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Towards an Accessible Academic Library: Using the IFLA Checklist
Abstract
Describes and analyses the experience of applying the IFLA Checklist, Access to libraries for persons with disabilities to an academic library: the Fife Campus Library at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee, Scotland. An introduction to disability legislation in the United Kingdom provides the legal framework for this paper. In the United Kingdom, this legislation has been recognized as an important incentive for libraries to improve their services to disabled people. This paper considers a number of physical and attitudinal barriers to good practice and the value of using the IFLA Checklist in overcoming some of these barriers.
... Furthermore, according to the LIS published literature, attitudinal barriers (which influence the librarians' level of support, empathy, and communication) play a more important role than physical barriers in the inclusion of individuals with special needs (Todaro, 2005, Forrest, 2006. Indeed, negative attitudes of librarians towards individuals with special needs, their lack of disability awareness (regarding the real needs of users with special needs), their lack of disability training, and their lack of communication skills prevent them from providing a welcoming atmosphere. ...
... Consulting with library users who have special needs is vital for librarians to ensure that they are meeting their actual needs, (which consequently improves the library's service quality), and to support their psychological well-being (Browell, 1998, McCaskill and Goulding, 2001, Forrest, 2006. As a result, this behaviour causes individuals with special needs to feel included, accepted, and important to the library community (McMillan and Chavis, 1986, Hagerty et al., 1996, Osterman, 2000. ...
... Based on the LIS literature, attitudinal barriers in comparison with physical barriers create more difficulties for individuals with special needs (Forrest, 2006). Furthermore, librarians are often unaware of the needs and limitations of visually impaired students using the library. ...
An academic library is a spiritual home to support users in their pursuit of lifelong learning. This study approaches the issues from the visually impaired students’ (VIPs) perspective towards librarians’ support. This study was conducted by using the qualitative approach. Data was collected through interviews and focus group discussions. For trustworthiness of data, member checking and audit from experts are also used. The participants of the study remarked that the librarians’ friendly behaviour provided them a sense of being accepted, valued, cared for, respected, and welcomed which fostered the creation of their sense of belonging.
... Physical barriers are limiting the Disabled, also attitudinal barriers are considered equally limiting the Disabled. Forrest (2006) also accepted that physical and attitudinal barriers deter good practices for the disabled. He also suggested the use of the International Federation of Library Association (IFLA) Checklist to benchmark assessment. ...
The use of ICT in the current technological era has enhanced the library and
will bring the library up to date. It will also tremendously assist the professionals in
the field of library and information science in understanding the role and relevance
of the manual in the library. This peer-reviewed edited volume includes essays
on a range of topics relating to changes in librarians’ core competencies during
the pandemic, published by eminent academicians and library and information
science professionals (LIS). It addresses concerns regarding the current library and
librarians’ abilities to evaluate data and apply technology. It is crucial to evaluate
the role of technology in the current library environment and in developing more
successful ones as we begin to think about a post-pandemic society. This time
period offers a fresh perspective and a fresh model for libraries and librarians of
the future. The book’s main subject is how librarians have successfully made their
offerings of services, materials, and activities available online. The book examines
the extent to which librarians have excelled in providing their clients with creative
dynamic virtual material, appealing digital events and instructional activities, and
intriguing online in addition to digital content, web-based services, or case studies
in short. Similar to other organizations, libraries are able to very precisely tailor
their strategy and tactics to the demands of its users while also keeping an eye on
wider interests.
... The checklist has been widely applied by several authors (e.g. Bodaghi and Zainab, 2013;Forrest, 2006;Phukubje and Ngoepe, 2017;Wijayaratne and Singh, 2015) in their respective studies to assess how accessible academic libraries are for PWDs. By adopting this checklist of what constitutes a disability-friendly library, it is possible to determine if an academic library is accessible both physically and intellectually to PWDs (Irvall and Nielsen, 2005). ...
A group of the academic library’s vast untapped clientele to whom more attention is now being paid is persons with disability. Drawing from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ checklist on what constitutes disability-friendly libraries, this study sought to ascertain if academic libraries in the Upper East Region of Ghana have made provisions for persons with disability. The research adopted a qualitative approach. The data used for the analysis is drawn from interviews with respondents, the majority of whom were visually or mobility-impaired, who were purposively selected from 11 tertiary institutions. The findings reveal that academic libraries in the Upper East Region have yet to implement the stipulated regulations of the ratified Persons with Disability Act of Ghana. The majority of libraries are inaccessible to persons with disability beyond the main entrance of the libraries. The biggest challenge is the absence of diverse media information for persons with visual and hearing impairments. Also, the findings reveal that library staff lack adequate knowledge of issues relating to persons with disability and their right to access information. The study highlights the challenges which hinder persons with disability from accessing quality information from libraries. The study, therefore, recommends that relevant state institutions be empowered to implement the ratified Persons with Disability Act in Ghana and increase education among stakeholders on the need to improve access to information for persons with disability. Also, there should be increased investment and allocation of funds to libraries to provide for the information needs of persons with disability.
... However, a brief review of LIS literature shows an obvious lack of transitional programmes in the context of the academic library and a lack of investigations regarding the role of academic librarians in the success of transition programmes. In other words, the key role of academic libraries and librarians in the success of transition programmes has been overlooked, which has caused students with special needs to encounter various difficulties like physical and attitudinal barriers (Barth, 2006;Bayat Bodaghi & Zainab, 2013a;Forrest, 2006;Leong & Higgins, 2002;Nandjui et al., 2008). Indeed, such barriers are mainly rooted in library stakeholders' and librarians' lack of disability awareness (Pinder, 2005;Scheimann, 1994;Todaro, 2005) which consequently hinders the library community in establishing disabled-friendly policies, allocating appropriate funding for optimizing library physical environment, and providing disabled friendly sources, services, and facilities. ...
Making the transition to campus life can be reminiscent of the season of adolescence for individuals with special needs. This article investigates the role of academic librarians’ communication skills in relation to the success of the transition programme for visually impaired students (VIPs). Data were collected through interviews and focus groups. Participants consisted of five female and thirteen male students between the ages of 20 and 37. The participants considered librarians’ tone of voice, greetings, and conversation as key factors for a successful transition. They also noted that the main obstacles they faced were the lack of opportunity to interact with librarians and the librarians’ lack of disability awareness and knowledge.
... For example, clear and visible signage can help the Deaf patron (as well as the hearing patron) navigate the library space alone without having to ask for assistance from a librarian. The literature also recommends conducting regular reviews of library accessibility through accessibility audits and soliciting direct feedback from the patrons the library seeks to help, a practice echoed in the current study (Forrest, 2006;Pemberton and Pemberton, 2006). ...
Purpose ‐ The purpose of this article is to investigate how effectively the library meets the research needs of deaf and hard of hearing students. Design/methodology/approach ‐ The study was conducted by an anonymous survey investigating students' use, awareness and comfort level with the library and its resources. The survey was followed up with a small focus group comprised of volunteer deaf and hard of hearing students in the Deaf Studies and Deaf Education program at Lamar University. Findings ‐ A variety of communication options should be available for deaf and hard of hearing patrons to contact librarians for assistance. Librarians need to establish clear and effective lines of communication to ensure these patrons are aware of library services relevant to their needs. Making the effort to establish communication with deaf and hard of hearing patrons encourages their use of the library by demonstrating that the library is interested in serving their needs. Research limitations/implications ‐ This is a review of the literature concerning collaboration and cannot contain every example of library and writing center collaboration. Practical implications ‐ Librarians can use the findings in this article to create a more welcoming environment for their deaf and hard of hearing patrons. Originality/value ‐ There is a scarcity in the library literature of studies examining the research needs of deaf and hard of hearing patrons. This article is of value to librarians looking for ways to better meet these patrons' research needs.
... The LIS literature highlighted two fundamental barriers, which prevent disabled users from participating in library activities, which are physical and attitudinal barriers (Deason, KirkPatrick, and Field 1992;Scheimann 1994;Chew and Higgins 2000;Taylor 2004;Barth 2005;Todaro 2005). Indeed, individuals' perceptions of disability are considered to be the most powerful barrier to creating inclusive environments (Chelin 1999;Charles 2005;Pinder 2005;Taylor 2005;Forrest 2006). ...
A university library is encouraged to practice inclusion by managing volunteer services to enable disabled students achieve their educational goals. Previous studies were library-focused examining status of services provided for the disabled. This paper approaches the issue from the visually impaired person’s (VIP) perspective. The study uses the qualitative approach through interviews and focus group discussions with eighteen VIPs who are registered in a university library. For trustworthiness of data, prolonged engagement, member checking and audit from experts are used. The VIPs perceived student volunteers as their academic saviour and social connectors who enrich their academic, social and emotional lives.
... Koulikourdi (2008) opined that, libraries need to consider the disabled points of views. Forrest (2006) explained about the IFLA's proposal that libraries cooperate with disabled users in order to achieve a correct and accurate schema about library situations. Also, all studies about library building accessibility are only carried out in Tehran and none has been carried out in other cities in Iran and as such the status of provision for the disabled in other parts of Iran remains unknown. ...
The study examines the views of architect experts and physically disabled users on the accessibility status of 14 public and university library buildings in Iran. The respondents rated on the availability of items listed in a checklist grouped under five categories: parking, ramps, interior layout, exclusive space and public space for the disabled. The checklist was based on the American Disability Act and International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions checklist for libraries for the disabled. The results indicate that the point of view of both disabled users and architects on all criteria is similar except for the ratings on the ramp and the interior layout for the disabled in library buildings. Based on the architects’ responses, 53.8 percent of libraries did not provide ramps and 63.0 percent had no exclusive space for the disabled. Disabled users who rated higher on library accessibility were frequent visitors to the library. The provision of access and equipment met minimum compliant standards on the standard checklist, but there is room for improvements.
This study aimed to investigate the perceived level of IL skills, strength, weakness, challenges, and levels of IL programs attended by ILS students of two leading library schools of Pakistan. This research used descriptive survey method and distributed questionnaire among 330 participants which returned 232 complete usable responses. This study found that participants of both LIS schools perceived good level of IL skills while the majority of them prefer internet sources as they possess adequate internet surfing skills. In addition to challenges the large number of participants lacks knowledge and skills to use computer and personal computer (M = 2.71, SD = 1.245) and (M = 2.84, SD = 1.439). Whereas, the results of IL program attended depicted that majority of participants obtained low mean of (M = 2.76, SD = .985) to (M = 2.57, SD = .991). This study concludes that students of both IL schools were performing well with regard to their IL skills even though there is a dire need for advance level of IL instructions and embedded IL course integration at all a level of degree programs to equipped students with necessary skills.
Purpose
Globally, there is a growing proportion of disabled people as a result of different circumstances. This growth generates attention and leads to ways to integrate the affected population into society. Addressing such disability and integration is particularly important at buildings level, enabling and expanding the scope of activities for people with disabilities (PWDs). The rising number of PWDs and the need to integrate them into society create a need for action to improve their living condition and integration into society. This study aims to examine the issue of accessibility for PWDs in higher education facilities in Qatar.
Design/methodology/approach
Addressing accessibility at buildings level is particularly important in higher education because it enables inclusion in training and education and increases the potential for productive engagement in society. The study aims to develop an objective tool to assess and measure accessibility in educational institutions. Five selected buildings were examined and evaluated at Qatar University based on proximity, multi-use, vertical and horizontal circulation availability. The survey respondents were randomly selected. An existing assessment method was used in surveying respondents, including those with and without disabilities.
Findings
A comparative study was conducted to explore the discrepancy between facility users with and without disability, indicating the gap in existing tools.
Originality/value
The developed tool generates the same outcome when conducted by different assessors, indicating the level of compliance and percentage met as a benefit, not a focus. It allows professionals and non-professionals with minimal experience to conduct the assessment.
This study aimed to investigate information literacy skills of LIS students in Punjab
University and Sargodha University; to discover strengths and weaknesses of the LIS students of
both schools regarding IL skills; to ascertain challenges faced by LIS students and to find out
what level and sort of IL programs have been availed by LIS students
This study used a quantitative research approach based on a survey method and a
pretested structured questionnaire was adapted to assess the IL skills of LIS students. The
population of the study consisted of currently enrolled in BS, MLIS, M.Phil, and Ph.D. at both
library schools. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS 22. Descriptive and some of
inferrential statistics were applied to calculate frequencies, percentages, means, modes, and
standard deviations. An independent sample t-test was applied to calculate and compare the
difference between two segments of the population.
Some major findings showed that the students of the Department of Information
Management, University of the Punjab are more skillful than the students of the Department of
Information Management, University of Sargodha. Their abilities to define information need,
access, evaluate, and use ethically is comparatively better than their counterparts. The LIS
students of both schools are required to be well versed with all IL competencies which are
needed in their professional life.
Based on the results of the study it is recommended that there is a need to raise awareness
about information literacy skills among students. Curricula should be redesigned on modern
ongoing trends like advanced countries to promote IL among students of both IM schools.
Further, it is recommended that professional development opportunities, training programs and
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mutual interaction are important for the enhancement of teacher’s capability of delivering
information literacy content efficiently at both IM schools.
Keywords: Information literacy skills of LIS students, Information Management
Students Punjab University, Information literacy skills of LIS scholars in Pakistan
Students with disabilities are enrolled in different academic programs in institutions of higher education and universities have to provide the required standards to cater for the needs of these students. One important area of focus is the library building and spaces within them. Although there are laws governing the construction of public buildings, students with disabilities may face accessibility barriers to library spaces, implying that they are not benefiting from the services and facilities. Therefore, it is imperative for academic libraries to create architectural designs and spaces that invite more students with disabilities into their buildings so as to enjoy the right of access to facilities and services. This paper takes a normative stance to the accessibility of library spaces by students with disabilities. A qualitative ethnographic study was used to investigate the perceptions and experiences of students with disabilities in physical library spaces using participant observation and in-depth interviews. The data was analyzed using thematic approach.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify various legal issues that affect libraries in India.
Design/methodology/approach
The method adopted in this study was to identify and analyze all cases filed in the Indian Supreme Court, High Courts and Tribunals and Commissions and reported in the Westlaw India database for the 10-year period from 2008 to 2017.
Findings
Among the identified cases that were related to libraries or library professionals, a large majority of them were issues related to service or employment such as pay scales, promotion, age of superannuation and service termination. There were very few cases related to library work, such as library access, services provided and copyright.
Research limitations/implications
The current study is based on study of cases that have been reported and mentioned in Westlaw India Legal Database and occurring during the limited period from 2008 to 2017. The implications of the study are manifold, with the main implication being the urgent need to introduce basic legal education and training to library professionals. The other implication is the need to further research in this domain due to lack of sufficient studies on the topic and enrich the library and information science (LIS) literature.
Originality/value
This study would not only help create awareness about legal issues related to libraries and library professionals but also help in understanding the main areas of litigation involving libraries and library professionals. The study also makes a case for introduction of basic legal education for LIS professionals. The paper adopts a novel research approach that can be replicated by researchers in other countries to enable international comparisons.
Provision of library services to all users without discrimination is crucial to
libraries in this century. Inclusive academic libraries provide services to all users
regardless users’ disabilities. They enhance access and increase meeting the
needs of all library users. The purpose of this study was to determine how
inclusive are library services to the physically challenged students at Mzuzu
University Library and St. John of God College of Health Sciences Library and
how are these services similar or different. A structured questionnaire was used
to collect data from library staff and students at Mzuzu University and St. John
of God College of Health Sciences and semi-structured interview questions were
used to collect data from Librarians in both institutions. Observation checklist
was also used to identify the physical infrastructures, media formats, and services
provided in both institutions. The findings revealed that visual impairment was
the major physical challenge amongst students in both institutions. Although
physical infrastructures like ramps were available in both institutions, there is no
policy that guides provision of library services to physically challenged students
in both institutions. The study therefore concludes that inclusive library services
provided to physically challenged students are limited in both institutions due to lack of policies. The study, therefore, recommends that both institutions need to
take proactive measures in development of policies that can guide the provision
of library services to physically challenged students.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate one library’s role in the development of a new collaborative captioning service to provide accessible media for classroom use. This pilot project created a new workflow for on-demand captioning of videos.
Design/methodology/approach
Through collaboration and iteration, university and library personnel addressed the challenges involved in building new and improved services related to accessible media resources. Circulation and acquisition data were collected via Alma Analytics.
Findings
Working collaboratively enabled the expansion and improvement of specialized services to the deaf and hard of hearing community on campus.
Originality/value
While many libraries provide captioning for their communities, little is found in the literature to help others establish a similar service. This study demonstrates how collaborative planning can efficiently and effectively use resources and expertise to create a sustainable service, and it may provide an example that could be followed by other institutions with limited budgets.
Library laws and code of ethics for librarians declared social responsibility ensuring equal access and available support of information resources through open services all being no discrimination due to rate, creed, gender, age or for any other reason. University libraries should accomplish the social responsibility ensuring equality of information access and intellectual freedom for all users that the cultural development of organization, community, and Nation are contributed. This study reviewed the criteria for social responsibility making such as legal, stakeholder, and information demanded approach based on Library laws, ISO 26000, and Access to Libraries for Persons with Disabilities: Checklist. This research established the basic concept for social responsibility and tried to provide the basic materials for the starting of social responsibility activities through providing of activity programs in social responsibility.
This paper explores visually impaired persons’ (VIPs) sense of belonging in a university library context. It focuses on their perceptions of and experiences with study carrels located in the university library. Data were collected during interviews and focus group discussions. Participants consisted of five female and thirteen male students between the ages of 20 and 37 years. Participants considered their carrels as second homes where they felt safe, comfortable, and accepted. The carrels gave them a sense of belonging. The carrels also served as social places where the VIPs could interact with peers, volunteer readers, and other sighted students. The VIPs viewed their carrels as quiet havens where they could study and learn. They felt they belonged to the library community and were proud to be accepted as students at the university. The findings may increase library managements’ awareness of the need to include these types of spaces in future design.
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to explore the views of library staff on the effectiveness of an online training module in disability awareness and to evaluate the appropriateness of this method of delivery for staff development in an academic library.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 14 library staff participated in a five week web‐driven training module at the University of Dundee Library using the institutional virtual learning environment (VLE). Results of a pre‐ and post‐study quiz were analysed to evaluate any change in participants’ awareness of disability matters. Opinions of staff on the effectiveness of the training programme were obtained via questionnaire.
Findings
Following the programme there was an increase in participants’ awareness and knowledge of the subject. Library staff commented favourably on the value and effectiveness of the module.
Research limitations/implications
All the participants in this study were employees of one Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Scotland. An extension of the study could be developed by making the course available to library staff at other HEIs and exploring the value of the programme to these participants and their employers.
Practical implications
Highlights the value of using an institutional VLE to deliver accessible and flexible online learning opportunities for staff in academic libraries.
Originality/value
Offers a possible solution to staff development needs of academic institutions seeking to meet the requirements of disability equality legislation to ensure disabled users are treated fairly and with the support they require.
Main results about the research on the University Libraries in the Region of Madrid in connection with users with disabilities and their staff are shown. Also the perception of the service seen by both groups. The methodology uses the questionnaire as a measuring instrument to extract the data, findings and conclusions of both groups. Statistical analysis was descriptive and bivariate (non-parametric tests). The main results are the finding of a population of users with disabilities, and its habits, perceptions about the funds, facilities and library materials. The presence of services for students with disabilities are not widespread throughout the universities and don’t present common criteria. The need to raise awareness of the library staff is evident, moreover to improve the libraries organitation.
Se presentan los principales resultados de la investigación sobre las Bibliotecas Universitarias de la Comunidad de Madrid, en relación con los usuarios con discapacidad y su personal, junto con la percepción sobre el servicio prestado. La metodología emplea el cuestionario como instrumento de medida para extraer los datos, resultados y conclusiones de ambos colectivos. El análisis estadístico ha sido descriptivo y bivariable (pruebas no paramétricas). Los resultados principales indican la existencia de una población de usuarios con alguna discapacidad, sus hábitos, y su percepción sobre los fondos, infraestructuras y materiales bibliotecarios. Existen servicios destinados a estudiantes con discapacidad, pero no están extendidos por toda la geografía universitaria y tampoco comparten criterios. Se pone de manifi esto la necesidad de fomentar la sensibilización del personal bibliotecario, además de mejorar la organización de las bibliotecas.
This study surveyed nursing program faculty about their perceptions, knowledge, and concerns regarding nursing students with disabilities. Surveys were completed by 88 faculty members in eight programs. Faculty members rated the extent to which they perceived that individuals with different types of disabilities had the ability to be nursing students and professionals; their level of knowledge about how to teach and accommodate students with disabilities; and their level of concern regarding nursing students with disabilities. On a scale from 1 (strong agreement) to 6 (strong disagreement), faculty members' mean ratings of the ability of individuals with disabilities to be successful nursing students and professionals, were 3.2 and 3.4, respectively. On a scale from 1 (low) to 6 (high), faculty members' mean ratings of their knowledge and concerns related to students with disabilities were 2.7 and 4.0, respectively. These results suggest nursing faculty need training regarding nursing students with disabilities.