Disabilities and the Library

Fostering Equity for Patrons and Staff with Differing Abilities

Clayton A. Copeland

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN:
  9781440859076
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9798216185260
• Topic: Languages & Linguistics
• Subtopic: Library & Information Science
• Index: Languages & Linguistics

Librarians need to understand the needs and abilities of differently abled patrons, and anyone responsible for hiring and managing librarians must know how to provide an equitable environment. This book serves as an educational resource for both groups.

Understanding the needs and abilities of patrons who are differently abled increases librarians' ability to serve them from childhood through adulthood. While some librarians are fortunate to have had coursework to help them understand the needs and abilities of the differently abled, many have had little experience working with this diverse group. In addition, many persons who are differently abled are-or would like to become-librarians.

Disabilities and the Library helps readers understand the challenges faced by people who are differently abled, both as patrons and as information professionals. Readers will learn to assess their library's physical facilities, programming, staff, and continuing education to ensure that their libraries are prepared to include people of all abilities. Inclusive programming and collection development suggestions will help librarians to meet the needs of patrons and colleagues with mobility and dexterity problems, learning differences, hearing and vision limitations, sensory and cognitive challenges, autism, and more. Additional information is included about assistive and adaptive technologies and web accessibility. Librarians will value this accessible and important book as they strive for equity and inclusivity.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Foreword: As Far as the Eye May See
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Part I: The Historic Role of Disability Rights Activists, Librarians, and Other Advocates in Providing Universal Access to Information
• Part II: Understanding Differences and Seeing the Abilities Born Through Them
• Part III: Integrating Individual Needs: Creating Inclusive Collections and Programming
• Part IV: Inclusive Facilities in the Physical and Virtual World
• Part V: Leadership: Inclusive Policies, Practices, and Environments for Library Staff with Differing Abilities and Needs
• Part VI: Conclusion
• Afterword
• Index