London Public Library Accessibility Plan 2014 Report
The London Public Library has completed the following initiatives described in the 2013-2017 Accessibility Plan:
AODA compliance
Improve accessibility of Board documents.
Continued to employ principles of clear language when writing policies. Ongoing.
Information for the public related to Customer Service Regulations remains up to date.
Reviewed and updated Customer Service Responses document. Continued to provide training in the Customer Service Regulations and IASR to new staff and volunteers. Ongoing.
Ensure awareness of service opportunities and solutions is embedded in all locations. Act! Team:
- replaced PIN pads with large print, textured pads
- reviewed Libraries for All communication boards
- developed tip sheets for staff
- worked on Accessibility Kits, to include equipment supports for readers: magnifiers, grabbers and book racks, for every location
- provided training in techniques for identifying cognitive barriers
Ensure all self-serve functions are consistent with IASR.
Accessibility reviewed during installation of new self-service checkouts at the Central Library. Staff are on hand to provide assistance, as required.
Review of Core Services
Collections
Ensure Collections Management Policy is consistent with IASR. Reviewed and updatedthe Collections Management Policy.
Ensure public funds are spent to include all members of the public through the purchase of alternative collections. Purchased and made PressDisplay available to provide remote and local access to full-text newspapers with ability to have the content read aloud. Purchased Martin’s Online Criminal Code as an alternative to the print version.
Ensure electronic collections are accessible to users. OverDrive app was updated, improving user access to ebook collections. Staff prepared accessible tutorials for digital collections, available through the web site. Android tablets purchased and distributed to libraries to improve access and visibility of digital collections.
Identify/promote online resources for accessibility. The Library is a member of the Centre for Equitable Library Access, offering a collection of over 230,000 items in various formats for persons with a print disability through Visiting Library Service. LPL is developing procedures for accessing Booksharematerials in 2014/2015.
Improve access to London Room services and collections. Customer service responses are in place to assist people to use the collections. A process exists to communicate reasons why some formats are not convertible.
Lending Services
Improve patron access to own accounts. Revised card expiry procedures for Visiting Library patrons.
Reference, Referral and Reader’s Services
Continue to develop familiarity with community resources for effective referral. Added services to persons with disabilities to the community mapping information.
Notify the public about the availability of accessible formats. Began to develop Tip Sheets for staff that identify accessible formats and services and how to offer them to the public.
Programming and Outreach Services
Meet needs of patrons attending programs by ensuring all staff are cognizant of all possible accommodations. Developed Guide to Accessible Programs and Events.
Anticipate a person’s unique needs when using a standard online registration process. Include lead-time date for accommodations in Access Magazine program advisory.
Technology
Continue to ensure assistive technology offered is relevant and useful. Adjusted heights of catalogue machines in some locations. Updated Assistive technology workstations at Central to a higher definition and larger format. Added an extra station to accommodate need. The desktop has been streamlined to improve accessibility.
Continued to provide ongoing staff and volunteer training related to assistive technology on public workstations. Updated Microsoft Accessibility features training module.
Integrated Standards
Information and Communications
Ensure communications are accessible for patrons. Reviewed TTY technology and library procedure to ensure equipment is up to date and staff understand the service.
Employment
Ensure staff are familiar with the Employment Standards. Provided mandated training in the awareness of the AODA and the Human Rights Code. Web site updated to reflect Accommodation Policy and available supports for staff.
Ensure staff are supported in the event of an emergency. Developed process for accommodation related to emergency procedures that covers both hiring and orientation and internal transfer.
Ensure volunteers with language, writing and communication barriers are accommodated during the intake process. Updated Volunteer manual and training to advise that accommodations are available.
Transportation
Meet the needs of patrons who have limited mobility or cannot visit a library in person. Continued to operate the Visiting Library Service to patrons’ residences.