Library Services for People with Disabilities

What is it about?

This paper provides background and context on the prevalence of disabilities, and serves as an introduction and overview of library services and issues discussed in the papers included in the theme issue. Disabilities of various kinds are prevalent in the population. Developing services for people with disabilities is in keeping with librarians’ core values of providing equitable service to all. Librarians in all library types and settings are providing innovative services to meet the needs of all people. Practical implications: Specific examples of how librarians are developing services for people with disabilities are described.

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Why is it important?

Removing barriers to access in library and information services is in keeping with support for social justice and inclusivity, as well as with the ethical codes of librarians as articulated by organizations including ALA and IFLA. In keeping with the philosophy of universal design, many of these programs and activities improve services for all library users.