Assistive Technology and Libraries: The Need for Marketing and Staff Education

In a previous blog post, Assistive Technologies and the Digital Divide, I discussed the importance assistive technologies as a way to bridge the digital divide. Assistive technology, within the library setting, can be defined as “systems, devices, and software specifically designed to make library materials and services more accessible to people with physical and/or cognitive disabilities” (Reitz).

Some assistive technologies that have been in libraries for a while with which you be familiar with include large print books, magnifiers, Braille materials, audiobooks, and closed captioned video recordings. Many newer technologies focus on computer and Internet use, and include screen magnification software, screen reading software, voice recognition software, computer mouse-like alternatives, on-screen keyboards, and keyboards with enlarged keys.

The following video, produced by the Missouri Institute of Health for librarian411.org, discusses what assistive technologies are, some examples of assistive technologies, and tips for implementing assistive technologies in a library: https://youtu.be/7JuLs_o0G2E (Librarian411)

Ginny Mies breaks down four tips for implementing assistive technologies in a library in a blog post titled “Assistive Technology Tips from Expert Librarians”

                1. Familiarize yourself with the types of assistive technology

                2. Learn about disability etiquette

                3. Team up with local assistive organizations

                4. Get the word out about your assistive technology (Mies)

Both the Mies blog post and librarian411 video emphasize the needs for marketing and staff education, both of which will improve service to patrons who can benefit from assistive technologies.

Any library service can suffer from underutilization when not marketed well to patrons. Librarian411 suggests putting technologies out in the open rather than tucking them away, advertising through large signage, contacting patrons directly through email about new technologies, and using various Internet avenues such as a library website and social media to advertise available assistive technologies. Mies adds that assistive organizations can also help get the word out to the populations they serve.

As with other technologies used by patrons in the library, it is important that staff are capable of assisting patrons with the use of their assistive technologies. The more staff that are trained, the more staff are available to help. This not only includes knowledge of the technology but also knowledge of disability etiquette.

References

Librarian411. (2015, February 26). Assistive Technology for Libraries. Retrieved May 07, 2018, from https://youtu.be/7JuLs_o0G2E

Mies, G. (2015, April 08). Assistive Technology Tips from Expert Librarians. Retrieved May 07, 2018, from http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/blog/assistive-technology-tips-from-expert-librarians

Reitz, J. M. (2014). Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science. Retrieved May 07, 2018, from https://www.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_a.aspx