Crash Course in Library Services to People with Disabilities - Softcover

Roberts, Ann; Smith, Richard J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591587670 ISBN 13: 9781591587675

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 2010

Synopsis

This book helps libraries identify and implement new ways to serve their physically or mentally disabled patients.

Authors Ann Roberts and Dr. Richard Smith work at the state level with persons with disabilities. They find that very few librarians feel comfortable with providing services addressed to the needs of the disabled, yet those who do offer services and programs other libraries can adopt and adapt.

Crash Course in Library Services to People with Disabilities will help librarians get up to speed in understanding disabled persons and what they can do to make library premises and holdings more accessible to them. It provides basic information on the different types of mental and physical disabilities a librarian might encounter, then offers a range of exemplary policies, services, and programs for people with disabilities―efforts that are in place and working across the country.

About this title

About the Author

Ann Roberts is adult services consultant for Missouri State Library, Jefferson City, MO.

Richard J. Smith, MLS, PhD, is the chief of the Network Division at the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in the Library of Congress.

Reviews

Librarians who are striving to fill the information needs of people with different mental and physical challenges will find that this title answers many of their questions. Authors Roberts and Smith work at the state level with persons with disabilities and, therefore, are very familiar with the issues and challenges. Among the topics that are discussed are the implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act; marketing, programs, and services; assistive technologies; and the particular needs of older adults and people with mental and physical disabilities. Two useful appendixes and a lengthy bibliography complete this timely work. A short index adds additional access points for this practical title, which continually reminds us that the disabled are people first! --Susan Awe

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1591587670
• ISBN 13: 9781591587675
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176