LT 130 - Assistive Technology

Mobile Apps “In 2009, there were 4.6 billion active cellular subscriptions in the world and 250 million wireless data-capable devices in use in the U.S. Any one of these is a potential destination for public library information targeted at mobile users.” (Baumann ALA Report: Libraries Gear up for Mobile.)   Because people everywhere can quickly and easily connect to the internet on their mobile devices, mobile apps are more popular than ever, and these mobile apps can extend the library’s services outside their physical borders. Functions a library mobile app can offer: library catalogue interactive library guides library virtual tour an interactive calendar with all the library’s events the possibility to loan and read electronic books and articles the possibility to reserve the library’s resources or to pay for some services  All of these are beneficial for library patrons but to take it one step further, the library can add other available mobile apps to the librar

Assistive Technology Libraries and the Digital Divide Libraries Help Disabled Patrons Close the Digital Divide  - Marta Bachynsky   What is the Digital Divide? The Digital Divide is the gap that separates people who have access to the tools of information technology and communication, as well as the knowledge those services provide from people who don’t have such access or skills (Cullen, 2001). There are many communities that are affected by the Digital Divide, such as those with low literacy levels, the unemployed, those with low literacy levels, etc. One of the communities close to my heart that the Digital Divide has a great effect on is people with disabilities. This includes physical disabilities such as visual or hearing impairment, mobility issues, and cognitive impairments such as dyslexia or autism spectrum disorder. According to CDC, there are 61 million adults in America with some form of physical or cognitive disability, and the number is growing as the population ages (

  For libraries to be inclusive spaces for  all  members of a community it is important that they offer assistive technology. ALA Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy The American Library Association policy on accessibility states the following. “ALA, through its divisions, offices and units and through collaborations with outside associations and agencies is dedicated to eradicating inequities and improving attitudes toward and services and opportunities for people with disabilities. ” What is Assistive Technology?   According to the Assistive Technology Industry Association it is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. AT can be low-tech: communication boards made of cardboard or fuzzy felt. AT can be high-tech: special-purpose computers. AT can be hardware: prosthetics, mounting systems, and positionin

  by Kelly Shire In a world where literally thousands of books can be searched for, downloaded, and read on the internet, what will be the role and function of libraries? This seems like a question that will be asked increasingly as more and more of the information we consume can be accessed via the internet. This is especially true in the case of Google Books.   On the side of accessiblity, one can argue that Google Books is a very beneficial thing. As stated on the Wikipedia page devoted to the subject, it gives “ unprecedented access to what may become the largest online body of human knowledge and promoting the democratization of knowledg e.” Given the ongoing popularity of libraries, and both online and physical bookstores, it seems unlikely that physical books will be disappearing anytime soon. Yet aside from what the public can gain from Google Books, there is also the valid point that the incorrect and incomplete scanning of old texts does everyone a disservice, particular

  Kelly Shire   By definition, “mobile technology” refers to cellular technologies, which itself is a fancy way of saying “smart phones.” For libraries in the 21 st century, awareness of mobile technologies means thinking of ways that they can interact with their patrons through their smartphones. This might mean making sure that their web site and search platform is mobile friendly. I for one have been frustrated by my public library’s less than great mobile site, when I’ve tried to look up items on my phone.   A well-designed web site should perform equally well on both a PC/laptop, and on a phone. It can be challenging for libraries to incorporate web design into their business plans, yet hopefully even without an in-house IT department, the city, county, or other supporting entity will help public libraries with web design and accessibility. There are also other, more fun ways to use mobile technologies. In his “Dispatches” column in American Libraries magazine,

by Kelly Shire One of the many roles that libraries have in the 21st century is to be a center of information. For those with disabilities, their ability to access this information may often be limited or other challenged. This is where libraries can act as a gateway for patrons.  To be honest, it is a mark of my privilege as an able-bodied person that I’ve never really had to consider how others utilize and rely on public libraries for this purpose. Or, at the very least, I’ve never considered these issues from the perspective of the library staff. “ Assistive technology” is a phrase that covers many types of assistance, from close-captioning on a video, to screen readers and adaptive keyboards, to web sites that are designed for those with visual impairments. On an extremely literal level, even the eyeglasses I wear during every waking moment are also a form of assistive tech. In the article “Technology for Every Teen @ Your Library,” Vicki C. Terril

by Kelly Shire For at least the last decade, libraries have often been at the forefront of providing digital access and internet connectivity to those parts of the population that don’t otherwise have access to computers and reliable internet in their homes or private lives. This lack of easy, universal access is called “the digital divide.” The public might be using library computers to do “important” searches or tasks, or they might be browsing the web like many do in their homes or on their smartphones. Part of the digital divide is not only that people lack access to the internet, but also they may not have phones that can send or receive texts or other messages. And yet another aspect is that, while millions of people around the world enjoy social media, online shopping, and other perks of the modern age, those on the other side of the divide are not able to use digital media for these pastimes. In 2020, when schools, businesses, and libraries all closed due

Google Books Sue Palomares Google Books was previously known as Google Book Search and Google Print. With Google Books, you can search for books just like you search for anything on the web, you can browse the books or buy books or borrow them from the library. Google has also created pages for every book so you can quickly find all kinds of relevant information: book reviews, web references.  Google Books has more than 10 million free books available for users to read and download. In the article “How Google Books Works,” Nathan  Chandler says, “In short, Google Books could mean better access to more information for more people than ever before. It could revolutionize the Internet in ways that we can't yet imagine.”   With distance learning Google Books has  become a reliable way to do your school work or just to read for pleasure.  Chandler, N. (2009, December 29). How Google Books Works . HowStuffWorks. https://computer.howstuffworks.com/google-books.htm.  

Mobile technology and libraries Sue Palomares Mobile technology is technology that goes where you the user goes.  This technology consists of two communication devices, the computing and the networking technology that connects them.  This enables mobile devices to share all applications.  Mobile technology is fast becoming the preferred method for connecting to the Internet, especially for people on the go. Librarians must keep pace with this trend and integrate themselves into the mobile realm if they wish to deliver enhanced user services. Mobile technology and libraries is a practical, easy-to-follow new resource that will walk you through the start-to-finish steps for strengthening your library's mobile presence. In the article Mobile Technology Advantages and disadvantages of mobile technology, “ Mobile technology is indispensable in the modern workplace. Due to its versatility, it offers a range of benefits, but also comes with considerable risks to the business.”  It tells u