I am especially interested in accessible chat with a librarian.
At 04:16 PM 11/8/2008, you wrote:
>Norm, based on my experience (which is limited to academic libraries), 
>many academic libraries provide several communication channels by which 
>their patrons can get into touch with the reference or help-desk staff. 
>Contact via phone and email is almost always an option. Some academic 
>libraries utilize chat software, which may or may not be accessible; but 
>most of the time plain email is offered as an alternative.
>
>Admittedly, it would be good to see some more hard-core data on this 
>issue. I'm particularly concerned about those libraries at which the 
>initial question is to be entered into a form, which may or may not work 
>well with screen readers. While the librarian will respond via email (and 
>the ensuing follow-up would be conducted via email), getting the initial 
>question out to the librarian may be a problem if the form is not designed 
>with accessibility in mind.
>
>My colleagues on this list might disagree.  Let's wait for further responses.
>
>Greetings,
>
>Axel
>University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: EASI's Library Accessibility Discussion List 
>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Prof Norm Coombs
>Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2008 5:44 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Question about online library help or reference desk???
>
>I realize that libraries are increasingly having facilities put online.  I
>know some have ways to answer online questions by email or chat or such.
>My question is whether any library has worked to provide ways to answer the
>questions of online patrons with disabilities including having a system
>that will interact with screen reader software?????
>
>If anyone can help the gap in my knowledge, please email me.
>Norman Coombs
>CEO EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information
>[log in to unmask]
>(949) 855-4852 (pacific time zone)
>
>---------------------------
>Check out EASI New Synchronous Clinics:
>http://easi.cc/clinic.htm
>EASI Home Page http://www.rit.edu/~easi
>Online courses  and Clinics http://easi.cc/workshop.htm
>Check the EASI Library Web http://www.rit.edu/~easi/lib.htm
>
> >>> Error in line 8 of AXSLIB-L.MAILTPL: unknown formatting command <<<
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>---------------------------
>Check out EASI New Synchronous Clinics:
>http://easi.cc/clinic.htm
>EASI Home Page http://www.rit.edu/~easi
>Online courses  and Clinics http://easi.cc/workshop.htm
>Check the EASI Library Web http://www.rit.edu/~easi/lib.htm
>
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Norman Coombs [log in to unmask]
CEO EASI Equal Access to Software and Information
phone (949) 855-4852 (NOTE pacific time zone)
****READ ABOUT THE DICK BANKS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:
http://easi.cc/scholarship.htm

---------------------------
Check out EASI New Synchronous Clinics:
http://easi.cc/clinic.htm
EASI Home Page http://www.rit.edu/~easi
Online courses  and Clinics http://easi.cc/workshop.htm
Check the EASI Library Web http://www.rit.edu/~easi/lib.htm

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