Library and Information Science Commons^™

Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Insider’S Perspective In Public And Academic Libraries, Ryan N. Lamberts

School of Information Sciences Student Scholarship

The purpose of this paper is to bring to light the social issue of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how public and academic libraries are making strides to better serve this branch of the population. Definitions will be provided to better explain what challenges ASD patrons face. In turn, librarians across America, specifically in Illinois and Ohio in recent years, have come together to discuss in both literature and national forums what they are continually doing to better serve, educate, and support their patrons and train their librarians. ASD is a complex social issue faced by millions; one widely …

Environmental Scan Of Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Library Collections, Sidonie Devarenne, Madeline Kelly, Emily Spracklin

Western Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

This document presents the result of an environmental scan of collections practices, projects, and policy language related to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI). The scope of this scan is ADEI collections projects within the functional areas represented on the Western Libraries’ Scholarly Resources Groups (SRG). It excludes literature with a focus on:

• Cataloging and metadata
• Circulation
• Course reserves
• Publishing
• Hosting
• Discovery

If issues related to these functional areas are deemed to be future priorities, the units and departments responsible for these functional areas will need to be involved in the development of related goals and projects.

This scan focuses …

Pursuing Social Justice Through Visual Practice: Intro To Part Iv, Stephanie Beene

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

This peer-reviewed chapter serves as the Introduction to the final section of the book, Unframing the Visual: Visual Literacy Pedagogy in Academic Libraries and Information Spaces, edited by Maggie Murphy, Stephanie Beene, Katie Greer, Sara Schumacher, and Dana Statton Thompson, and published by the Association of College & Research Libraries (2023). As the introduction to the final section of the book, it introduces readers to the final theme of the 2022 Framework for Visual Literacy in Higher Education, a Companion Document (VL Framework) to the 2016 Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, “Learners …

Assistive Technologies For Visual Impairment Enhancing Access To Library Resources, Sudhakar Mishra

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper examines the use of assistive technologies in libraries to enhance access to resources for individuals with visual impairments. Various types of assistive technologies including screen readers and text-to-speech software are discussed in terms of their features and applications. Implementation challenges and strategies are examined along with the positive impact of assistive technologies on accessing library resources. The importance of promoting awareness and providing training for library staff and users is emphasized. This paper highlights the significance of assistive technologies in creating inclusive library environments and provide framework of implementing assistive technologies in libraries and also future research suggestions. …

Guidelines For Behavioral Performance Of Reference And Information Service Providers 2023, Melissa Del Castillo, Rebecca Graff, Kate Cordes, Rebecca Crawford, Liz Kocevar-Weidinger

Works of the FIU Libraries

These guidelines are intended for library workers in reference and information services, in all types of libraries, who answer informational questions or conduct reference interviews. The goal of these guidelines is to support excellent, user-centered service. Some guidelines might not prove applicable in all contexts. Where that is the case, the goal should be to adapt these guidelines as appropriate to your environment.

A Survey Of Ict Use By Registry Staff Identifies Personal And Organisational Barriers, Claudius Akinkunmi Isamakinde Mr, Wole Michael Olatokun Professor

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated issues relating to the availability, accessibility, extent of use, and major factors inhibiting the use of ICT tools among the registry staff of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. Survey design was adopted. The population comprised 520 members of staff across the various sections of the Registry, out of which 260 (50%) respondents were sampled. A structured questionnaire and an interview schedule were used for data collection. Quantitative data were subjected to frequency distribution, while interview responses were transcribed and thematically analysed. Findings showed that a good number of basic ICT tools such as desktop computers, printers, …

A Periodicals Librarian’S Role In Technical Services : Equalizing Access To Library Databases For The Disabled, Barbara M. Pope

Faculty Submissions

Equal access to library resources and services is vital to the successful learning of all students at higher education institutions. All academic libraries provide access to databases in support of the discovery and scholarship needs of the university or college. However, not all databases are equally accessible. Librarians at Pittsburg State University recognized the difficulties disabled students attending college have accessing resources and wanted to assist students and faculty by learning more and reducing barriers. An additional goal included aligning services with other campus resources geared towards disability services. The Student Disability Services department at PSU assists disabled students and …

Digital Archive Kits: Accessibility And Flexibility, Glenn Koelling

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

This chapter describes the creation of the Archive Kit, which is a digital teaching tool. It consists of a collection of digitized letters from the University of New Mexico's special collections, a worksheet, and a lesson plan. The Archive Kit is designed to be accessible, flexible, and easy to set up. This chapter has two aims: 1) to present an inclusive and effective way of teaching with digital archives while explaining its flexibility as a pedagogical resource; and 2) to describe the nuts and bolts of creating an Archive Kit from ground up (choosing letters, digitizing, making it accessible, hosting, …

Building Inclusive Libraries One Step At A Time: Kindness, Equity, And Candidate Experiences In Hiring, Annie Bélanger, Sarah Beaubien, Preethi Gorecki

Presentations

Have you ever wondered if the interview process could be a kinder, more accessible experience anchored in equity that is ultimately meant to develop connections? Would you like to critically examine practices in the hiring process to ensure empathy for applicants going through the process? In taking a closer look at our own practices, we made significant improvements to our processes, which have led to a more positive experience for candidates and our organizational outcomes. Each component of the hiring process can be centered in equity and accessibility. It is key to ensure that each stage contends with bias, both …

Genrefication: Making Children's Collections Accessible, Kurt Axt

Resources

[From Introduction]

Most people who have home libraries have no need to classify their collections. They have one or maybe several bookcases, perhaps separating fiction from nonfiction, grouping fiction by genre or format, nonfiction by subject. They may even keep their Outlander books together and not mix them up with their Alex Cross books. But only a rare bird would alphabetize their fiction by author or organize their nonfiction by the Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress (LC) classification systems. Likewise, if their small child has a bookcase in his or her bedroom, it is probably an unsorted mass of …

Increasing The Accessibility Of Library Resources & Services For Improved Discovery In The Classroom, Barbara M. Pope

Faculty Submissions

Equitable access to education for students with disabilities is not just a good idea, it is the law. However, all students benefit from having multiple possible ways to learn. I believe the same holds true for library services and resources. However, making courses and library resources and services is easier to imagine than it is to do. Come to this presentation to hear about what I learned in the ADA & Web Accessibility Self-Paced Workshop from Online Learning Consortium and how I have improved the accessibility of library resources and services.

Accessibility And Public Services - Part 2: When Being User Focused Includes All Users, Annie Bélanger

Scholarly Papers and Articles

Libraries serve an important role in accessing information, delivering services, and fostering a sense of community. Libraries must ask whether they are serving all of their community members equitably. People with disabilities need to be able to access the libraries fully. This article first provides an overview of approaches for moving beyond compliance in the development and delivery of services to people with disabilities. It explores barriers to accessing services for people with disabilities and ways to overcome them. Lastly, it outlines daily interaction tips in providing service to people with disabilities.

Inclusion In The Library: A Case Study Of Accessibility In The Central Institutes In The North Eastern Region Of India, Esther Moirangthem, Bobby Phuritsabam

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

With the creative advocacy of inclusion in every aspect of the society, Social Inclusion is now a universal concept and inclusivity in the library is no exception. An inclusive Library is an important element for an inclusive education and thereby, an inclusive society. Accessibility is the key concern when it comes to inclusion in the library. This study focuses on the various issues of accessibilities in selected academic libraries located in the North Eastern Region of India. This topic seems to be an underexplored study, especially in this region of the country. Therefore, it is high time to create a …

Understanding The Unseen: Invisible Disabilities In The Workplace, Ann Abney, Veronica Denison, Chris Tanguay, Michelle Ganz

Faculty and Staff Publications

Approximately 61 million (or 1 in 4) adults in the United States have a disability. Despite this prevalence, many people cannot name a coworker who is disabled, possibly due to the number of people who have invisible disabilities. This lack of understanding of both causes and prevalence can cause both the disabled and their supervisors or managers to be unaware of how to address a disabled person’s needs. In this article, the authors shed light on how to improve the professional environment for disabled archivists, staff, and patrons. People without disabilities or those with unrealized disabilities can all benefit when …

Awareness, Accessibility And Use Of Electronic Information Resources By Students Of Public Polytechnics In Lagos State, Nigeria, Omonike Atinuke Arowosola Mrs, Azeez Adebamgbola Adeoye, Lauretta Nnebuogor Ojei Mrs., Mutiat Yewande Salvador Miss.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The success of the 21^st century library practices is dependent on digital information handling, management and dissemination otherwise known as electronic information resources EIRs management. Viable nations of the world have long harnessed EIRs potentials in growing and developing their educational system including the polytechnic education via effective teaching and learning. Unfortunately, this is not the case of the Nigerian polytechnic system which could be due to several factors. Thus, the study investigates Awareness, Accessibility and Use of Electronic Information Resources by Students of Public Polytechnics in Lagos State, Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was adopted on a …

Availability And Accessibility Of Electronic Information Resources In Academic Libraries As Predictors Of Academic Performance Of Students, Fausat Kehinde Adenariwo, Abdulakeem Sodeeq Sulyman

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper argues for the availability and accessibility of EIRs in academic libraries as predictors of academic performance of students of tertiary institutions. It raises the problem that the growing influx of EIRs has revolutionised academic libraries' operations and led to radical changes in libraries' services by making information available to students in new ways to support scholarly publications and identifies e-journals, e-books, e-theses and dissertations, databases, CDs/VCDs/DVDs, etc., as EIRs that can be made available and accessible to boost students' academic performance. It outlines space economy, ease of access through numerous metadata, search engines, online catalogues (OPAC), and protocols, …

Increasing Accessibility To Library Resources And Services By Adding Closed Captioning And Transcripts To Youtube Videos, Barbara M. Pope, Gloria Creed-Dikeogu

Faculty Submissions

Accessibility to library resources and services in academic libraries is fundamental to

serving the discovery and scholarship needs of all students and faculty, whether they have disabilities or not. Equitable access in higher education can affect student grades and retention, but accessibility touches many different areas in library services, including making the physical building accessible, as well as instructional materials, the library’s website, Libguides, and library resources to those with vision, physical, and cognitive disabilities. Accessibility is vital for students with disabilities to obtain a college degree and complies with federal law. However, it also improves access to higher education …

Ul Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, And Accessibility Framework, Annie Bélanger, Stacey Burns, Samantha Minnis, Susan Ponischil, Ashley Rosener

Library Reports and Communication

This framework is meant to provide a shared understanding of the University Libraries’ commitment and approaches toward Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). The framework is intended to ground us in theory as we move toward action, to guide us as we make decisions about IDEA-related initiatives, and to prioritize our IDEA commitment in all that we do. The framework allows us to leverage systems thinking as well as to connect library efforts to the University’s goals, values, and frameworks for IDEA. While the framework does not provide action steps, it is meant to provide ways for all library colleagues …

Accessibility And Public Services - Part 1: The Case For Access, Annie Bélanger

Scholarly Papers and Articles

Libraries serve an important role in accessing information, delivering services, and fostering a sense of community. Libraries must ask whether they are serving all of their community members equitably. People with disabilities need to be able to access the libraries fully. This article first provides an overview of accessibility-related legislative history in the US, Canada and Ontario, and Australia to contextualize its impact on services to people with disabilities. The medical and social models of disability are explored. Lastly an overview of the history of libraries and accessibility cements the moral, ethical, and legal reasons to serve people with disabilities.

Journey To Idea 2.0: Moving From Education To Action, Annie Bélanger, Stacey Burns, Samantha Minnis, Ashley Rosener

Presentations

Join members of one university library’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee to learn about their journey from IDEA to IDEA 2.0 over the course of a few years. This library took steps to move beyond simply educating their colleagues to actively reviewing and addressing systems level issues. They will share their challenges and progress with a number of initiatives. These initiatives include drafting a detailed IDEA framework for the library, conducting an organization-wide policy and culture audit, facilitating library-wide action-oriented workshops, incorporating IDEA goals for all individuals and departments, and leveraging systems-thinking to empower individuals to be leaders …

Grand Valley State University Libraries Journey To Idea 2.0: Moving From Education To Action Toolkit, Lucille Near, Annie Bélanger, Stacey Burns, Samantha Minnis, Ashley Rosener

Library Reports and Communication

An annotated bibliography of resources to explore and advance inclusion, equity, diversity, accessibility work (IDEA). Includes background documents related to IDEA work at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and Grand Valley State University Libraries, as well as toolkits and frameworks external to GVSU.

Nexus Between Information Resources Accessibility And Academic Librarians Job Performance: A Case Study Of North-Central, Nigeria, Jacob Oloruntoba Kutu Dr, Olabode Olajide Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article examined the relationship between information resources accessibility and academic librarians' job performance in North-Central, Nigeria. Maslow and Task-Technology Fit theories underpinned this study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The quantitative methods research approach of the explanatory type was adopted as means of data collection from 135 academic librarians, out of which 103 (81%) copies of the questionnaires were duly filled and returned. The data collected were analysed using frequency counts and percentages. Two research questions and one hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance were postulated for the study. The major findings revealed …

Library Study Spaces And Accessibility, Jessica Schomberg, Elizabeth Harsma, Prajita Chauhan, Oscar Gonzalez

Library Services Publications

To understand the library study space needs of students with disabilities by thinking about study spaces through a disability lens and using theory-based interview questions to conduct a qualitative exploration of student needs related to the accessibility of study spaces. Recommendations are provided.

Asking The Right Questions: Accessibility And Library Study Rooms, Jessica Schomberg, Christopher R. Corley

Library Services Publications

This article assists administrators who want to ensure their libraries are inclusive of people with disabilities but don’t know where to start. We argue that organizations should understand not only the basic dimensions of ADA law but also dimensions of disability. They should also become familiar with multiple domains of disability and proactively incorporate reflective questions posed by researchers and advocates into the library space planning process. The article uses examples of common missteps in the development of study rooms with some reflection on how to learn from the experience.

Impacts Of User Education On Users’ Awareness, Accessibility And Use Of Information Resources And Services In Federal Polytechnic Ede Library, Osun State, Nigeria, Uwaebuka W. Madu Mr., G. I. Buhari Mr, Mulikat Bola Aliyu Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated the impacts of user education on users’ awareness, accessibility and use of information resources and services in Federal Polytechnic Ede Library. The study employed a survey research design. The population of this study consisted of all registered student users of the library totaling 6,000; 10% of the entire population amounting 600 was used for the study. The random sampling technique was adopted. Structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Out of the 600 copies of questionnaire distributed, 517 (86.2%) were retrieved and found valid for analysis. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. …

Availability And Accessibility As Determinants Of Use Of Electronic Reference Sources Among Secondary School Teachers In Ekiti State Nigeria, Adesanmi Mathew Farukuoye, Olayinka Folorunso, Elizabeth Bukunola Lateef

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

Availability of information resources plays a major role in teaching and learning. For effective teaching to take place information resources must be provided and teachers must have access to various types of resources particularly in their areas of specialization. This will not only broaden their knowledge base but also prepare them ahead of the challenges that may face them in the course of imparting knowledge. A variety of activities that are performed by teachers in the course of carrying out their professional duties is hinged on close interaction with the various reference sources in their areas of specialization. These …

Information Needs, Accessibility And Utilization Of Library & Information Resources As Elements Of Improving The Spiritual Well-Being Of Prisoners In Sri Lanka, Jayasundara Gamage Chandani

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The main objective of this research is study of impact of the prison library services on prisoners’ spiritual well-being. Descriptive survey method was adopted and four null hypotheses were tested to achieve the main objective. A research questionnaire was used to collect data on the sampled 80 prisoners. Result indicated that information needs, accessibility to library information resources and utilization of library information resources are very critical ingredients in determining the spiritual well-being of prisoners. There was significant relationship between: spiritual well-being and utilization of library information resources (r=0.660; (p=0.000) ≤0.05), accessibility to library information resources by prisoner (r=0.341; (p=0.016) …

Carrying Accessibility Forward, Katie Quirin Manwiller

University Libraries Faculty Publications

Recording, presentation slides, script, and follow-up questions of the December 1, 2021, ACRL Distance and Online Learning Section Instruction Committee: Carrying Accessibility Forward with speaker, Katie Quirin Manwiller. This past year certainly cast a spotlight on the importance of accessibility in online teaching and learning. Accessibility, however, is more than best practice checklists, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), or legalities. In this forum, Katie Quirin Manwiller, Education Librarian and Assistant Professor at West Chester University, shares her knowledge of disability and accessibility, addressing what the future could hold for universal design for learning (UDL) and practical ways to implement UDL …

Accessible, Sustainable Outreach: New Priorities For An Online Orientation Program, Colleen E. Hoelscher, Anne Jumonville Graf

Library Faculty Research

When paradigm-shifting events like the COVID-19 pandemic disrupt planning, as usual, libraries must rethink how they conduct traditional marketing and outreach activities like new student orientations. At Trinity University’s Coates Library, the traditional in-person orientation shifted to an asynchronous, online format. This article will detail how this change led to the development of new and reusable digital content for sustainable teaching and outreach, prioritized accessibility, and offered an alternative means of program assessment. Further, these changes provided an opportunity to reexamine some of the library’s previous goals and methods for first-year student outreach.

Information Needs Versus Information Services: Assessing Predictors Of Secondary School Students With Visual Impairment Satisfaction At School Library Media Centres In South-Eastern Nigeria, Samuel K. Ibenne, Oluwole Olumide Durodolu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated the information needs versus Information services by assessing predictors of Secondary School Students with Visual Impairment Satisfaction at School Library Media Centres in South-Eastern Nigeria. This research embraced a positivist research paradigm in which quantitative research method was used to gather statistical data and generalizing it across various groups of respondents in order to elucidate a certain phenomenon.The population of the study is 95 consisting of 84 students with visual impairment enrolled in the secondary schools selected for the study and 11 SLMC personnel who are responsible for services to the students with visual impairment.The study revealed …