NET EFFECTS: How Librarians Can Manage the Unintended Consequences of the Internet Edited by Marylaine Block

Chapter Five: How Librarians Are Managing Access Issues

Accessibility for People with Handicaps

• Bobby Worldwide http://bobby.cast.org/bobby/bobbyServlet
  "This free service will allow you to test web pages and help expose and repair barriers to accessibility and encourage compliance with existing accessibility guidelines, such as Section 508 and the W3C's WCAG."

• CAST [Center for Applied Special Technology] http://www.cast.org/
  "A not-for-profit organization that uses technology to expand opportunities for all people, especially those with disabilities."

• Computer Assistive Ability Hub http://www.abilityhub.com/
  a guide to adaptive equipment for accessible computing.

• EASI - Equal Access to Software & Information http://easi.cc
  "EASI is the Premiere Provider of Online Training on Accessible Information Technology for Persons with Disabilities."

• Trace Resource Center http://www.trace.wisc.edu/
  "The Trace Center is currently working on ways to make standard information technologies and telecommunications systems more accessible and usable by people with disabilities." Offers a great deal of information on usable design.

• WebABLE http://www.webable.com/
  The site's goal is "to stimulate education, research, and development of technologies that will insure accessibility for people with disabilities to advanced information systems and emerging technologies."

• WebJunction - Accessibility http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=91
  Tips and tools to ensure accessible use of computers and Web site design for patrons and staff with disabilities.

• Web Standards Project http://www.webstandards.org/
  "a grassroots coalition fighting for standards that ensure simple, affordable access to web technologies for all." Tutorials, reference charts, and templates help you learn to use the standards.
  
  
  

  Digital Divide and Access for Special Populations

• Public Libraries as Partners in Youth Development http://www.ala.org/cfapps/archive.cfm?path=plpyd//dwtoc.html
  Includes three case studies of libraries reaching out to young adults.

• Digital Divide Network http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org/content/sections/index.cfm
  Includes a guide to funding sources.

• Innovative Internet Applications in Libraries - Ages and Stages http://www.wiltonlibrary.org/innovate.html#ages
  A nice collection of links to especially well-designed library pages for outreach to kids, teens and parents.

• Libraries - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation http://gatesfoundation.org/libraries/default.htm
  Information on grants, community partnerships, and a library of "good ideas" from libraries that bridged the digital divide.

• REFORMA - National Association To Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking http://www.reforma.org/

• Sitios hispanohablantes escogidos por bibliotecarios http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/library/spanish/bibredesp.htm
  Links to libraries' pages of links to web resources in Spanish. Critical annotations of the links are in English.

• PLUS [Public Libraries Using Spanish] http://www.sol-plus.net/plus/home.htm
  "PLUS seeks to lend a hand by gathering useful resources that can help you make your library a more welcoming place for Spanish speakers. Card applications, brochures, programming suggestions, signage, press releases and news articles--many in Spanish with a side-by-side English translation--are collected here and are yours to use as you wish." SOL is an archived e-zine full of good ideas and tools for serving Spanish-speaking populations. Both are proided by Bruce Jensen.

• Spanish Subject Headings http://clnet.ucr.edu/library/bplg/sujetos.htm
  provides Spanish equivalents for Library of Congress Subject Headings.
  
  
  

  Net Effects Home Page

  Chapter Six: How Librarians Are Managing the Techno-Economic Imperative

  Marylaine Block's Home Page

  
  
  
  

  About This Web Site

  These pages are designed as a bonus for readers of Net Effects, and feature links to sites recommended by the editor.

  To make the fullest use of the resources provided here, you'll need a copy of the book, which is available from Information Today, Inc., September, 2003. ISBN: 1-57387-171-0. Price: $39.50. CLICK HERE if you'd like to order directly online.
  
  

  Updated August 12, 2003