Increasing access to information
The Library’s strategic approach to alternative format services
Michael R. Clark Coordinator, Accessibility and Information Resources
How students and researchers access information through the Library has changed significantly in the last several decades with the rise of digital content. This has made it much easier for those who use assistive technology to access information but many titles are still only available in print.
Over the last ten years, there has been concerted effort to develop systems and technologies to support alternative format services at libraries. Our goal is to remove as many barriers as possible for any student or researcher to gain access to the information they need. This is a work in progress and requires both proactive and reactive strategies but we’re beginning to see the impact.
Digitizing new and popular items each term
The Accessible Content E-Portal (ACE) is a provincial repository that houses tens of thousands of digitized materials for those with print disabilities. Started as a pilot project in 2012 by Scholars Portal and the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), it provides direct and immediate access to users to any items that have been previously digitized.
As a member of OCUL, our Library is the second largest contributor of materials into ACE. Each term our library accessibility services (LAS) team identifies a selection of items to be proactively added, including new books, top circulating items, and course reserve materials, so that the information is already there for students with access to ACE. Since 2022, over 700 items have been added by our Library alone.
Request alternative formats with a single click
If a student or researcher does not have access to ACE or needs something that is not already digitized, the Library has made it as simple as a single click to request an alternative format to reduce barriers to access. When searching for an item in Omni, the Library’s catalogue, each entry has a “request accessible format” link. Requests go directly to the Library’s accessibility services team, who will discern the most efficient way to fulfill the request and follow up directly with the requestor.
Evelyn Morales, a graduate student in the School of Social Work at Renison University College is an active user of the Library’s accessibility support services. For her, the alternative format request service has been vital to her studies.
"I vividly remember when Mike [LAS team member] first introduced me to the library accessibility services. That interaction had a lasting impact, making my experience more positive and welcoming. Mike made me feel truly seen and valued, and the services provided were there when I needed them most."
- Evelyn Morales, graduate student, School of Social Work, Renison University College
Providing users with alternative formats is not always a straightforward process, given the uniqueness of everyone’s needs and systemic barriers, but the Library’s accessibility services team is here to help. They work with both on campus and OCUL partners to provide as seamless of a service as possible, so students and researchers are empowered with the information they need to do their best work.