Academic libraries invest thousands of dollars in assistive technologies (AT) for enhancing the delivery of information services to disabled patrons. However, offering AT might not result in their use by the patrons who need them, thereby leading to a service divide. The analysis of qualitative responses, including more than 1,400 quotations,…

A conference on academic library services to disabled students is summarized. Presentations which focused on the global context of library services and the information role of library personnel, the need to develop qualitative and quantitative standards dealing with technical as well as service aspects, the growing body of information resources on…

This project is concerned with public, school, and academic library services for the non-institutionalized handicapped of Indiana. Some of the most important questions which are discussed are the following: Who are the handicapped who are unable to use regular library materials and services? What level of library services is presently available to…

A pamphlet on special aids for senior library users lists items available from the Houston Public Library. Magnifiers (some illuminated), bedspecs (prism glasses), book holders, large print telephone dials, and games suitable for the visually handicapped or bedridden are described. The library's collections of slides and films, both 8mm and 16mm,…

The bibliography lists approximately 120 references (1978-83) on academic library services for disabled students. The bibliography was developed from a literature search of five indexes: "Library Literature," ERIC, "Dissertation Abstracts," LISA, and CIJE. Entries are arranged alphabetically by author and include title, source, date, page…

A librarian describes library services available for physically impaired students at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Following background information on the university's commitment to disabled students, a discussion is presented on the effects of federal legislation on changes in library facilities; collections; and services for disabled…

This third article in a series dealing with libraries' compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act addresses architectural considerations, including library furnishings; accessibility problems outside the library building; architectural barriers in library interiors; and responsibilities of public and private entity libraries. (LRW)

Providing service to visually impaired persons can provide a special challenge to librarians. This article provides suggestions on making libraries more accessible. Both technological solutions and staff training are addressed. (Author)

Describes some of the adaptive technology that is useful in a library. Highlights technologies that accommodate persons with low vision, those with learning disabilities, and the deaf and hard of hearing, and discusses screen readers and voice-output mechanisms, the Internet. Includes a selected list of adaptive-technology vendors and products and…

This compilation of documents submitted by various academic and research libraries on library services to the disabled is arranged under six topics. Policy and procedure statements are addressed by Colorado State University and the Universities of Wisconsin at Madison, Connecticut, and Missouri. The University of British Columbia and the…

When the Johnson County Library (Shawnee Mission, Kansas) went the extra mile to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an intensive program of building modification, new equipment acquisition, staff education, and community-awareness promotion was the result. A Disabilities Awareness Month was also launched. (AEF)

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) Kit presents the results of a survey on issues and concerns associated with planning for library services for persons with disabilities. The survey was sent to 119 U.S. and Canadian Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and returned by 74. The report is based on the responses of libraries which…

These guidelines are based on the experiences of a number of librarians working in the area of library services for hospital patients and disabled people in the community, as well as work done previously by a number of national library associations. The guidelines indicate the essential features of services to disabled people and suggest…

Eight articles review the progress achieved in making library computing technologies and library services accessible to people with disabilities. Adaptive technologies, automated conversion into Braille, and successful programs that demonstrate compliance with the American with Disabilities Act are described. A resource list is included. (EA)