Access to Library Internet Services for Patrons with Disabilities: Pragmatic Considerations for Developers

Abstract

When libraries offer patron access to the Internet and other on-line services, they must consider the needs of patrons with disabilities who will be using their Internet links either from the library or from remote sites. In planning and implementing technological improvements to optimize access for all patrons, librarians and information specialists must allow for both physical and intellectual access to electronic information. This paper addresses these issues from a pragmatic perspective, reviews available options and suggests strategies for improving access for people with various disabilities. The Internet Explosion and Patrons with Disabilities Many libraries are using Internet access to improve patron services. In the United States, an estimated 21% of public libraries have some type of Internet connection, with libraries in urban areas (having a patron base over one million) connected at a rate of 75% (St. Lifer, 1994). These libraries are taking different approaches to providing Internet and on-line services to their patrons. Some have connections from terminals located inside the library; others allow dial-in access from patrons' offices or homes. As services grow in sophistication, so do patron interfaces. Many new computers sport a full-color mouse- driven Graphic User Interface (GUI) which allows access to CD-ROM products, World Wide Web sites, and other multimedia products. The number of people who have disabilities is also increasing. As a group, Americans are aging, and life spans are increasing. Thanks to improvements in medical technology, more children with disabilities are surviving through infancy and early childhood. Advances in technology are also allowing people with disabilities to have greater freedom of motion, and more effective means of communicating. In 1990, over thirteen million Americans (excluding those living in institutions) reported using some sort of assistive technology device to help compensate for a disability. This reflects a continuing growth in the use of such aids (U.S. Department of Commerce, 1994). This growth has spurred a movement to ensure that educational, cultural, and employment opportunities are open to all, no matter what their disability. Educational facilities have been at the fore of this movement. Since 1980, the number of children enrolled in educational programs for the disabled has risen by over 400,000. Of these, the majority are in regular classrooms for at least 40% of the school day (U. S. Department of Commerce, 1994). As educational opportunities continue to improve, library services will become even more important. For patrons with disabilities, expanded library services and new computer access options are especially exciting. The Internet can truly open a world of information to people who have disabilities. Through E-mail, chat groups, and listservs, people can make friends and talk to others even if they have severe communication disorders. People who have rare disabilities can use the Internet to forge links to information and support groups that might otherwise be completely inaccessible. Legislative action alerts and electronic political forums give people who may find travel difficult the opportunity to actively shape government policy. For these reasons, most people with disabilities welcome library access to the Internet. Many, however, have difficulty using a standard computer interface. For others, multimedia innovations represent potentially insurmountable barricades to full Internet access. Some patrons may also find learning multiple methods of searching to be frustrating or impossible. Most of these barriers were not consciously built by information and computer specialists, and many can be overcome if librarians consider both physical and intellectual access issues when they plan their access options. Physical Access Problems Physical access problems are usually obvious and can be addressed by information professionals from many disciplines. …