2020 LibTech Conference

Learn how South Carolina Talking Book Services and the South Carolina State Library have teamed up to promote inclusive and accessible library services. In 2015, South Carolina Talking Book Services developed an Assistive Technology Petting Zoo containing assistive devices for the blind and visually impaired. It is transported around the state to educate the public and library staff. The State Library continued investing in inclusive services by adding an Inclusive Services Consultant to its Library Development team in 2017 to support South Carolina’s 42 public library systems. In 2016, eleven SC public library systems added assistive technology through LSTA sub-grants administered by the State Library. Soon afterward, the Inclusive Services Center was established to promote diverse library materials and assistive technology.
Drawing on these experiences, we will discuss how assistive technology expands the reach of existing services and collections to patrons previously unable to enjoy them due to barriers inherent in their original format. The technology we will discuss includes magnification, text-to-speech, braille conversion, mass-market assistive listening devices, and the various free options offered by NLS-sponsored libraries for the blind and print disabled. Finally, we will provide best practices for libraries interested in expanding access to assistive technology for their patrons.