Hello John,
I love your question, it is exactly what we at Calgary Public Library
struggle with daily.  We are in the process of installing Adaptive
technology workstations at branches throughout the city.  I can assure you
that our department Special Needs Services is FULLY devoted and will be
fully trained on the use of this equipment.  We have an understanding of the
NEEDS of our "print disabled" community and know that it is the RIGHT of
every citizen to have access to information--I would dare to say we are
PASSIONATE about the cause.  We also realize, not everyone shares in our
PASSION, it is "one more thing to learn".  I however, believe that with
proper training, encouragement and support, staff will be able to assist the
public.  I strongly believe it is VERY REASONABLE to expect the PUBLIC
LIBRARIES to have this technology readily available for ALL customers as
well as to have the knowledge to "help" the customer achieve independence
using it. (We would have no resistance to a NEW reference book if it opened
backwards, would we? We would have to adapt to it and I assure you in time
it would get used!).
ALL technology is difficult to adapt to (no pun intended), it is through use
and commitment that we learn utilize it to it's capacity.  I believe it is
the role of public libraries to "mainstream" and expose the general public
and the "print disabled" public to such technologies.  I also believe that
one can not be an advocate without the proper tools (training), therefore ,
aside from personal attitude of the staff members, TRAINING is key.
(by the way, when I speak of Special Needs Services, I speak of 5 staff
members, sometimes 3, if the snow gets too deep!!)
I can't wait to read everyone else's thoughts on this matter.  Have a
wonderful week and PLEASEEE send some of that wonderful Texas heat up this
way!!!

Emma




 Message -----
From: John Moore <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, April 13, 2001 10:14 AM
Subject: Access scenario


> This is a situation, based on a call I received, that I would like to put
> out to the list for some discussion.
>
> A public library offers a beginning class in the use of Microsoft Word. An
> individual who is blind signs up for the class. The library does not know
> that the individual is blind until she shows up for the class. They do
> however have a computer with screen reading software and make it available
> to her for the class.
>
> There is a problem however, the individual is not familiar with this
> particular screen reading software and there is no one available in the
> library that an really teach her how to use it. After some discussion, the
> library offers to provide training in the use of the screen reading
software
> at a local organization that serves persons who are blind. The problem
here
> is that this location is in another part of town and transportation to the
> location is a problem.
>
> There may be an additional problem that has yet to come up. When the
patron
> learns to use the screen reading software will the library staff teaching
> this beginning class know how to access Word using all the keyboard
> commands?
>
> My question...what is reasonable for the library to provide? It has been
my
> experience that many libraries that offer assistive technology do not have
> staff trained to support the patrons who need to use it. This situation
> pushes that concern a bit further.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> John
> --
> John Moore, MLIS
> Information Resources Coordinator
> Texas Technology Access Project
> Texas Center for Disability Studies
> The University of Texas, at Austin
> SZB 252e D5100
> Austin, TX 78712
>
> (800) 828-7839
> local (512) 471-7621
> fax (512) 471-7549
>