Creator: Public Library Services Branch, Government of Alberta
Date of Update: March 29, 2024
Overview
If you are a part of a public library in Alberta, this resource can help you find the general guidelines and additional resources on implementing the standards in the document.
The information on this page is summarized from the Best Practices for Alberta Public Libraries.
Quick Facts
- The Libraries Regulation requires local public library boards to implement a plan to address the Provision of Resources for Those Unable to use Conventional Print.
- The library may also want to implement policies around:
- Guide dogs and other service animals;
- Accessible information;
- Assistive technology, equipment, and devices.
- To meet the needs of those with print disabilities, libraries may want to:
- Get in contact with the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) and Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA);
- Secure resources for large print, braille, audiobooks, DAISY books, and various electronic formats the users can download,
- To ensure physical library spaces are accessible and barrier-free, libraries may want to:
- Conduct an accessibility audit. The Alberta government mentions Voice of Albertans with Disabilities as an organization that can perform these audits;
- Consider the seven principles of universal design;
- List physical accessibility features (like wheelchair access or braille signage) on the library’s website.
- Make sure that library communication material is accessible. This includes newsletters and announcements.
- You can use the Accessibility Checker feature in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
- Use headings and image descriptions.
- Communicate in multiple formats: email, print, audio, web pages, etc.
- Ensure the library website complies with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards.
- Make sure the physical materials follow CNIB’s – Clear Print Accessibility Guidelines.
There are many things to consider when creating an accessible library space and materials. The references section has many resources to look at, and many of them link to further resources. It is often advisable to have a dedicated staff member who handles accessibility issues for the library and can handle them effectively.
For more information, visit the Best Practices for Alberta Public Libraries document.
References
Centre for Equitable Library Access. (2024). Centre for Equitable Library Access. CELAlibrary.ca. https://celalibrary.ca/
Centre for Equitable Library Access. (2024). What is a print disability?. CELAlibrary.ca. https://celalibrary.ca/about-us/what-is-a-print-disability
CNIB. (n.d.). Clear Print Accessibility Guidelines. https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2020-08/Clear%20Print%20Guidelines%202020.pdf
Government of Alberta. (n.d.). Library services for persons with print disabilities. Alberta.ca. https://www.alberta.ca/services-for-persons-with-print-disabilities
Lawton Henry, S. (Ed.). (2024, March 7). WCAG 2 Overview. Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag
Mace, R., & North Carolina State University. (1997). The 7 Principles. Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. https://universaldesign.ie/about-universal-design/the-7-principles
Microsoft Support. (2024). Improve accessibility with the Accessibility Checker. Microsoft Support. https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/improve-accessibility-with-the-accessibility-checker-a16f6de0-2f39-4a2b-8bd8-5ad801426c7f
National Network for Equitable Library Service. (2024). National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS). https://nnels.ca/
Public Library Services Branch, Government of Alberta. (2018, July). Best Practices for Public Libraries in Alberta. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/d424e091-e381-4dc4-b03f-a5a8b51a80fb/resource/bb49bd6b-7ba8-4fd1-85b4-d33f514279f0/download/best-practices-for-alberta-public-libraries-2018.pdf
Voice of Albertans with Disabilities. (2023). Who We Are. Voice of Albertans with Disabilities. https://vadsociety.ca/