Assistive Technology: Accessibility in the Library

By: Jordan Farquhar

Most libraries claim to be a safe and accessible space for all and while this is a large tenet with libraries worldwide and in the ALA, it is becoming increasingly apparent that a major population of patrons is unintentionally being excluded due to a lack of inclusive technology within our libraries. These patrons are disabled people. Disabilities come in a wide range of forms from physical disabilities to reading and cognitive disabilities. With today’s changes in technology, better serving patrons with disabilities is not only easier but should be expected.

This lack of emphasis on serving patrons with disabilities seems to stem from multiple things but among them and most notably is a deficit or complete lack of training or education. In a 2018 study, it was found that most graduate Information and Library Science students did not feel that their course prepared them to work with patrons with disabilities. Only 7% of the respondents from the survey felt that their learning had prepared them thoroughly enough (Pionke, 258). This lack of preparedness has been longstanding for almost all advancements in technology in the library and needs to be addressed if libraries are to properly serve disabled patrons.

With this being said, there are a lot of things libraries can do to improve accessibility for their disabled patrons. Among them are physical access, media formats, and service & communication. Provided by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the “Access to libraries for persons with disabilities - CHECKLIST” is a great resource for libraries struggling to identify pitfalls in their accessibility. Even small changes can mean the world to disabled patrons. In 2000, the Fairfax County Library acquired a braille copy of the Harry Potter series, allowing many blind patrons to enjoy the popular series in a method comfortable for them. This then prompted the library to host a computer camp for blind/visually impaired students (Jenkins, 2000). Even the smallest of changes for disabled patrons can make a huge difference. It is my hope that someday with our resources and technology libraries will truly become the center of support and accessibility they strive to be.

Watch This

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmjaiA4Qawk&ab_channel=SarasotaCountyGovernment%28Official%29’

This is a video from Sarasota County Library showing many of the technologies that have been available for disabled patrons.

Works Cited

Irvall, Birgitta, et al. Access to Libraries for Persons with Disabilities: Checklist. IFLA Professional Reports, No. 89. International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2005. EBSCOhost, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=ED494537&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Jenkins, Chris L. "Spinning Magic in Braille; Harry Potter Series Joins Library's Collection for the Blind: [FINAL Edition]." The Washington Post, Jul 27, 2000, pp. VAF.1. ProQuest, https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/spinning-magic-braille-harry-potter-series-joins/docview/408665371/se-2?accountid=35685.

Pionke, J. J. “Disability- and Accessibility-Related Library Graduate-School Education from the Student Perspective.” Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, vol. 61, no. 2, Jan. 2020, pp. 253–69. EBSCOhost, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1261692&site=ehost-live&scope=site.