Draft:Library accessibility

Library accessibility is the practice of making libraries usable to disabled people, including both patrons and employees. This goes beyond compliance with related laws (such as the Americans with Disabilities Act or European Accessibility Act, and often includes elements of universal design.[1] Successful library accessibility often includes working with stakeholders with a variety of disabilities.[2]

History

United States

When the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was passed, libraries began to be retrofitted for accessibility. Preliminary research in 1994 suggested that most library directors embraced the law, but others were upset by the law and the cost associated with retrofits.[1]

Accessibility of library spaces

Some accessibility challenges are related to navigating the physical space of the library. For example, floor plans and space layouts may not provide enough room for the use of mobility aids. Inaccessible restrooms are also a concern--larger stalls may have been created, but doors with knobs and no power assist make it difficult or impossible to get in. Where accessible entrances exist, they are often out of the way by docks and dumpsters, and may require ringing a bell for assistance rather than simply entering. Tables and chairs may or may not be height-adjustable, making them difficult for wheelchair users to use.[1][3]

Norms around the use of space in libraries and archives can also cause problems. For example, quiet reading rooms can pose a problem for Hard of Hearing patrons who may struggle to hear or participate in quiet communication.[3]

Accessibility of collections

In a fully accessible library, disabled patrons can access and use collections without requiring assistance from a non-disabled staff member. For example, if non-disabled patrons are able to read original documents in an archive rather than relying on facsimiles, disabled patrons should be able to do so as well. However, older library buildings sometimes require a paging system when the library stacks cannot be made accessible.[2]

Web accessibility

Libraries are more than their physical collections. Web pages and online tutorials must also be configured to be accessible for disabled patrons. This is often achieved using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).[2]

Library staff

Disabled people may work as library staff members and require accessible work environments and other accommodations. For example, a visually impaired employee may require magnifying software, while an employee using a wheelchair needs to be able to navigate non-public areas like staff mailboxes or break rooms.[2]

Exhibits

Accessible exhibits include multiple sensory channels, usually visual, audio, and tactile. Additionally, objects and their labels must be placed appropriately so that wheelchair users can maneuver around them and people at different heights and using mobility aids can read them. Labels should be designed for readibility and use straightforward language.[3][4]

Academic libraries

Most academic libraries include accessibility information on their website, often on a dedicated webpage.[5]

See also

  • JJ Pionke, librarian and researcher in this field

References

  1. ^ a b c Pionke, JJ (2017-01-01). "Beyond ADA Compliance: The Library as a Place for All". Urban Library Journal. 23 (1). ISSN 1944-9682.
  2. ^ a b c d Kowalsky, Michelle; Woodruff, John (2017). Creating inclusive library environments: a planning guide for serving patrons with disabilities. Chicago: ALA Editions, an imprint of the American Library Association. ISBN 978-0-8389-1485-4.
  3. ^ a b c Tang, Lydia; Relle, Blake; Wolfe, Erin; Perrone, Fernanda (November/December 2016). "Making Archives and Special Collections Accessible". Archival Outlook. Society of American Archivists. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Society of American Archivists (February 2019). Guidelines for Accessible Archives for  People with Disabilities.
  5. ^ Brunskill, Amelia (2020). ""Without That Detail, I'm Not Coming": The Perspectives of Students with Disabilities on Accessibility Information Provided on Academic Library Websites". College & Research Libraries: 768. doi:10.5860/crl.81.5.768.

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