[nabs] Seeking suggestions (again!!)

[Laura Glowacki]

Linda,

The biggest issue I run in to in utilizing library resources is 
the potential for having to spend hours and hours to find 
particular information in a printed source.  For someone who is 
low vision, using a CCTV can be very tedious.  Also, they may not 
have one either that is portable or that is in the library which 
would necessitate multiple trips for books if they don't find the 
information in the first or second source they check out.  For 
someone who is totally blind or unable to read print, the idea of 
using a reader is quite daunting.  I'll admit that I haven't 
checked, but never once have I heard of a college library that 
has people available and willing and able to help read through 
table of contents and indexes to help find particular pieces or 
sections of information.  Think about how long it takes most 
people to research in a library-- sometimes hours.  In the past 
I've assumed, probably rightly so, that that kind of people-power 
is just not available.  Part of it is knowing if your reader has 
research competency or not as well.

Also, when I've gone to the inevitable required "orientation to 
the library" lecture during five or six different classes 
throughout my college career, never do either the professor or 
librarian even consider accessibility issues.  I am often left 
either trying to keep up with the class on my own laptop and 
usually failing to because using an unfamiliar website with jaws 
is much slower than clicky clicky like everyone else does.  Or I 
end up sitting in front of a computer without accessible software 
listening to the lecture and feeling annoyed because I could be 
better using that time trying to figure it out on my own.

Just some thoughts.  I realize this sounds a little cynical, and 
part of it is that I'm stubborn and have traditionally assumed 
that the resources are not there to save myself the time, 
trouble, and disappointment of finding out.  So perhaps an equal 
amount of this then needs to be figuring out ways to advertise 
services for students with disabilities.

Laura
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "linda green" <ysgreen79 at hotmail.com>
To: <nabs at acb.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2010 8:51 AM
Subject: [nabs] Seeking suggestions (again!!)



Hey guys-
I am a fellow student (graduated in March) and know the 
challenges of accessing and utilizing the college library (I also 
work in one).

I want to do a training with the staff on issues related to 
accessing the library for students -

My question to you is-

Can you provide me some issues that you may have in accessing or 
using your college library?

Do you use the library?

What would you like to see happen or change?

**FYI: The library has many resources that I think are great for 
students with visual impairments. Just recently I found that some 
databases have a 'Listen' button (once you open an article you 
have searched for) and you can actually listen to the article. 
Also, you can access ebooks (in which you can download to ipod, 
mp3).

If you have any questions or need assistance in regards to 
library services/resources, I'll be glad to help!!

Thanks in advance for your time!

Regards,
Linda



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


_______________________________________________
nabs mailing list
nabs at acb.org
http://www.acb.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs