Library and Information Center Accessibility: The Differently-able Patron's Perspective.

Submitted by mlb78 on Fri, 09/16/2016 - 17:21
TitleLibrary and Information Center Accessibility: The Differently-able Patron's Perspective.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsCopeland, Clayton A.
JournalTechnical Services Quarterly
Volume28
Issue2
Pagination223-241
Keywordsacademic libraries, library
AbstractThis article explores library services and accessibility in public, school, and academic libraries from the perspective(s) of patrons who are differently-able. For this study, five individuals, each of whom has unique experiences with disability and society, participated in in-depth interviews. Qualitative data analysis revealed the following themes: love for libraries and reading; disability as a socially-constructed phenomenon; physical limitations and barriers to library accessibility and services; technology and adaptation; and legislative compliance versus compassion. Through participants' voices, the study lends understanding to the "lived experiences" of library patrons who are differently-able and offers suggestions on how library accessibility may be improved. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.
NotesThis article conducted several in-depth interviews to reveal current people's perceptions towards library services and library accessibility. Suggestions were also offered for differently-able populations with respect to improving library physical and web accessibility. Future studies could keep looking at acceessibility issues from other perspectives, such as finance, awareness and complacency, so that users might be able to experience better library services.
URLhttp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,uid&db=llf&AN=503012309&scope=site
DOI10.1080/07317131.2011.546281