Third Thursday Twitter Chat, October 19, Accessibility Barriers to Library Services

We’ll get started in a moment. Tell us who you are and where you’re tweeting from. #mclschat

Pam from Indiana #mclschat

Hello from sunny Orlando! #mclschat

Hello, this is Jim Ratliff from the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Libraries in Michigan #mclschat

Hi @qinsina. This is Chrystal tweeting from the MCLS office in Michigan. #mclschat

#mclschat Hi This is Susan Powers from Central Michigan University Libraries.

This is Sharon in Indiana. #mclschat

Welcome @JaySeaAre! #mclschat

Welcome @MsChrystalB! #mclschat

Welcome @susanpowers333 #mclschat

Please welcome Christina Wray from the University of Central Florida as our guest for this chat! #mclschat

Q1 Could you tell us what you mean by accessibility to library service? #mclschat

Accessible library services means that ALL patrons can fully utilize library resources and services. #mclschat

This is relevant this semester I have multiple visually impaired students I assist. I'm learning about so many hurdles. #mclschat

Q2 What kinds of barriers might there be to people accessing library services? #mclschat

Barriers may be physical, technological, cognitive or cultural. Here are some examples… #mclschat

Space between desks are too small for a wheelchair to pass, or someone may not be able to use a standard mouse at the computer. #mclschat

Patrons with low vision or no vision may not be able to search the catalog #mclschat

Patrons may not be able to understand the directions for using the self-checkout machine because they are too advanced. #mclschat

Not being able to see a mouse pointer on the screen is a challenge because they have to use the pointer to start up assist tech #mclschat

Language barriers and cultural differences re: what kinds of questions can be asked or interpretation of nonverbal communication #mclschat

@JaySeaAre I agree using public computers that aren't set up in the same way as their person computer can be esp. challenging #mclschat

Not just for low vision patrons, we installed Windows 10 which seems small, but when the look/feel changes from the home PC . . . #mclschat

Q3 Are there any strategies you can give us for dealing with physical accessibility barriers to library service? #mclschat

it's good to keep in mind that ADA regulations provide the bare minimum requirements for accessibility #mclschat

try to maintain awareness of ways other patrons may be unintentionally creating barriers (sitting in the aisle, etc.) #mclschat

Be flexible about service points – if they can’t come to you – go to them. Roving Reference, community pick up options, etc. #mclschat

A3 Make sure programs don’t impact the accessibility of the rest of the library (displays in the aisles, crowds blocking pathways) #mclschat

Q3,Ask the patron on the spot how the space / equipment is working/not working for them. #mclschat

A3 donor bricks in front of entry doors may cause an unstable surface to walk on #mclschat

A3 about bricks on sidewalks. Ours stayed flat until about 7 years of freeze/thaw buckled them and made them a hazard. #mclschat

@JaySeaAre Exactly. Maybe putting the bricks in an area with not as much traffic but still visible. #mclschat

Q4 Would you talk to us about service animals in the library? #mclschat

A4 Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks and are required by the ADA to be allowed to accompany patrons. #mclschat

A4 Companion animal or emotional support animals are not afforded the same rights, #mclschat

A4 some patrons won’t be able to use the library without their companion, my feeling is to allow companions when possible. #mclschat

A4 Awareness programs are a good way for patrons to learn more about service and companion animals and why they are important. #mclschat

A4 Our college policy is clear, back in 1995 even, allowing service animals. Put it in writing and communicate the message. #mclschat

A4 @JaySeaAre nice! a documented policy on service and companion animals makes it easier for patrons AND staff! #mclschat

A4. companion animals are a newer trend. traditional service animals were more obviously, from viewer standpoint . . . #mclschat

Do your libraries differentiate between service animal and emotional support animal? #mclschat

A4 if you know someone with a service or companion animal, ask if they would be willing to share their story with the community #mclschat

A4 It's important for people to learn not to interact with services animals. They are working. #mclschat  https://twitter.com/qinsina/status/921077229811044352 …

A4 :  https://www.theindependencecenter.org/service-animal-vs-companion-animal/ … #mclschat

A4 wearing a walking harness or a cloak saying "don't disturb me while I work." Companion animals may seem less obvious/official #mclschat

Q5 Do you have any examples you can share about accessibility issues that may not be overt? #mclschat

A5 sensory differences, social interactions, technology barriers, and executive functioning skills can impact patron’s library exp #mclschat

Q6 Do you have any suggestion for dealing with accessibility issues that aren't overt? #mclschat

A6: Ask patrons if there are things you can do to make it easier for them to use the library... #mclschat

A6 Little things can make BIG differences, and patrons may not feel comfortable asking #mclschat

A6 perhaps train customer service staff really in looking for patrons' challenges and connecting with patrons about their needs. #mclschat

be aware of spaces in the library that patrons experiencing sensory overload can use when they get overwhelmed. #mclschat

A6 if patrons are struggling to return items on time, work with them to find a solution (calendar reminders, emails, alt. fines) #mclschat

@JaySeaAre A6 - That's a good thought. Helping staff feel comfortable noticing and asking if someone is struggling, how to help #mclschat

A6 There is no perfect solution that will work for all patrons with a specific disability… #mclschat

A6 be flexible, try different solutions, and find one that works for the patron and the library #mclschat

A6 partner with disability service and mental health service providers in the community for patron programming & staff pro. dev. #mclschat

A6 Our new ILS is set up with auto-renewals...also we are working to get fines removed. #mclschat

@susanpowers333 That's great! Removes some barriers that can cause problems for library users. #mclschat

A6 @susanpowers333, what's the ILS being used for this? #mclschat

@JaySeaAre @susanpowers333 #MCLSchat I know that Polaris ILS also has auto-renew

A6, we can benefit by considering our language, " dealing with accessibility issues" ...using "dealing" can sound negative. #mclschat

@JaySeaAre great point! #mclschat

Q7 Are there things we need to be aware of when looking at accessibility on our websites? #mclschat

A7 Web accessibility regulations, like the ADA meet the bare minimum level of accessibility #mclschat

web accessibility should go beyond “can a screen reader read this.” It should also by designed with intention. #mclschat

A7 Think about color contrast, how busy the layout is, how much content is on one page, is content easy to read… #mclschat

A7 Are you using Header <h> tags to change font size instead of give your page structure? #mclschat

A7 Are you making images of text? Are you providing alt attributes for images? #mclschat

A7 One of the best resources for web accessibility is @webaim, they go beyond compliance to help make websites truly accessible. #mclschat

A7 making sure your page has a responsive design that is accessible. #mclschat

A7 while usability and accessibility are focused on different things, making our websites utilizing both results in the best exp. #mclschat

Q8 Do you have any suggestions for keeping an awareness of maintaining accessibility as we plan and do our work? #mclschat

A8 Approaching all decisions with accessibility as the main goal improves library services for ALL patrons. #mclschat

A8 some great resources are available from @webaim, @CAST_UDL, & @ala_ascla Be sure to check out their websites too! #mclschat

A8 this could be part of the institution's Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity work with looking a policy through the lens of DEI #mclschat

A8 We do usability testing evry mnth, but have not addressed any access. questions...UX is a good place to pay attention for us. #mclschat

A8 also check out  http://librariesandautism.org/  #mclschat

Q9 What should we keep in mind about maintaining an accessible collection? #mclschat

A9 Some e-resource providers are more accessible than others, talk to reps about what their accessibility features are. #mclschat

A9, are you asking about the variety of formats of books, etc to make available to patrons? #mclschat

@JaySeaAre A9 - Yes, more about collection development than access to the collection itself. #mclschat

A9 Connect with your st.  http://www.loc.gov/nls  service provider, know what’s available for you patrons, beyond your collection. #mclschat

A9 patrons with cognitive disabilities as well as ESL patrons want age appropriate materials that are easy to read #mclschat

A9 I think easy to use and free interlibrary loan helps makes library use more accessible, esp sharing between pub and acad. libs. #mclschat

A9 provide alternate ways of accessing content. Some examples are large print, audiobooks, ebooks and software like Kurzweil #mclschat

A9 for library handouts: medline plus provides a great resource on writing easy to read materials  https://medlineplus.gov/etr.html  #mclschat

I like the idea of partnering locally to provide collection options or other resources #mclschat

Q10 Any other suggestions or thoughts about accessibility that you wanted to share with us? #mclschat

Q10 The key to creating an accessible library to serve all patrons with the same goal in mind… #mclschat

Q10 Get them the info they need, when they need it, in a format they can use. #mclschat

Q10 Respect and value all patrons, and always serve the patron that’s in front of you now.. #mclschat

Q10 every person is different, with different needs, meet them where they are. #mclschat

A10 making decisions with accessibility in mind improves library services and experiences for all patrons. #mclschat

A10 ultimately, serving patrons with disabilities is just like serving any other patron... #mclschat

A10 as long as we are open, listen actively and work with our patrons we can provide the services and info they need. #mclschat

We are out of time. Thank you for chatting with us today @qinsina! #mclschat

Thank you @mclsorg and @qinsina for the #mclschat today.

Thanks for hosting. #mclschat

Thanks for inviting me! It was great chatting with you all. #mclschat

Our next chat is Nov 16 @ 2 pm Eastern - Best Practices in Makerspaces with Leanne Nay, IU Libraries, and Rich Weiland Adams PL #mclschat

Thank you everyone! #mclschat