Assistive Technology & Libraries
by Jenaliza Mendoza
Assistive technologies (AT) are any form of equipment, hardware, or devices that assist people with certain facets of disabilities. Some examples include screen readers, text-to-speech applications or devices, hearing aids, closed captioning, and electric wheelchairs.
Libraries are often a very important hub for local communities, meaning that it would be ideal for branches to be welcoming and accommodating to as many different kinds of patrons as possible. I think it is important for all of us that wish to work in this field to keep accessibility in mind, challenge our own prejudices and biases, and learn appropriate information regarding disability. As noted by Potnis and Mallary (2021), although academic libraries often invest thousands of dollars into AT, it takes more than just providing AT alone. If the staff themselves do not know how to operate any assistive equipment or hardware, then they will not know how to assist the patron appropriately if they needed help with what the library offered.
The main solutions provided in the paper include different type of training for staff to better understand and serve patrons with disabilities, better maintenance and tracking of AT, implementing an anonymous suggestions box, and keeping spaces ADA-compliant so that they are easily navigable with AT.
Sources
AT Resources. Assistive Technology Industry Association. (n.d.). https://www.atia.org/home/at-resources/
Potnis, D., & Mallary, K. (2021). Analyzing Service Divide in Academic Libraries for Better Serving Disabled Patrons Using Assistive Technologies. College & Research Libraries, 82(6), 879–898. https://doi-org.palomar.idm.oclc.org/10.5860/crl.82.6.879
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