APLA Conference 2022

While public libraries in Canada strive to offer services to disadvantaged and marginalized populations, accessibility for readers with print disabilities is often not considered in the development and offering of the mainstream services of the library, and accessible content and systems are often only available in a separate service or repository. With support from the Canada Book Fund, NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service) and CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access) are co-leading the Public Libraries Accessibility Resource Centre (PLARC) project, to engage with library staff to develop awareness and training in accessibility in all areas of the library, and help ensure the availability, procurement and delivery of accessible books and resources across Canada. This panel discussion will include an overview of the PLARC project, a user perspective on accessibility within public libraries, and a library staff perspective on incorporating accessibility across all operations and services. This session will also provide an overview of the complicated landscape of accessibility, which will help librarians and library staff better serve their diversity of readers.