Collection Development, E-Resources, and Barrier-Free Access
Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and the Inclusive Future of Libraries
ISBN: 978-1-78560-653-3, eISBN: 978-1-78560-652-6
Publication date: 14 December 2015
Abstract
Purpose
The author takes a comprehensive look at the accessibility of e-resources for all people, including those with disabilities, in the context of collection development (CD).
Methodology/approach
Employing a combination of research methodologies
Findings
Several professional library organizations recommend accessibility-sensitive selection and procurement procedures. However, not all students enrolled in library school programs might learn about the issue. Few books on the subject cover the issue adequately. Nationwide, CD policies requiring conformance to accessibility standards are the exception; and when librarians meet to make decisions about the selection of specific e-resources, the needs of people with disabilities are rarely on their radar screens.
Research limitations/implications
Researchers conducting similar surveys in the future might want to not only select a statistically more representative sample of academic libraries but also widen their focus and include both accessibility and usability in their investigations.
Practical implications
Textbook authors and course instructors in the area of CD need to address accessibility and usability. Librarians need to raise the issue with database and e-book vendors during license negotiations.
Social implications
The acquisition of e-resources designed to be accessible and usable for all will enable people with disabilities to participate more fully in our information-driven society.
Originality/value
The data collected provide for a broad discussion of the extent to which the needs of people with disabilities are considered in connection with CD.
Citation
Schmetzke, A. (2015), "Collection Development, E-Resources, and Barrier-Free Access", Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and the Inclusive Future of Libraries (Advances in Librarianship, Vol. 40), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 111-142. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0065-283020150000040015
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015 Emerald Group Publishing Limited