Accessibility Tools: Bookshare

I once worked at a library that had one of the most confusing website layouts ever.

No seriously, I even had trouble finding the home button! There was big font that said "Library Catalog" and then underneath it, there was an entire paragraph, at the end of which stated "access access "My Account" through the Library Catalog" and that was where you were supposed to click to access the website. 

Image Source: Screenshot from OBPL

Now this might seem a little ridiculous for some people, since even though this way of accessing the catalog isn't logical, it's still somewhat helpful. But for people who have cognitive or mental disabilities, this may prove to be a significant barrier between them and their local library. I should know, we got a lot of phone calls complaining about our website's problematic functionality, and sadly there was little we could do to change it without the approval of the Village at large.

While website navigation issues may seem like a personal problem, there are many ways in which academic, public, and school libraries unconsciously cause barriers for students and patrons. Books placed on very high or low shelves due to lack of space, desk and classroom arrangements, tight doorways or slow elevators; these are all small issues that can have a major impact on individuals with disabilities.

That being said, the majority of educators and librarians work hard to find resources for students and patrons that are user-friendly, adaptable, and engaging. Most classrooms are designed to provide accommodations for all students, involve cooperative learning, and flexible learning spaces so that all students can be equally engaged and appreciated.

One such source that I've found is Bookshare, which is a free online library with millions of titles available for anyone and everyone. The tool is specifically helpful for those who may be visually or hearing impaired, but also for anyone who prefers listening to audiobooks or text marking as they read. I've put together a short infographic with a summary of all it's features for you to explore:

Image Source: Canva Creation

I've always been passionate about reading, and it angers me to no end when parents or patrons say that listening to an audiobook isn't "reading." Stories are universal, and so are the multitude of ways in which they can be expressed! Most local libraries provide a plethora of ways for people to read books, but it's free libraries such as these that transcend district lines and ensure that everyone has access to good stories.

However, these resources and issues of accessibility can only be addressed if they are known. How can we, as librarians and educators, expand our classrooms and services even further to encompass and embrace more knowledge and more people? How can we connect more meaningfully and cultivate a greater understanding of those whose lives are different from us? Bookshare is only one of many sources that I am sure can improve the reading, and learning, experience for everyone.