The Accessible Canadian Library II, a comprehensive guide to planning is available on the Internet at http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/obj/p10/f2/eacc-can.pdf. Note the checklist for barrier-free design, which is located on pages 37 – 62 of the document.

Below is a sampling of questions from The Accessible Canadian Library II to consider when assessing the accessibility of your library.

1. Does your library have minimum clear floor or ground area required to accommodate a single, stationary wheelchair and occupant? The area should be 758 x 1200 mm. (30 x 48 in.) For both forward and sideways access, the minimum area should be 1200 x 1200 mm. (4 ft. x 4 ft.).
2. Are user areas planned so that a guide dog will be able to lie beside his or her companion without blocking aisles and other traffic areas?
3. Does your library offer outreach services to persons with disabilities?
4. Is the Information Desk clearly visible and accessible from the library entrance?
5. Are information and reference desks designed so wheelchair users can have a discussion on a face-to-face level? This requires a clear space under the desk of at least 75 cm. (30 in.).
6. Does the circulation counter provide “split-level” service so that one section is low enough for children and wheel chair users to use?
7. Does one computer have a keyboard that is adapted for use by a person with a motor disability; output-input voice recognition system, or voice interface?
8. Does the computer monitor have a large screen with adjustable magnification and a variable-font printer to accommodate persons with visual disabilities?
9. Is your staff trained and available to assist patrons with those parts of the collection that they cannot use?
10. Are the aisles between book stacks at least 90 cm. (36 in.) wide?
11. Are shelves that hold special format materials (e.g., talking books, videotapes, audio tapes) labeled with easily identified signage?
12. Are simple devices such as magnifiers, reaching tools, and book holders available to assist persons with disabilities as well as other users?
13. Is there at least one fully accessible computer workstation in an accessible, barrier-free location?
14. Do you have a process for receiving information about needed assistive technologies from patrons, staff, or focus groups?
15. Have your staff and volunteers been trained in the use of assistive technologies?

Now that you have had a chance to consider some of the issues for an inclusive library, how does your library stack up?