Somehow I'm guessing you had something to do with these changes?  If so, thanks to you and all the others who advocated for them.  Kathie

Katherine Schneider, Ph.D.
Senior Psychologist, Emerita
Counseling Service
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
[log in to unmask]

Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old;  Seek what they sought. - Basho


-----Original Message-----
From: EASI's Library Accessibility Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Schmetzke, Axel
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 2:34 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: American Library Association (ALA)--revised Standards for Distance Learning Library Services


Technically, this may not qualify as "news" anymore, but it is worth bringing to the attention of this group.  After over four years of discussion, the revision to the former ALA/ARCL Guidelines for Distance Learning Library Services were passed, on July 1, 2008, by the ACRL Board of Directors. The new document is named Standards for Distance Learning Library Services. While the former Guidelines did not address disability-related access issues at all, the new Standards document repeatedly states that the needs of all students, including those with disabilities, must be met.



Language explicitly mandating the inclusion of  people with disabilities can be found in the following sections:

*         Philosophy: A Bill of Rights for the Distance Learning Community (several instances)

*         Personnel

*         Facilities and Equipment

*         Services

The Services section , for example, includes the statement that it is "essential" that "online instructional and informational services" are provided "in formats accessible to the greatest number of people, including those with disabilities."



The text of the document is available at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/standards/guidelinesdistancelearning.cfm.



The new Standards for Distance Learning Library Services  may provide a good opportunity to revisit your library's own distance education policy (and practices) and to make changes where necessary.



Axel Schmetzke

Library

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point





 ALA = American Library Association

ACRL = Association of College and Research Libraries

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Check out EASI New Synchronous Clinics:
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Check the EASI Library Web http://www.rit.edu/~easi/lib.htm

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