Equality Through Access: Embedding Library Services for Patrons with Disabilities

In an effort to remain relevant and active in the research agendas of users, librarians emphasize collaborative efforts with the departments they represent. Departmental liaisons, or subject specialists, struggle to embed themselves within programs in order to foster awareness of library services and information literacy concepts. There is a bond between the librarian and these patrons because of the common research interests associated with the subject area. Embedded librarianship with regard to students and faculty with disabilities is challenging because the community is multidisciplinary and the members of the community are not necessarily enrolled in similar degree programs. Difficulties arise when librarians attempt to reach out to patrons while using techniques and technologies that are not accessible to students with disabilities. Tactics used by librarians to become embedded in subject specific departments must be modified for a population of disabled patrons. The following is a look at the problems associated with reaching out to the diverse population of patrons with disabilities and how these problems can be overcome. Solutions include collaboration with specific units on campus, proper use of advertising strategies, modification of existing services, Web site design decisions, and educated purchasing of adaptive software. Applying these solutions will help to ensure that students with disabilities receive the same level of service and access to collections as their fellow library patrons.