English public library services and the Disability Discrimination Act

Abstract

Discusses the results of a research project investigating public library compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act, 1995 (DDA). Gives an overview of the DDA and discusses public library responses to Part III of the Act, covering access to services. Describes the results of the research, which took a case study approach, focusing on public library responses in the three key areas of policies and practices, access and communications. Concludes that standards of service for people with disabilities varies considerably between public library authorities and that, although most libraries are beginning to respond to the DDA, progress is slow and concentrated on the needs of certain groups of disabled people.

Citation

McCaskill, K. and Goulding, A. (2001), "English public library services and the Disability Discrimination Act", New Library World, Vol. 102 No. 6, pp. 192-206. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800110394578