Libraries and Disability

The overall aim of this website is to provide a one-stop information and learning resource for library staff relating to access and equal opportunities for disabled people. The learning modules are intended to help develop your knowledge and skills through work-based modules supported by some existing key web-based resources. These include:

The Resource (MLA) Disability Portfolio Guides

Case studies

The case stories introduce you to some interesting people with or working with people who have a range of disabilities, and are a good starting point in using the website. This training package consists of 10 modules. It is designed to be a flexible self-study package, which can be used by individuals and groups from senior management to front-line staff.

Each module is structured in the same way and requires you to do some reading or research, some practical tasks or activity and some evaluation. Each module has direct links to specific Portfolio Guides and also to specific chapters in the Best Practice Manual. You may find it useful to download those required for your selected modules.

These learning resources were developed as part of the Framework for the Future Programme supported by MLA.

Acknowledgements

MLA would like to acknowledge the valuable input and comments from all the case story contributors and also all the library staff who piloted the prototype of the website.

Case Studies

The case stories introduce you to some interesting people with or working with people who have a range of disabilities, and are a

Choose a module

The learning modules are intended to help develop your knowledge and skills through work-based modules supported by some existing

Frequently Asked Questions

The frequently asked questions are intended to guide you to starting points within this resource which will help you find

Find out about disability

The Disability Portfolio is a collection of 12 guides on how best to meet the needs of disabled people as users and staff in

Further sources and support

Some guidance notes and a broad collection of websites that provide a background to a rnage of disability issues

Some tips on the best ways to use this resource

The overall aim of the website is to provide a one-stop information and learning resource for library staff relating to access and

Responsibilities transfer

From 1st October 2011, this site will not be updated, so please treat it as the static archive it is. This is because <a target="_Blank" href="http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/">Arts Council England</a> has now taken over museums and libraries responsibilities. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/">The National Archives</a> has assumed responsibility for strategic leadership of the Archives sector. Arts Council responsibilities will also now include the Renaissance programme, Museum Accreditation, and Library Development, together with cultural property services such as Export Licensing and the Acceptance in Lieu scheme. The National Archives has assumed responsibility for providing strategic leadership to the archives sector and advising government on its development. The MLA is now winding down, with a skeleton staff remaining until May 2012 to complete the management of existing Renaissance contracts, complete outstanding financial and contractual arrangements and prepare for the appointment of a liquidator. This website will remain live until 31st March so that the public still has full access to the material on it – good practice case studies, toolkits, guidance and a range of other publications. Continue reading

Related links
case studies
The case stories introduce you to some interesting people with or working with people who have a range of disabilities, and are a good starting point in using the website
choose a module
The learning modules are intended to help develop your knowledge and skills through work-based modules supported by some existing key web-based resources
faq
The frequently asked questions are intended to guide you to starting points within this resource which will help you find solutions
find out about disability
The Disability Portfolio is a collection of 12 guides on how best to meet the needs of disabled people as users and staff in museums, archives and libraries
further sources and support
Some guidance notes and a broad collection of websites that provide a background to a rnage of disability issues
some tips on using this resource
The overall aim of the website is to provide a one-stop information and learning resource for library staff relating to access and equal opportunities for disabled people: a web-based resource for public library staff
Access for All Self Assessment Toolkit: Checklist 1 Disability (PDF - 459 Kb)