Crash Course in Library Services to People with Disabilities

by Ann G. Roberts, Richard J. Smith

Authors Ann Roberts and Dr. Richard Smith work at the state level with persons with disabilities. They find that very few librarians feel comfortable with providing services addressed to the needs of the disabled, yet those who do offer services and programs other libraries can adopt and adapt.



Crash Course in Library Services to People with Disabilities will help librarians get up to speed in understanding disabled persons and what they can do to make library premises and holdings more accessible to them. It provides basic information on the different types of mental and physical disabilities a librarian might encounter, then offers a range of exemplary policies, services, and programs for people with disabilities--efforts that are in place and working across the country.

Genres: Librarianship

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 23, 2010

About the author

Ann Roberts is a reference librarian at the United State Patent and Trademark Office, Public Search Facility. She has worked in public, academic, and government libraries, as well as with historical collections.

Reviews

[Allan]

Current, clear, full of examples and good ideas, Roberts' and Smith's book will be a useful reminder and guide for librarians who serve the public. As the authors point out, 20% of Americans live with some form of disability, and an aging population will likely add to this number. Rather than arguing for more specialized services for a minority clientele, it is clear that an increased focus on accessibility, outreach and inclusive programming means an improvement in service for all library customers, and a greater fulfillment of the library's mission. This book is a real aid in that quest.