Improving Library Services to People with Disabilities

Citation

Parry, F. (2008), "Improving Library Services to People with Disabilities", The Electronic Library, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 134-135. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470810851833

This is an edited work with an international perspective that includes chapters from experts in the field of provision of services for those with disabilities. The book has a broad mix of chapters describing the historic and current situation, strategies to deal with disability issues, and case histories.

The first chapter usefully reproduces the World Health Organization's definition of the terms “impairment”, “disability” and “handicapped” for those like me who tend to use the words interchangeably and thus lose sight of the true meanings and importance of the words. This chapter is devoted to the issues of those with print disabilities and the role of technology in public libraries. It is a useful summary of the state of the art with interesting comments about the use of unfriendly technologies, the problem of “retrofitting” a library to make existing technology accessible and waiting for new developments to help those with special needs – which sometimes feels a little like waiting for Godot. I am not sure about the “public library” bit as much of this is not public library‐specific.

The second chapter, written by a contributor who is himself blind, describes services for visually impaired people and the all too numerous pitfalls encountered, especially in navigating content, migration – making digital files accessible – and the length of time needed to digest and scrutinise search results. The following chapter on services for deaf people is particularly strong on how librarians can assist and has an extensive Internet resources appendix. A further chapter on those with physical disabilities makes the point that librarians need to think of not just physical access to buildings but to all the issues surrounding access to, and physical use of, information technology.

The second half of the book contains two chapters on provision for those with disabilities in developing countries and includes a case study on academic libraries in Nigeria. The editor also contributes a good chapter on specific measures for library staff to take to improve service provision and is particularly strong on addressing staff attitudes and practical ways in which those libraries without extensive financial means can help their users. This includes consideration on how to strike a balance between promoting independent use and more detailed “hands‐on” assistance.

The final chapter lists useful resources and there is an extensive bibliography and index.

Much needs to be done to improve library services for those with disabilities. Some of this is simply addressing issues such as staff attitudes and ability to help. Libraries also need to get to grips with the presentation of material in digital form and the ability or otherwise of various groups of users to access and evaluate this material. The technology might sometimes appear to present insurmountable obstacles, but this book goes some way towards suggesting some solutions.