Library Access Checklist

The mission of the public library is to provide free access to information. But with today's focus on the Internet and networking technology as primary forms of communication, the nature of public access has changed. Libraries must now ensure that they provide equal public access to technology for all users.

Although it would be nearly impossible for a library to employ specialized technology for each disability group, it is expected that libraries will follow the principles of universal design when selecting the technology that best fits their needs. Compliance with universal design will ensure that all users, ranging from the average user to those users with various learning or physical disabilities, will be able to utilize the library's information services. The following checklist is designed to assist libraries in determining their current level of technology accessibility, and to help identify areas that need improvement.

Awareness of Accessibility Needs

The library staff should first survey their facilities and community environment to determine how they will go about providing access to persons with disabilities.

  • Has the library staff examined the facility to determine what, if any, accessibility problems currently exist?
  • Has the library staff conducted a survey of library users to determine disability access needs?
  • Does the library have a staff member in charge of disability access?
  • Does the library have a plan for disability access?
  • Does the library have a plan for funding the purchase of new equipment or adaption of existing equipment?


How access is provided

There are many ways in which a library can approach the issue of accessibility. In some cases, a library may designate one computer or workstation as accessible to persons with disabilities. In other cases, libraries may choose to adapt existing technology to follow the principles of universal design.

  • Is there a computer designated as "accessible" to persons with disabilities?
  • If yes, is the computer clearly marked as such?
  • Is there a member of the library staff that is available to help disabled persons use the computer?
  • If there is not a specific "accessible" computer or computer workstation, have any computers been modified to meet the needs of specific users?
  • If yes, are the computers clearly marked as "accessible"?
  • Do the number of accessible computers meet the demand of library users?
  • Do the modifications meet the diverse needs of the library users?

Accessibility Requirements
  • Universally designed or modified computers should include a broad range a features to be considered fully accessible for people with a diverse set of needs.

Mobility Impaired
  • Adjustable table for patrons in wheelchairs
  • Adjustable keyboard tray
  • Trackballs for those who have difficulty controlling a mouse
  • Wrist rests and keyguards

Visually Impaired
  • Color computer monitor (17" or larger)
  • Screen Reading software
  • Screen enlargement software
  • Large print key labels
  • Braille conversion software and a Braille printer
  • Sound card or speech synthesizer with speech output

Hearing Impairments
  • Text alternatives to sound features
  • Captioning enabled media player software

Learning Disabilities
  • Sound card or speech synthesizer with speech output
  • Color computer monitor (17" or larger)
  • Screen enlargement software

Texas Assistive Technology Project:
http://tatp.edb.utexas.edu/library/library1.html

DO-IT:
http://www.washington.edu/doit/UA/PRESENT/libres.html  
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