•What technology are they using and / or what changes have been made?
The Logan Accessibility Library was purpose designed and built, opening in 2008.
The Accessibility Centre provides:
- Five Personal Computers with a variety of adaptive technologies, including trackball mouses, and adaptive keyboards including: large format keyboards, keys-u-see keyboards (large print white on black), and Intellikeys keyboards.
- A Two height automatic height adjustable table incorporating PC desks which are suitable for wheel-chair users.
- A Clearview CCTV magnifier digital model as well as handheld magnifiers with Eschenbach LED lenses and a universal handle.
- A Beamz music system for interactive music sessions, and a Tapit touch accessible platform
- The software provided includes Texthelp Read & Write Gold, Zoomtext, Boardmaker Plus, and a suite of software aimed at life skills, English language skills, numeracy skills, and motor skills.
(Fitzgerald, B., Hawkins, W., Denison, T. and Kop, T. 2015)
•How does it work?
As the centre was designed and purpose built, it was constructed so that all patrons could independently access the area during library opening hours. Staff have been trained to assist users with an introduction to the equipment/software available or troubleshoot any concerns or issues for existing users. Complementary programs and services are provided by outsourced specialists utilising these spaces that patrons are familiar with (“Logan City Council Libraries”, 2020).
•Who it benefits?
Located at the Logan North Library, south of Brisbane toward the Gold Coast, according to their website, Logan’s Accessibility Centre is designed to meet access needs for people with temporary or permanent disabilities, whether they be physical, neurological, psychological, or around literacy issues.
Overall, this purpose-built library building has brought disability access and the provision of appropriate technology into the building design process and created a digitally inclusive environment for all their community to benefit from in doing so.
•What are the implications for the information service?
This process of having a purpose-built facility that has incorporated accessibility into its design also makes it likely that libraries such as Logan North will remain important community centres for their entire community. Whilst staff may be required to undertake additional training for these areas this is no different to the additional training required to keep up with technology in general.
•Are there any other considerations?
According to “Logan City Council Libraries” (2020) the Logan library has also considered how their users will be able to physically gain access to their Accessibility Centre space by providing wheelchair access, accessible parking, lift access (with Braille control panels) and stair access and having a wheeled walking aid available.. If they are unable to access the centre in person, there is the option of a home Library Service where their volunteers can deliver library materials to resident’s homes.
While utilising the facility they are also provided with personal needs facilities such as their accessible toilets. Additional services and programs are also offered to support their users such as a Broadband for Senior’s Internet kiosk and Auslan classes via Deaf Services Queensland.
References
Fitzgerald, B., Hawkins, W., Denison, T. and Kop, T. (2015), “Digital Inclusion, Disability, and Public Libraries: A Summary Australian Perspective”, Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and the Inclusive Future of Libraries (Advances in Librarianship, Vol. 40), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp. 213-236. https://doi-org.access.library.unisa.edu.au/10.1108/S0065-283020150000040019
Logan City Council Libraries. (2020). Retrieved 24 March 2020, from https://loganlibraries.org/
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