Library and Information Center Accessibility: The Differently-able Patron's Perspective

Author(s)

Clayton A. Copeland, University of SCFollow

ORCID iD

Copeland: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1546-6041

Document Type

Article

Subject Area(s)

library accessibility, equity of access to information, differently-able, disability (and social construction of)

Abstract

This article explores library services and accessibility in public, school, and academic libraries from the perspective(s) of patrons who are differently-able.1 For this study, five individuals, each of whom has unique experiences with disability and society, participated in in-depth interviews. Qualitative data analysis revealed the following themes: love for libraries and reading; disability as a socially-constructed phenomenon; physical limitations and barriers to library accessibility and services; technology and adaptation; and legislative compliance versus compassion. Through participants’ voices, the study lends understanding to the ‘‘lived experiences’’ of library patrons who are differently-able and offers suggestions on how library accessibility may be improved

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1080/07317131.2011.546281

Publication Info

Published in Technical Services Quarterly, Volume 28, Issue 2, 2011, pages 223-241.

© Taylor & Francis Group, 2011

APA Citation

Clayton, C. A. (2011) Library and information center accessibility: The differently-able patron's perspective. Technical Services Quarterly, 28(2), 223-241. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317131.2011.546281