The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is offering a series of webcasts that present the findings from the latest SPEC surveys and allow webcast participants to discuss trends with the survey authors. A 45-minute webcast will follow the publication of each SPEC Kit in 2018.
The next webcast in this series will cover the Accessibility and Universal Design survey (SPEC Kit 358), which explores how ARL member libraries are meeting the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities. This study gathered information on support for assistive technologies in libraries, services provided to individuals with disabilities, staffing and training for these services, evaluation of resources, and institutional policies and procedures in this area. The survey also included questions on universal design, an approach to design that makes spaces and services more inclusive of all, regardless of their needs.
The webcast will review survey findings reported by ARL member libraries in January 2018. The survey authors will:
- provide an overview of how those libraries are meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities;
- discuss a sample of exemplary services and resources;
- review trends and current approaches from respondents; and
- highlight resources for libraries interested in more information on accessibility and universal design.
The webcast will also include a discussion of promising trends and conclude with a question-and-answer session. Read the freely available SPEC Kit 358 in advance and have your questions ready.
Webcast Details and Registration
Title: Accessibility and Universal Design
Presenters: Carli Spina, Head Librarian for Assessment & Outreach, and Margaret Cohen, Head Librarian, Educational Initiatives & Research Services, at Boston College
Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Time: 1:00–1:45 p.m. eastern daylight time
Cost: Free for all
Registration: Register online by Wednesday, June 6, 2018.
About the Association of Research Libraries
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 125 research libraries in Canada and the US whose mission is to advance research, learning, and scholarly communication. The Association fosters the open exchange of ideas and expertise, promotes equity and diversity, and pursues advocacy and public policy efforts that reflect the values of the library, scholarly, and higher education communities. ARL forges partnerships and catalyzes the collective efforts of research libraries to enable knowledge creation and to achieve enduring and barrier-free access to information. ARL is on the web at ARL.org.
