BUILDING BLOCK :SEARCH COMPETENCY

DATABASE: ERIC/INTERNET

Building block search
S1 (“public libraries” or "public library” or librarians)
S2 (programs or programming)
S3 ( disabled or “physically challenged”)
Results= 275

First hit: AccessAbility @ Cleveland Public Library. (EJ666565)
Author(s):Mates, Barbara T.
Source:Public Libraries, v42 n1 p28-31 Jan-Feb 2003
Pub Date:2003-00-00 Pub Type(s):Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Peer-Reviewed:N/A

Descriptors:Accessibility (for Disabled); Bookmobiles; Braille; Disabilities; Gardens; Library Services; Museums; Poetry; Public Libraries; Reading Programs; Talking Books

Abstract:Describes several programs that were developed by staff at the Cleveland (Ohio) Public Library to be accessible to users with disabilities. Highlights include a Braille reading program; sensory garden; poetry club; book club based on talking books; wheelchair athletics; touching museum artifacts; and a mobile library for users who could not visit the library. (LRW)

Refelction:The first hit was very precise providing an article that named several programs created by a major public library system, dealing with a variety of different disabilities. Out of the top ten hits there were only two that dealt specifically with information on actual programming. Other articles included annual state statistics for disabled outreach programming which may also be useful for those seeking statistical data.

It cannot be stressed enough: Public Libraries are for everyone! It is imperative that we remember that there are patrons with "special needs" who deserve to be enlightened, entertained and serviced like any other patrons. So often these patrons are forgotten perhaps because librarians and libraries are not equipped to handle the various needs of this particular group of citizens. There is no better illustration of the need for collaboration with community social services, through such a partnership we would have an opportunity to learn and become more aware of everyone that we are pledged to serve.