Accessibility in the Library

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Access vs Accessibility

One of the definitions of "access", provided by Merriam-Webster dictionary, is the "freedom or ability to obtain or make use of something". This definition encompasses the ideals of the library, where we strive to provide access to resources and information to the community. "Accessibility" is generally defined as, "the practice of making information, activities, and/or environments sensible, meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible", as stated by SeeHearWrite. These two terms go hand in hand, but it is important to highlight the necessity of accessibility in the library so that anyone who wants to utilize the resources provided by the library can regardless of their ability. 

Accessibility in the Library

Libraries provide resources to all of its patrons. Before this assignment, I have never really thought about the specific things they provide to ensure accessibility. Before doing more research all I could think of was that we provide alternative text for images on our website, we have large print books that may help with impaired vision, and handicapped parking spots and bathrooms. So, to learn more about how we are accessible to the community I asked my Youth Service manager and Library Director. They provided me some of the ways we increase accessibility and at the minimum, we are ADA compliant. 

To start, my library has a Bookmobile that drives around Homer Glen. This service is useful for those who are unable to make it into the library for any reason. The bookmobile includes a handicap lift to help individuals onto the bus to browse the collection. In addition to this, the Bookmobile has a free VIP Home Delivery Service, where patrons can request books, magazines, music, movies, or other library materials. In the library, two features I thought were interesting were talking books and the Merlin Vision Reader. Talking books may be accessed through an app or via a cartridge that can be played by a player upon request. These talking books provide a human-made audio reading of popular books you may find in a library or bookstore. Our Merlin is a desktop reading machine for those looking to read independently. This machine works similarly to a magnifier with additional capabilities such as color correcting. The video below mentions the difference between newspaper and ink contrasts before and after using Merlin. I think the video does a great job explaining the functions of the machine, especially since I have not had the chance to try it out yet. 

Video Source: VisionMatters

Accessibility on the iPad

Since not many people may have access to a Merlin, I thought to review the accessibility feature on the iPad, specifically features that aid in visual impairments. I also made an infographic to summarize the iPad capabilities and included it below.

  1. VoiceOver is their gesture-based screen reader. This allows for the users to hear descriptions of what is on their screens, such as messages or battery life. The gesture includes tapping on the screen with one, two, or three fingers, depending on the user's intent. 
  2. Screen Reader - This feature is available even if VoiceOver is not activated. This feature reads the text on the screen, including text that the user is typing.
  3. Audio Descriptions for video provide descriptions of videos, TV Shows, and other media when they are available.
  4. Point to Hear - This function uses the Magnifier app. When the user points the iPad at real-world text, the iPad will be able to read the text aloud. 
  5. Hear Your Surroundings - This feature is also available through the Magnifier app, but the users will be able to get audio descriptions of the environment around them. 

Photo Source: Personal Photo

Comments

  1. NMZumpanoOctober 5, 2024 at 3:08 PM

    I love the BookMobile concept! Thanks for sharing that along with the helpful iPad features.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vanessa BecerraOctober 6, 2024 at 8:22 PM

    Hello! I thought you found excellent features for the vision accessibility on the iPad! I knew about some of the features but it was nice to learn new ones like Hear Your Surroundings! I really enjoyed learning more about the Merlin and could see how important it is for libraries to have that for their patrons!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Basically BloggingOctober 6, 2024 at 10:30 PM

    Like you, I have not thought about specific actions or tools from libraries but even as somebody without a visual impairment, for example (outside of needing glasses), I cannot get over how crucial it is! Libraries are supposed to be a safe space and learning haven for everybody, so thank you for the insight on how it can be improved and the lovely infographic! The Merlin was also interesting.

    ReplyDelete

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