Introduction
Over the last number of decades, the society and the business community have ignored the plight of the disabled people. This could be due to the fact that the society and the business community overlooked the social-economic value that the disabled community added to the society. Thus there were no infrastructure set up to support the special needs of the disabled community.
Nevertheless, over the recent years, the society has taken a special interest in the needs of the disabled and more so, the need for equality between the able-bodied and the disabled. Consequently a number of reforms in the public and private sectors have taken place all in a bid to provide equality in access of service between the two groups of societies.
This paper will develop an action plan for serving individuals with disabilities in Library & Information Science. It has been quite a challenge for the disabled to access library services due to lack of infrastructure and facilities that take into account their special needs. Thus there has been a decrease in use of library services by the disabled as only traditional materials that could only be used by the physically able were in place.
Developing an action plan for the disabled is not a complicated issue but is similar to developing new aspects/ features to the library system, nevertheless, the whole action plan should be developed in consultation with the stakeholders.
There are several issues that must be taken into account when developing the action plan. First is the total cost of the whole project, the architectural design of the library building and whether it can accommodate the new developments and the current issues affecting accessibility with regards to the disabled.
There are several issues that this paper will dwell on in the development of the action plan and they include; services, training, funding, equipment, materials, facilities and training. The criteria for choosing the above seven items was based on the literature needs of the disabled which is crucial in their learning process.
Thus there was a need for the provision of a consistent, efficient and practical library system to cater for the physically disabled. This approach will therefore ensure that the action plan developed is wholesome and incorporates the special needs for the different types of disabilities that exist in the society.
Due to the complex nature of the various forms of disability, there will be a need to include a comprehensive program throughout the library system. By doing so, the library will provide a comprehensive system which will ensure effective service delivery and hence be in a position to get the necessary funding for the whole project.
Facility Planning
There are specific regulations set up by the physical planning regulation rules that require buildings to be disabled friendly. One of the most vital aspects that ought to be put into consideration in the library facility is its physical accessibility. It is therefore necessary to meticulously plan on the resulting outlook of the library so as to suit both the physically able and the disabled (Turner, 2004 89).
The library should be well located since it is a valuable medium of service to persons with disabilities and it should also uphold a good working relationship with the community, agencies that coordinate disability services and also with individuals with disabilities (Rubin, 2010 92).
Materials
In the beginning, it may not be an easy task to provide all parties with equal accessibility to the library materials but with time, this should be changed hence making it the eventual objective. However in the most recent times, these library materials are now accessible in different layouts for those persons that are disabled.
In order to effectively serve individuals with disabilities in Library & Information Science, closed caption media should be availed in many classic titles and they should not be more costly than their substitutes. The library should implement the feature of having numerous historical, literature, religious and reference books accessible in audiocassette hence serving persons with disabilities (Woodward, 2005 54).
Furthermore, library material should be accessible even to individuals outside the library where the materials are directly sent to the patron’s resident and to top it all, no postage charges are to be required for the return of those materials. This highly increases the rate at which individuals with disabilities access the library items. The library should provide free software programs for individuals with disabilities.
Gallaudet software-to-Go program is among the best sources for software targeting persons with disabilities. This program provides libraries that serve persons with disabilities numerous software programs on a free term basis. Hence the library should employ this program since it is cost effective yet it serves individuals with disabilities.
All that will be required of the library is to pay an yearly subscription fee and it may access materials listed in the software-to-Go catalog. In terms of selecting what software to incorporate, the library is to careful select that that is from a distinguished vendor who supplies a satisfactory customer list for specialized software.
It is necessary for the library to carry out an evaluation of assistive technology employing the same quality collection development principles that would be used for the rest of the library collection (Irwin, 1999 79).
Services
The services offered by libraries are highly considered by many as the key factor initializing attendance of that particular library. The services ought to be exposed on the library’s website, literature and also its signage.
So as to properly serve individuals with disabilities, the library should put up a sign at the reception informing persons with disabilities to request for assistance if need be. This factor will be greatly appreciated by persons with disabilities since it portrays that the library advocates for equality for all whereby all are welcome (Deines, 2007 103).
The library should provide information in other formats that meet the communication necessities of individuals with disabilities. One of the services that are quite important in all libraries is photocopying as well as book finding.
The library should implement this feature since individuals with disabilities require assistance in the library for instance, an individual in a wheelchair cannot reach books that are 52 inches high while that one suffering from dyslexia may require assistance in finding books.
As for photocopying services for students with vision impairment, the zoom feature on the copier, ought to be a key necessity the library should look into when purchasing photocopiers. The library should also provide alternative formats for instance, large print books in addition to audio tapes so as to cater for individuals having vision difficulties.
In a bid to ensure that services are accessible, the library should ascertain that their members of staff are well aware of access barriers in delivery of the library’s services since it is a vital aspect in the creation of available services (Walling, Linda, Marilyn & Karrenbrock, 2006 105).
Funding
The library should ensure that there are the necessary materials needed by individuals with disabilities. Not only should the library employ reference software in its systems but it should also make sure that the software has adaptive options.
In the scenario where developmental studies program exists, this sector ought to have an allotment to offer materials for both English as well as other particular needs. This allotment ought to be used in the purchase of software programs, books or media in order to efficiently serve persons with disabilities (Wesson, Margaret & Keefe, 2007 89).
The library’s major funding kitty ought to offer elementary collection of assistive equipment and software. In terms of getting funds for assistive technology, the library should explore several external sources for example Tools for Life which gives information concerning accessible financial support. The library should get sufficient funds for maintaining and upgrading its equipment and also for training purposes.
Financial backing is also required for the publication of materials in different formats, making of signs and for provision of brochures concerning information on disability. Most importantly, the library’s budget ought to include funds for making any alterations needed for accommodating individuals with disabilities to the library (Basu, 1991 78).
Training
Training of staff is a vital duty undertaken by the library in order for it to fully serve individuals with disabilities. This training will adequately prepare the members of staff in handling persons with disabilities especially when offering services both in and outside the library.
In order to ascertain what is required, it is vital to carry out an assessment on the level of awareness and comprehension of issues related to persons with disabilities. The library staff members should receive apt training on all facets of a comprehensive library environment.
The library ought to provide guidebooks for equipment and services to its staff in order for them to be conversant on how to offer assistance to individuals with disabilities using such equipment (Deines, Courtney & Connie, 1995 44).
Cooperative relationships
In order to offer excellent services and materials for persons with disabilities, the cooperative relationships will play a crucial role. The library should appoint a Transition team for Accessibility apparently which dwells on a broad depiction of all sectors of responsibility. Furthermore, persons with disabilities ought to be selected to this committee.
These persons should not be absent on meetings especially when adjustments or accompaniments are to be made on the library building since their consent and opinions are of utmost importance. A chief function of the ad hoc committee will be to attend to patrons’ concerns thereby addressing all issues regarding the library and its daily functions.
The commission should also provide up to date data on matters and requirements involving the disabled persons. It will give recommendations on the changes that are to be made to the library facility such as the alterations, materials, training prospects and services that are to be offered to the individuals with disabilities (Green & Blair, 2011 142).
The transition team for accessibility will be quite helpful in giving information to the library’s management especially in financial prospects. The library ought to look into the recommendations made by the committee after the committee’s assessment of the library’s condition in terms of serving individuals with disabilities.
Moreover, the library should carefully revert to the plans developed by the transition committee and more so, it should ensure that both persons with disabilities as well as professionals in the field of disabilities and assistive technologies are appointed to the committee in a bid to serve individuals with disabilities proficiently.
Facilities
Library facilities should be considered if the libtrary intends to serve individuals with disabilities. This is because certain factors ought to be put into consideration. Initially, the library disability services should provide an accessibility map to the library and also emergency plans and exits for individuals with disabilities.
The library ought to ascertain that all the library facilities are made use of by individuals with disabilities without them having to feel as objects of charity (Amtamann, Dagmar & Debbie, 1999 82).
Equipment
The library should ensure that it has the appropriate equipment necessary to serve individuals with disabilities while in the library. In compliance to the building code and the Disability Act, and the agenda for the development of the action plan, the library will also need to install equipment that can comfortably support the disabled and assist them in accessing the library services.
Due to the wide range of different disability conditions, the library will also need to install a wide range of equipment to cater for the diverse special needs. In doing this, the library will be gearing itself towards offering equal services to all despite the physical conditions of the patrons.
Thus the equipment will help the disabled by assisting them in finding the location, examining, using and borrowing the academic materials. Also the library staff will need to be trained on how to use the equipments in order to ensure a smooth transition from the old system to the new integrated system (Casey, 1999 24).
Some of the library equipment needed will be handled by the staff on behalf of the patrons in cases where the patrons are orthopedic or visually disabled.
Due to the fact that the library is a storied building, elevators will be installed to ensure access to the whole library facility equally. In addition, there should be a policy where people can access services on behalf of a disabled person by easily filling out forms either physically or online by the disabled person if he/she can do so.
Computer software set up that can effectively magnify computer images for patrons with low visual capability should also be used. This software should be installed in all computers and there should also be a special category of computers specifically meant for the disabled. All access and exit terminals should have ramps or disability access terminals which should be installed in all emergency exits doors.
Nevertheless, installing of these equipments and services will require a lot of funding as the equipment and training of personnel is a very expensive venture. Thus a lot depends on the goodwill of the stakeholders to ensure that the program is a success and sufficiently benefits the intended party.
Conclusion
The library can only offer a good learning environment that can hence serve individuals with disabilities with equality and respect if it upholds the seven basic areas of library planning that have been extensively discussed above. This will in event provide an equal platform for all learners.
It is therefore necessary that the library adequately addresses the issues accordingly in order for it to serve individuals with disabilities appropriately and so as to identify with the society as a whole.
References
Amtmann, K. Dagmar, L and Debbie, C. (1999). Increasing Access to Information and Computer Technology for People with Disabilities through Public Libraries. New York, NY: John Wiley.
Basu, S. (1991). Public Library Services to Visually Disabled Children. Jefferson, NC: McFarland.
Casey, C. (1999). Accessibility in the Virtual Library: Creating Equal Opportunity Web Sites. Information Technology and Libraries. Vol. 18, pp. 22-25.
Deines, J. (2007). Improving Library Services to People with Disabilities. London: Chandos.
Deines, J. Courtney, T. and Connie, F. (1995). Preparing Staff to Serve Patrons with Disabilities: A How-To-Do-It Manual. New York: Neal-Schuman.
Green, R. & Blair, V. (2011). Keep it Simple: A Guide to Assistive Technologies. Libraries Unlimited: Santa Barbara, CA.
Irwin, M. (1999). Guidelines for library services for people with mental retardation. Chicago: American Library Association.
Rubin, R. (2010). Foundations of Library and Information Science. New York, NY: John Wiley.
Turner, R. (2004). Library Patrons With Disabilities. San Antonio, TX: White Buffalo Press.
Walling, G. Linda, L. and Marilyn, H. Karrenbrock, J. (2006). Disabilities, Children, and Libraries: Mainstreaming Services in Public Libraries and School Media Centers. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited.
Wesson, L. and Margaret, J. Keefe, D. (2007). Serving Special Needs Students in the School Library Media Center. Westport, CT: Greenwood.
Woodward, J. (2005). Creating the Customer Driven Library: Building on the Bookstore Model. Chicago: ALA.