I chose to take a picture of one of the library shelves in the Teachers College library as a representation of a space that does not offer full and inclusive access for all people. I believe that this bookshelf does not meet the standards of Universal Design because it serves as a potential barrier for people who are visually impaired, people of short stature, people with limited use of arms or hands, or people with limited cognitive abilities. I believe that library bookshelves do not meet six of the seven principles of Universal Design. One, Bookshelves, and especially bookshelves within libraries which are organized in Dewey Decimal Systems, do not provide equitable use, as they cannot be used by people of different physical abilities. Two, they are not flexible in usage, as there are not multiple ways to access books other than grabbing them with your outstretched hands. Three, the organizational system may not be simple or intuitive enough for people with diverse cognitive abilities who may want to access books. Four, the organizational system of the books does not have perceptible organization as the essential information of how to find books is not provided in multiple modes. Five, there is quite a bit of physical effort needed by people to reach books on high shelves. Lastly, six, there is not a clear line of sight for people who are in wheelchairs or who are of short stature to books on higher shelves.
Hi Ariella,
ReplyDeleteYour example is similar to mine, in that I thought it did not provide access for people of short stature (or average statue for that matter), nor for people with visual impairments. I find the bookcase hard to navigate myself!
I wonder if they could have a digital library - perhaps they already do - that could list the books and one could select it that way, and the librarian would provide the book selected?
Hi Ariella,
ReplyDeleteYou picked a really great example! This barrier is so commonly seen in the city. Finding a book or even a seat at the library could be extremely difficult for blind people. Libraries are discriminating blind people in ways that we don't always notice. I think Sarah's idea of creating a digital library is great! I am even thinking of providing a few private rooms for blind people only (just like the reserved parking space for people with disability only). Then the blind people can access to specially designed computers with Braille system, digital library, read aloud software, etc. As finding a quiet spot takes blind people more effort than others, they might just give up their right to fully utilize the library. However, with the reserved rooms, library will be more "equitable" to everyone.
And for people of short stature, I guess providing some mobile steps would be useful. I am not sure if TC has them, but I do see a lot of them at the library when I was in college. They were my great little helper as I used to be a librarian!
P.S. I remember having two blind classmates in one of my class last year. I wish I could interview them to know more about their needs and opinions. If you happen to meet any friends who are visually impaired, do ask them for valuable input! :)
Ariella,
ReplyDeleteThis is a good example that you found. I think these are common issues that we don't necessarily think about. Sarah's idea of a digital library would definitely be helpful. I think for people who are visually impaired, maybe some sort of voice recognition software to find a book might be helpful as well. Once they speak into the software, it can play back the results and they can select a book and the librarian can get it for them. Obviously, this is something that may be costly.