno odgo­vorne, pružajući svim građanima pristup znanju i kulturi u digitalnoj eri.

7. Zaključak

Ostvarivanje jednakog pristupa informacijama za sve pripadnike određene zajednice čini neophodan osnov civilizacijskog i kulturnog razvoja jednog društva, pri čemu posebno mjesto zauzima razvoj bibliotečke djelatnosti za osobe sa posebnim potre­bama. U tom smislu, u Crnoj Gori je stvoren sistem koji obezbjeđuje ravnopravan pristup znanju, obra­zovanju i kulturi, i to od prvih izdanja na Brajevom pismu pa do osnivanja Biblioteke za slijepe Crne Gore 2006, koja je danas (2025) transformisana u Biblioteku pristupačnih formata kao matičnu usta­novu za sva odjeljenja i biblioteke pristupačnih formata u Crnoj Gori. To je dokaz da je Biblioteka postala ključni centar kreativnosti, inkluzije i samo­stalnosti za osobe sa oštećenim vidom, ali i prostor za razmjene iskustava, obrazovanja i kulturne par­ticipacije.

Biblioteka ide u korak sa savremenim tehnološkim razvojem, naročito u pogledu primjene vještačke inteligencije i digitalnih alata, te stvara nove mogućnosti u unapređenju pristupačnih formata

pecially among communities with limited techno­logical resources or users with low digital literacy, which may further deepen inequalities. Moreover, the commercialization of AI tools can threaten the principle of open and free access—the very founda­tion of libraries of accessible formats—and further marginalize or isolate economically disadvantaged populations.

For the book itself, the age of AI presents a dual challenge. On one hand, it allows the creation of “dynamic texts”—adaptive publications that re­spond to readers’ pace, interests, and abilities. On the other hand, it raises concerns about preserving authenticity and the permanent form of the book, as algorithmically generated content may weaken the stability and cultural value of traditional texts. Pre­serving classical formats, such as Braille, remains essential—not only as a method of reading but also as a tool of education and intellectual emancipation for persons with visual impairments.

As the national institution specializing in accessible formats, the MSLLVI stands at the center of this transformation. AI enables faster and more efficient conversion of books into audio and digital formats, the development of personalized reading and search applications, and real-time access to school and ed­ucational materials. Modern Text-to-Speech (TTS) systems with natural intonation and interactive in­terfaces significantly facilitate the use of literary and educational content for persons with additional sensory or cognitive challenges.

Nevertheless, the application of advanced AI sys­tems requires investments in infrastructure, staff training, and software licensing. For an institution with a limited budget, this represents a tangible chal­lenge. The rapid pace of technological change raises questions of continuity and sustainability, while the limited AI support for the Montenegrin language poses an additional obstacle in implementing voice synthesis and speech recognition technologies.

The future of libraries of accessible formats in the age of artificial intelligence promises greater inclu­sivity and service personalization, but it also brings important questions regarding the preservation of cultural heritage, the stability of the traditional book, and the ethical use of technology. To fully harness the potential of AI, a multidisciplinary ap­proach is essential—involving librarians, technolo­gists, ethicists, and users themselves. Only through such collaboration can libraries remain relevant, technologically advanced, and socially responsible, ensuring equal access to knowledge and culture for all citizens in the digital age.

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i interaktivnom uključivanju korisnika. Sa druge strane, ovi trendovi postavljaju pitanje opstanka tradicionalnih formata, zaštite kulturne baštine i etičke aplikativnosti tehnoloških rješenja.

Budućnost Biblioteke za slijepe Crne Gore, odnosno Biblioteke pristupačnih formata, leži u spremnosti i kapacitetu da se prilagodi ubrzanim tehnološkim promjenama te da u skladu sa međunarodnim i na­cionalnim standardima radi na daljem unapređenju svojih usluga u saradnji sa partnerima na lokalnom, nacionalnom i međunarodnom planu. U tom pogle­du, kao jedna od perspektiva razvoja prepoznaje se potencijalno članstvo u međunarodnim biblioteč- kim mrežama, kao što je Međunarodna federacija bibliotečkih udruženja i institucija, odnosno njena Sekcija za pravedne i dostupne bibliotečke usluge (IFLA Equitable and accessible Library Services Section).

7. Conclusion

Ensuring equal access to information for all members of a community represents a funda­mental basis for the civilizational and cultur­al development of any society, with particular importance placed on the advancement of li­brary services for persons with special needs. In this regard, Montenegro has developed a system that provides equal access to knowledge, education, and culture—from the first publications in Braille to the founding of the Montenegro State Lending Library for the Visually Impaired in 2006, which in 2025 was transformed into the Library of Acces­sible Formats of Montenegro, serving as the central institution for all departments and libraries of ac­cessible formats in the country. This transformation confirms that the Library has become a key center of creativity, inclusion, and independence for per­sons with visual impairments, as well as a space for exchange, education, and cultural participation.

The Library continues to keep pace with modern technological development, particularly in the ap­plication of artificial intelligence and digital tools, creating new opportunities for the improvement of accessible formats and interactive user engage­ment. On the other hand, these trends raise essential questions regarding the preservation of traditional formats, the protection of cultural heritage, and the ethical application of technological solutions.

The future of the Library of Accessible Formats of Montenegro lies in its ability and capacity to adapt to rapid technological change and to continuously enhance its services in accordance with international and national standards, through collaboration with partners at the local, national, and international lev­els. In this context, one of the recognized directions for future development is the Library’s potential membership in international library networks, such as the International Federation of Library Associa­tions and Institutions (IFLA), specifically its Section for Equitable and Accessible Library Services.

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