Universal Parity to Resources: Rethinking Library Access

Thursday, 7/25/2019
  • 2:00 PM (Eastern)
  • 1:00 PM (Central)
  • 12:00 PM (Mountain)
  • 11:00 AM (Pacific)

web accessibility by Mark Caron from the Noun Project

With the integration of experimental technologies and an accelerated evolution of library content, librarians have become strong proponents for integrating makerspace technologies into the classroom and learning experience, utilizing augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) in library services, and advocating for the creation, discovery, and use of Open Educational Resources (OER). 

As our libraries move forward with adopting these new initiatives, it is essential to keep accessibility in mind, and in this webinar, you'll learn how to do just that. We want to ask ourselves how distance users, individuals with disabilities, and others needing accommodations can engage with these resources and services. Incorporating new technologies and collections into the library is a complex process. It has the potential to facilitate access to all members of the community regardless of socioeconomic status and background.

This 60-minute webinar examines the topic of innovative technologies and collections through the lens of access and stewardship. Parity goes beyond making books and information accessible to all; it means making all library services accessible, including open resources, makerspace services, and others. In particular, we will focus on

  • technology access, including makerspaces and emerging technology, such as AR/VR and
  • collections access, including OER and resource sharing

Within each topic, the instructors will discuss the current climate within academic libraries, share their personal experiences and tips in broadening access to resources, and encourage self-reflection as you think about how they can expand resource accessibility in your home institutions.

 
Image credit: web accessibility by Mark Caron from the Noun Project

Learning Outcomes

After participating in this webinar, you will be able to

  • Identify and recognize the current and ongoing trends of accessing innovative technologies and open resources in academic libraries
  • Present unique ways to make new library services available to everyone
  • Discuss behind-the-scenes processes, such as license negotiation, that provide librarians with opportunities to advocate for access

Who Should Attend

Academic Librarians, including outreach, innovative technologies, digital services, collections and licensing and accessibility services professionals

Presenters

Christine Elliott

Christine Elliott headshot

Christine Elliott is a Learning Services & Assessment Librarian at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA. Christine's interests include universal accessibility, library marketing, innovative technologies, information literacy instruction, and open educational resources. She has published in College & Undergraduate Libraries (Taylor & Francis, 2018), Teaching Technology in Libraries (McFarland, 2017), and the Discovery Tool Cookbook (ACRL, 2016). Christine is co-editor of the 2018 LITA Guide on Augmented and Virtual Reality in Libraries.

Courtney McAllister

Courtney McAllister headshot

Courtney McAllister is the Electronic Resources Librarian at Yale University's Lillian Goldman Law Library in New Haven, CT. Courtney's interests include library technologies, scholarly communications, and assessment. She has published chapters in Technical Services: Adapting to a Changing Environment (Purdue UP) and Creativity and Performance Growth for Librarians (with Christine Elliott, McFarland). She is the author of an upcoming LITA Guide on applying change management strategies to library systems and technologies. Courtney is Associate Editor of The Serials Librarian.

Registration

Cost

  • LITA Member: $45
  • Non-Member: $105
  • Group: $196

Zoom login info will be sent to registrants just prior to the start date.

How to Register

Register Online  page arranged by session date (login required)

OR

Mail or fax form to ALA Registration

OR call 1-800-545-2433 and press 5

OR email registration@ala.org

Tech Requirements

Live, synchronous lectures will require attendee participation via internet audio. Attendees will need a wired, high-speed internet connection, and a headset or speakers.  It is recommended that attendees use headsets connected to their computers (VOIP) during a Zoom session. All attendees are muted and should use the built in chat function to communicate with presenters.  The use of computer speakers with a mic is not recommended, as it may cause echo. The recommended browser is Mozilla Foxfire although other browsers should work for attending.

Contact

For questions about registration, contact ALA Registration:  call 1-800-545-2433 and press 5 or email registration@ala.org.

For all other questions or comments related to the course, contact LITA at (312) 280-4268 or Mark Beatty, mbeatty@ala.org.