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Accessibility Toolkit for Academic Librarians

Making Accessibility a Priority 

Barriers can significantly hinder our patrons' ability to access essential academic information. Consider the difficulties faced by a visually impaired student who cannot use key electronic resources because they lack proper text descriptions or are not compatible with screen readers. Think about the repercussions when a student is told at the help desk that while accommodations can be made, it will delay their access compared to their peers.

Accessibility issues impact both the physical spaces and digital platforms of our libraries. Many of our patrons with disabilities continuously struggle because these resources were not initially designed with accessibility in mind. This toolkit is created to help library employees navigate the overwhelming, and sometimes confusing, world of accessibility including the legal mandates and institutional policies regarding the creation of accessible materials. Resources and effective strategies to address common accessibility issues within academic library environments can be found throughout the toolkit.

By making accessibility a priority, we do more than just comply with ethical and legal requirements; we substantially improve the academic journey for all patrons, promoting an atmosphere of inclusivity and respect.

Definition of Accessibility

In the context of libraries, accessibility refers to users' ability to access library information, facilities, and resources, regardless of disability status. The American Library Association (2018) affirms, "Libraries are committed to providing equal access to collections, services, and facilities for all library users. When this is not possible, reasonable accommodations and timely remediation should be employed to provide an equivalent experience to people with disabilities." 

Benefits of Accessibility

Beyond the legal and ethical demands, libraries should recognize the benefits of providing accessible information and services. Many studies illustrate the benefit of libraries on their communities; ensuring those benefits can reach everyone, regardless of physical or mental needs, leads to a more independent, informed, and engaged community. This effort also benefits libraries. Accessibility improves equity, which is a basic principle of modern librarianship. Accessibility means that libraries expand their audience and are more welcoming and inclusive to all in their communities. 

Legal & Ethical Considerations

The laws below mandate equal opportunity for people with disabilities in "employment, housing, public accommodations, education, transportation, communication, recreation, institutionalization, health services, voting, and access to public services" (Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990). However, libraries have also have an ethical responsibility to provide equal access to services, resources, and programs to all patrons. The American Library Association's Code of Ethics drives library professionals to "provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests." As a core purpose of libraries is to provide information, it is the duty of library professionals to remove barriers to that information.