C h a r g e

The Yale University Library is committed to providing a physical environment and services accessible to persons with disabilities on the same basis as other readers. We should develop a policy as well as appropriate practices to ensure that all readers, regardless of their physical condition, shall be given access to reading and study spaces and work areas, public workstations and equipment, library materials [regardless of format, whether digital, audible, or print], and services.

The Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] is civil rights legislation [Sec. 35.104] that intends to provide equal access for people with disabilities in the areas of facilities, communication, education and technology. In following the spirit and intention of this legislation, our primary objective should be independence for persons with disabilities to take full advantage of the library's offerings. This objective should be balanced by secondary goals of flexibility and cost. Practical consideration suggests that accommodations be made through assistive technologies, where viable, to facilitate the work of the majority of persons requiring added help and that service options be provided to individualize assistance for unique demands.

Our population of readers with disabilities historically has not been large and thus may not have demanded attention to how well it is served. This task force is appointed to project anticipated needs of YUL readers with disabilities, to evaluate what assistive technologies and services are available that might meet such needs, and to identify service quality gaps within the library system where our expectations are not met for the university and library's commitment to providing access without discrimination by disability. The group should complete its work within six months and report to the SQI Council no later than March 2000 on its findings as well as recommend an action plan to address major shortcomings within the next three years. This plan should include: 1) rationale for what should be implemented in what service areas, 2) set of guidelines for staff to be prepared to respond to requests for assistance from persons with disabilities, and 3) a mechanism to monitor and evaluate service quality in meeting this reader population needs. This target completion deadline is set to coincide with the spring equipment request cycle for the coming year, expecting that hardware, software, and furniture may be recommended for purchase.

The Task Force will consist of a chair and four members, collectively reflecting expertise and interest in assistive technologies and service provisions for material access and circulation, use of electronic resources remotely and within the library, and reference and instruction. The Task Force is invited to consult with the SQI Council prior to completing its report for advice or updates as appropriate.

[August 11, 1999 Service Quality Improvement Council approved and requested appointments be made by Danuta Nitecki, AUL]

M e m b e r s