John,

Thank you for offering to compile a list of accessible library catalogues.
This is an excellent idea.  What a good way to promote/highlight library
system companies who have been successful in this area.  Such a list
should be given high profile and wide circulation on a regular basis
(perhaps every 6 months) to spread the word on which companies should be
considered by libraries when they need to upgrade. The absence of
non-accessible library systems from this list will surely be an impetus
for them to pull up their socks.

The University of Waterloo Library went with Voyager one year ago and we
are not satisfied with how the database works with its ascii, web, or
windows interfaces in conjunction with JAWS for Windows or ASAP (both
voice output programs). I'm hoping to work with our library systems people
over the summer to determine where the short comings are, i.e., with
Voyager, with JAWS, or with our own systems set up here in the Library.

Jane Forgay, Librarian, Services for Persons with Disabilities
University of Waterloo Library
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

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

On Thu, 6 May 1999, John Moore wrote:

> I would like to revisit this issue a bit.  Are there any commercial
> automated library catalog systems that claim to be accessible? Are there
> any in your experience that are accessible?
>
> It surprises me that automated catalog companies don't use access as a
> marketing tool. I think that access will be a growing issue, and that there
> will be increasing pressure from disability advocacy groups to force
> libraries to provide accessible services.
>
> (back off soap box)
>
> If any list members know of specific accessible systems please let me know,
> I would like to start a list of these products.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John Moore
> Texas Assistive Technology Partnership
> Information Coordinator
>
> (and library school graduate student)
>