Join us for several topics addressing different approaches to enhancing accessibility of the library.
In this pre-conference presenters will share insights from the ALA Accessibility Assembly, the use of AI in an accessibility context, actual workflows, and building accessibility into your library wholistically.
Using AI to aid accessibility work
Presenters: Annamarie C. Klose, MLIS |Metadata Initiatives Librarian& Olivia Wood, MLIS | Metadata SpecialistatThe Ohio State University Libraries
Digital collections require significant investment by institutions in order to comply with federal digital accessibility standards. The presenters work on a repository of digitized and born digital special collections and archival resources with non-MARC metadata. A large portion of their work includes images that need Alt-Text or a longer description. There are accessibility considerations with text and audiovisual resources. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), there is the potential to leverage digital accessibility and metadata work at scale. However, there are pros and cons with doing so. This session explores various scenarios, workflows, basic terminology, and AI prompting. Additional considerations involve bias, ethics, copyright law, transparency, and the environment.
Learning Outcomes:
- Attendees learn key definitions related to AI
- Attendees will understand the advantages and disadvantages of using AI for this work
- Attendees will become familiar with different tools that are available for this work
Making Accessibility Manageable: A Practical Workflow for Libraries
Presenters:Ruth Light, MLIS |Electronic Resources Access Administrator& Rachael Cohen, MLIS | Head, Discovery and User ExperienceatIU Bloomington Libraries
As libraries face increasing accessibility responsibilities, many are searching for practical ways to evaluate electronic resources and digital content without dedicated accessibility specialists or extensive campus support. This presentation shares how Indiana University Libraries developed an accessibility review workflow through an iterative process of testing, documentation, refinement, and collaboration. We will discuss how we built the skills needed to review VPATs, conduct library-led accessibility testing, and support remediation of library content while integrating these activities into existing library workflows. Along the way, we will highlight how the workflow evolved in response to lessons learned, feedback, and changing institutional needs.
Learning Outcome:
- Attendees will learn strategies for developing and maintaining a scalable accessibility review workflow that integrates into local library operations
Creating a lasting culture of accessibility: Moving beyond the compliance deadlines
Presenters: Katie Gibson, MLIS | Humanities and Area Studies Librarian & Jerry Yarnetsky, MLIS | Web Services Librarian at Miami University Libraries
The new Americans with Disabilities Act Title II rules required our library to do a thorough examination of the entirety of our online footprint — from our discovery interface and licensed content to PDFs on LibGuides. We have completed an inventory of existing inaccessible content and remediated it. We are now looking towards implementing a yearly work plan for continual evaluation of our online resources. This presentation will briefly discuss our documentation and remediation process. Our main focus will be the creation of a work plan that ensures we are able to proactively address accessibility issues. Our goal is to create a culture of accessibility in the library that will continue long after the initial compliance deadline of April 2026. We will share insights gained throughout this process, make recommendations for institutions who are also undergoing this work, or for those who would like to implement similar projects at their institution. We will recommend resources to support ongoing accessibility work at institutions of all sizes and types.
Learning Outcomes:
- Attendees will be able to understand the scope of requirements in the ADA Title II rules in order to apply them to the day-to-day library work in a variety of contexts including acquisitions, licensing, public services, and web-programming.
- Attendees will be able to identify possible areas for inaccessible content in order to create a successful and lasting accessibility plan at their own institutions.
- Attendees will be able to apply lessons learned throughout our library’s accessibility project to their institution’s context
SCHEDULE
Registration and coffee: 9am - 10am
Morning session: 10am - 12pm
- Using AI to aid accessibility work
- Making Accessibility Manageable: A Practical Workflow for Libraries
Lunch: 12pm - 1pm
Afternoon Session: 1:15 - 2:15pm
- Creating a lasting culture of accessibility: Moving beyond the compliance deadlines
Break: 2:15 - 2:30pm
- ALA Accessibility Assembly: notes and trends from the past year
- Open Discussion
End: 3:30pm
