Library Services for Persons with Disabilities: Twentieth Anniversary Update

Submitted by mlb78 on Fri, 09/16/2016 - 17:22
TitleLibrary Services for Persons with Disabilities: Twentieth Anniversary Update
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsWillis, Christine, Dee, Cheryl R., Bandy, Margaret, Daniels, Kate, and Stephenson, Priscilla
JournalMedical Reference Services Quarterly
Volume31
Issue1
ISSN Number0276-3869 (print), 1540-9597 (Online)
Abstract

In recognition of the twentieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this survey updates the progress and reflects on the status of academic health sciences library services for people with disabilities since the Nelson study in 1996. The results of this survey extend beyond academic libraries to hospital libraries and include areas where all libraries can improve disability access. Based on a 24% response rate, libraries have addressed accessibility of technology in cost-effective and relatively easy ways. Libraries are reactively rather than proactively making changes to services for persons with disabilities.
Notes

Through a survey, this article briefly summarized library services' progress in improving customer service for people with disabilities. Suggestions for library staff were also presented, including being more active rather than responsive. Practices in this article should be a good lesson for future librarians to further develop web accessibility for disabled people.
DOI10.1080/02763869.2012.641855