Learning Paths

Accessibility is fundamental in libraries, ensuring all patrons access information, services, and facilities. As library professionals, it’s essential to understand accessibility and how to implement it effectively in various aspects of library services.

These learning paths provides a structured approach to enhancing your knowledge and skills in creating accessible content, designing inclusive programs, ensuring accessible environments, managing procurement, and addressing social media accessibility in library settings.

Learning Paths Summary

We recommend selecting a learning path that aligns with your interests and professional priorities. We hope you enjoy your journey toward enhancing accessibility in your library!

Getting Started

Explore introductory accessibility information to learn about the basics of why accessibility is important and how it impacts persons with disabilities.
Implement staff training programs to ensure all library personnel understand the importance of accessibility and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement accessibility practices effectively.

Begin with the Getting Started learning path.

Creating Accessible Documents

Learn techniques for creating accessible documents, including documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
Explore tools and software features that support accessibility, such as Microsoft Office’s built-in accessibility checker.

Head(ing) over to the Creating Accessible Documents learning path.

Accessible Social Media and Marketing

Explore accessibility considerations for social media platforms libraries use and strategies for ensuring that social media content is accessible to all patrons.
Learn about creating accessible marketing materials for individuals with disabilities, such as clear language, plain text alternatives, and accessible formatting, ensuring that promotional materials, announcements, and campaigns are inclusive and accessible to all patrons.

Get posting with the Accessible Social Media and Marketing learning path.

Procurement and Collections

Learn about procurement policies and procedures prioritizing accessibility considerations when acquiring materials and e-resources for the library.
Explore resources for curating inclusive collections representing the diversity of library users with disabilities.

Read along with the Accessible Procurement and Collections learning path.

Digital Accessibility and Website Design

Explore techniques and best practices for designing and developing accessible websites, including semantic markup and keyboard navigation.
Learn about incorporating usability testing throughout the design and development process to identify accessibility barriers and improve user experience for individuals with disabilities.
Dive into WCAG guidelines and other accessibility resources to understand their significance in creating accessible digital content.

Navigate to the Digital Accessibility and Website Design learning path.

Accessible Library Programming

Explore public library examples for designing and implementing library programs and events accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Learn about inclusive programming ideas, accommodations, and resources to ensure all patrons can participate fully in library activities.

Workshop with the Accessible Library Programming learning path.

Accessibility Legislation

Familiarize yourself with relevant legislation, regulations, and policies related to accessibility in Canada.
Learn about the accessibility requirements outlined in national and provincial legislation relevant to your library.

Direct(ive) yourself to the Accessibility Legislation learning path.

Accessible Facilites and Spaces

Learn about principles of universal design and accessibility standards for physical spaces, including library buildings, facilities, and public areas.
Explore strategies for creating welcoming and accessible environments for patrons with diverse abilities, including considerations for signage, pathways, seating, and assistive technologies.

Build your knowledge with the Accessible Buildings and Spaces learning path.

Conclusion

Following these comprehensive learning paths will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to create inclusive and accessible library services for all patrons. Embracing accessibility enhances the user experience and aligns with libraries’ core values as inclusive and equitable spaces. Let’s continue to prioritize accessibility in our libraries, ensuring that everyone has equal access to information, resources, and opportunities, including through thoughtful procurement, communication practices, and accessible social media content.