This semester has opened my eyes, and I am seeing the Library and Information Science profession as I've never seen it before. This is a good thing! I knew that being a librarian was much more than reading books and telling patrons to be quiet. But I am especially enamored with how much I've learned about technology this semester. I feel as though, already, I can confidently go into a job and use my newfound computer skills to enhance the library experience for not only the patrons, but for my fellow co-workers, as well. Now, I know that I've still got a lot to learn, so the thought of being a tech-wiz may be a bit of an exaggeration. However, this semester has taught me skills that I know I will be able to apply to my future career.
As for technology with regards to Universal Access, I know I'll be learning more about that next semester. However, from what I've learned already, I can only see the benefits of implementing accessible technology (such as screen readers, braille readers) in the library setting.
Overall, I am pleased with how the semester turned out, and I am excited to see what future semesters hold in store.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
What services does DPL offer its other patrons?
The Detroit Public Library System is made up of twenty-three different branches beside the main library. The main library, alone, is very large and offers a variety of different programs, so that will be the only DPL library that we will focus on for this post. The main branch of DPL has a lot that it offers its other patrons that aren't elderly.
For example, they have the HYPE Teen Center for young adults. Within this teen center, many services are offered, such as, homework help, mentoring for girls (called Jewels of HYPE), plus an Anime Club and Teen Advisory Board.
But it's not just the teens that can get in on the action, there are multiple services for younger children, as well. These include: Preschool Storytime, a Tween Chess Club, an American Girl Program, and a Junior Great Books program.
For adults, they recently had a lecture called Copyright for Creative people, in which the attendees learned the basics of Copyright Law, and the rights it gives them. Also, they recently had a Winter Hazards Awareness Workshop, warning attendees about the hazards of the upcoming season and teaching them how to stay safe. This last workshop was open to all, and was very beneficial for persons of any age in teaching them how to safely combat Michigan winters.
On top of all of this, they regularly offer classes on how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. And for the holiday season, they have a class that teaches attendees how to make holiday flyers.
The point is, there's a little bit of something for everybody at the Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library. Age, race, physical ability, it doesn't matter. All one needs to attend these events or programs is an interest in the subject.
For example, they have the HYPE Teen Center for young adults. Within this teen center, many services are offered, such as, homework help, mentoring for girls (called Jewels of HYPE), plus an Anime Club and Teen Advisory Board.
But it's not just the teens that can get in on the action, there are multiple services for younger children, as well. These include: Preschool Storytime, a Tween Chess Club, an American Girl Program, and a Junior Great Books program.
For adults, they recently had a lecture called Copyright for Creative people, in which the attendees learned the basics of Copyright Law, and the rights it gives them. Also, they recently had a Winter Hazards Awareness Workshop, warning attendees about the hazards of the upcoming season and teaching them how to stay safe. This last workshop was open to all, and was very beneficial for persons of any age in teaching them how to safely combat Michigan winters.
On top of all of this, they regularly offer classes on how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. And for the holiday season, they have a class that teaches attendees how to make holiday flyers.
The point is, there's a little bit of something for everybody at the Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library. Age, race, physical ability, it doesn't matter. All one needs to attend these events or programs is an interest in the subject.
Universal Access: What is it?
The concept of Universal Access is something that should be considered not just in the Library and Information Science field. All public places should provide various types of access so that people with varying disabilities can use these public facilities to their fullest extent. Universal Access is what sounds like, access for all, keeping all of the different of the types of challenges people face in mind.
However, within the Library and Information Science field, Universal Access is something that should definitely be thought of. Many libraries are older, and have characteristics that make it harder for disabled person to access the building, such as steps to get to the front door, or to get to various levels of the library. Without a ramp or an elevator, these physical barriers are very damaging for the library, as it inhibits those who have physical disabilities from coming to the library.
But physical barriers in a library are not the only barriers that could be fixed. For the visually impaired, the library could offer a variety of braille books, or audio books. Also, library computers could have screen-reading software installed on them so that a visually impaired patron can easily have access to computers and enhance the information they can obtain from their library visit.
However, within the Library and Information Science field, Universal Access is something that should definitely be thought of. Many libraries are older, and have characteristics that make it harder for disabled person to access the building, such as steps to get to the front door, or to get to various levels of the library. Without a ramp or an elevator, these physical barriers are very damaging for the library, as it inhibits those who have physical disabilities from coming to the library.
But physical barriers in a library are not the only barriers that could be fixed. For the visually impaired, the library could offer a variety of braille books, or audio books. Also, library computers could have screen-reading software installed on them so that a visually impaired patron can easily have access to computers and enhance the information they can obtain from their library visit.
The importance of understanding that persons with disabilities experience oppression:
In understanding that a person with a disability experiences oppression, you understand fully the challenges that this minority faces. For a Library and Information Science professional, it would be important to understand that oppression. Many persons with disabilities are often treated in a condescending manner, which does nothing to help them feel like they are just the same as every other person. If a Library and Information Science professional can understand how this particular treatment of a person with a disability is the wrong way to go about things, they can help their disabled patrons to feel more at home in their public library.
In treating a person with a disability how they would any other patron, it helps the disabled person to feel less oppressed. If the person needs help, they will usually ask, so it is important for library professionals not to automatically assume that all persons with disabilities need help. However, if it looks as though the person is struggling, it is important for the library professional not to ignore that person and come to their aid. It's a balance between being helpful without being overly so, and being kind without making it seem as though the kindness is forced.
In treating a person with a disability how they would any other patron, it helps the disabled person to feel less oppressed. If the person needs help, they will usually ask, so it is important for library professionals not to automatically assume that all persons with disabilities need help. However, if it looks as though the person is struggling, it is important for the library professional not to ignore that person and come to their aid. It's a balance between being helpful without being overly so, and being kind without making it seem as though the kindness is forced.
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