Making the Library Accessible for All

Reviews / Votes

Issues of accessibility have changed since 2013 when the first edition of Vincent's book was published. However, as the author states, "your library still needs and wants to attract more patrons with disabilities." To this end, this book provides a starting point, noting useful practices and resources. This second edition adds interviews, new legislation and standards, expanded technology (e.g., teleconferencing and artificial intelligence), and broader library scope (i.e., public, academic, and special libraries).... Vincent's clear and engaging writing and her experience-based advice make for a welcome addition to the series[.]" * Booklist * Vincent's update to the 2013 edition of this book offers a starting point for library staff and administrators to understand the nuances of accessibility and collaborate with people with disabilities to provide safe, comfortable, and sensitively designed library environments. While Vincent also discusses legal accessibility requirements for libraries in the United States, she stresses that, regardless of regulations, the more important goal is to promote inclusion, combat discrimination, and provide equitable access to all library services for all patrons. The book provides an overview of how accessibility can be realized, like communication, materials (electronic formats, DVDs, audio, multimedia), architecture and environment (ADA standards, noise, chemical sensitivities, physical barriers), events (in-person, virtual), technology (built-in, free/open source, displays, input, new technologies), and web accessibility (standards, library websites, testing). Each chapter features in-depth conversations with librarians and accessibility experts, many of whom identify as disabled. These interviews underline the book's central argument that libraries should collaborate with people with disabilities rather than make assumptions about their needs. The book includes three appendixes (including a handy checklist for presentations) and a glossary of frequently used terms. Libraries hoping to make their services and programs fully accessible will want to check out this useful and thoughtful guide. Highly recommended. * Library Journal * Starting from the point of view that disabled people are the experts, Jane Vincent has written a readable and comprehensive guide to library accessibility for library directors, department heads, and frontline staff. Her thorough understanding of the subject allows her to extend traditional library standards to encompass accessibility. Clear examples of disabled people navigating library services, followed by in-depth interviews with library staff, many of them disabled, bring home the message that accessible libraries are necessary and doable. This will be one of my go-to resources. -- Carrie Banks, Inclusive Services at Brooklyn Public