Ensuring Accessibility for all patrons with Automation Sytems : Project by Sharon Minnifield 

Introduction

In many countries all over the world, access for patrons with physical, intellectual , and organizational access to the use of libraries is not yet available or even expected. In order to provide equal opportunities for all library users, it is necessary to look with the eyes of these patron groups at the physical, intellectual and organizational access. Where should access to library on-line information resources be placed? This will depend on the structure and resources  of both the library and campus computing services. But there are some considerations that will apply broadly. When implementing any accessibility technologies, think “mainstream.” Students, staff and faculty with disabilities should have access to the same resources, in the same locations, as their peers. This may mean the public terminal and reference sections of a library. However, local area, enterprise-wide and international computer networks increasingly make remote access to on-line databases possible. CD-ROM’s can be shared through network file servers. Campus backbone networks can allow access to library on-line information from public access microcomputer labs and individual office workstations. At UCLA, a new student residence hall micro labs are designed with computer accessibility in mind. Mobility-impaired students, for example, will be able to check on the availability of library books on-line across the campus backbone network, without first making the hilly trek across campus from dorm to library. In some instances, specialized campus population. The  UCLA Law Library has accounts with the Westlaw and Lexus on-line database services. In this instance, a special microcomputer with speech access was set up in the law library so that law students who are blind or have low vision can gain access to these databases. Other accommodations (a text reading machine and large monitor ) are available on site. Law students can also dial in to these electronic resources from home via modem. For one law student who is blind, remote login from home was especially important. She used her home computer with voice synthesizer to access the on-line databases, complete her assignments, and study for the bar.

 

            Today’s campus library has a unique opportunity to play a leading role in providing equal educational and employment opportunity to students, faculty and staff with disabilities. This opportunity is due to the convergence of two evolving trends: the increasing computerization of library information resources an the enhanced power of adaptive computerization of library information resources and the enhanced power of adaptive computing technologies designed to make computing accessible to people with disabilities. Historically, library patrons with difficulty reading due to visual, orthopedic, or learning disabilities have had to rely on the assistance of others for access to many basic library resources. Card catalogs, reference materials, books and journals required readers, or ordering audio tapes and Braille copies. Indeed, this is still the case with access to many of the academic resources of college and university libraries. But the computerization of information enables and increasing number of these resources to be captured by a variety of special output devices and read to the library patron who has visual or learning disabilities. Similarly, the patron with difficulty manipulating printed texts due to an orthopedic disability can take advantage of computerized information by accessing it with a wide range of computer input devices. As library systems at campuses world wide computerize their information resources, and unprecedented window of opportunity opens for patrons with disabilities.

 

 

 

Intellectual Access	Physical Access	Organizational Access
Printed text materials, electronic text access, accessibility to printed text materials, including books, journals, reference materials, and library on-line computer user documentation.	Everybody should be able to use the libraries of a country. The surroundings of the library, the entrance, restrooms, stairs, elevators, an special rooms should be accessible for persons with different kinds of disabilities. A person in a wheelchair should be able to reach all departments, a visually impaired person should be able walk with a cane or a guide dog and find his or her way without bumping into obstacles. A deaf person should be able to communicate with library staff. A person with an intellectual impairment should be able to easily find books and other materials. A person with dyslexia or other reading problem should be able to find his/her way around.	Is there a  group already established, check with your state library association
Staff resources, computer modifications, full accessibility to library information resources.	Outside the library, sufficient parking spaces marked with international symbol for the disabled, parking close to the library entrance , clear and easy to read signposting, unobstructed and well lighted access paths to the entrance.	Starting group, don’t fear mistakes, be a contact, be ready to chair the group, the ability to research, document, and retrieve your findings
Readings, , checklist for making library automation accessible to all patrons.	Getting into the library, sufficient space in front of the door to allow a wheelchair to turn around, entrance door wide enough to allow a wheelchair to enter, no doorsteps for easy wheelchair access, glass doors marked to warn visually impaired persons.	Real support from your employer, contact people and keep informed, obtain information from others
organizations	Access to materials and services , the physical space, clear and easy –to-read signs with pictograms, shelves reachable from a wheelchair, reading and computer tables or varying heights throughout the library, chairs with sturdy armrests, staff trained to assist patrons in case of emergency.	Ability to delegate, partner with some people in your group who share the vision and ask them to do things, and mentor

 

 

 

 

 

Bibliography

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berliss, Jane,(March ,1992).Checklists for Making Library Automation Accessible to Disabled Patrons

 

 

 

www.rit.edu

 

 

 

Breeding, Marshall,(March,2008). RFID technology, Mountain View Public Library achieves 98% Patron Self-Checkout on First Day

 

 

 

www.Librarytechnology.org

 

 

 

Irvall, Birgitta, Nielsen, Gyda Skat. (2005). Access to Libraries for Persons with Disabilities:Checklist, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

 

 

 

www.eric.ed

 

 

 

Prostano, Emanuel, Prostano, Joyce S. (1999). The School Library Media Center. Libraries Unlimited, INC.

 

 

 

Schultz, Jones, Barbara (2006). An Automation Primer for School Library Media Centers and Small Libraries, Linworth Books