VU Amsterdam and making collections more inclusive
As part of RLUK’s Inclusive Collections, Inclusive Libraries series, a recent presentation by VU Amsterdam University Library (OCLC Symbol: NLVRU) “Foster a more inclusive library environment at VU Amsterdam” gives insight into how this institution is focusing on making their collections more inclusive. The speakers discuss practical interventions in acquisition, description, and presentation of materials to create a more inclusive environment, acknowledging the deep-seated colonial biases within academic libraries. They highlight their efforts to replace outdated and offensive subject headings, while emphasizing the ongoing challenges and the importance of collaboration with students, staff, and other libraries to achieve sustainable change. The presentation ultimately advocates for a holistic approach, encompassing not only practical adjustments but also a fundamental shift in library operations and institutional culture.
I was interested to see that the approach for updating subject headings starts with addressing the discovery environment, an insight that was brought forward in our 2021 Reimagine Descriptive Workflows convening. I was delighted to see that VU Amsterdam are using tools available in WorldCat Discovery to make current descriptive terminology less harmful at the point of discovery. The importance of collaboration with others, especially those outside of the library, also resonated with me. Contributed by Merrilee Proffitt.
Online panel discussion on accessibility laws worldwide
Join the Library of Congress on 4 December, 2024, at 3:00 pm Eastern Time for a special “Human Rights Day online panel: Laws Governing Accessibility From Around the World.” This event will explore global efforts to establish accessibility standards through legislation, regulations, and treaties. Esteemed panelists include US Representative Debbie Dingell (Michigan), Andrew Foglia (U.S. Copyright Office), and Elin Hofverberg (Law Library of Congress), with introductory remarks from Jason Broughton (Director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled) and closing remarks from Aslihan Bulut (Law Librarian of Congress). This collaborative discussion is hosted by the Law Library of Congress, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, the Copyright Office, and the Library of Congress John W. Kluge Center.
Human Rights Day is observed annually around the world on 10 December, commemorating the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), drafted in 1948. This panel reinforces the critical importance of improving accessibility for all humans, and in taking systemic steps to ensure that everyone enjoys the rights enshrined in the UDHR. Contributed by Jennifer Peterson
Defending intellectual freedom from Project 2025
The American Library Association Intellectual Freedom Round Table hosts a discussion space within ALA Connect, IFRT Reads, where recent works on a particular topic are considered. With a second Donald Trump presidency now on the horizon, IFRT Reads is taking a closer look at “Project 2025,” the “Presidential Transition Project” organized by the Heritage Foundation. Given the push to restrict access to library resources that ALA and others have documented in recent years, libraries get surprisingly little direct attention in “Project 2025.” But the IFRT Reads session scheduled for Thursday, 12 December 2024 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, is aimed at preparing libraries for any adverse consequences. Discussion will center on four pieces: “Project 2025, explained” from the American Civil Liberties Union; Peter Greene’s article “What does Project 2025 actually plan for education?” in Forbes; “Project 2025 and its consequences for libraries” from the EveryLibrary Institute; and “How Project 2025 would devastate public education” from the National Education Association.
Book censorship, vilification of librarians and teachers, discrediting IDEA initiatives and policies, restrictions on classroom discussion, and dismantling the federal role in public education are just a few of the general efforts we may expect in the next few years. The IFRT Reads webinar promises to help all of us be better prepared to defend libraries, schools, and other educational and cultural institutions, which have always been the foundation of intellectual freedom in the United States. Contributed by Jay Weitz.
Improving accessibility of library instruction materials
In “10 Tips toward Accessibility” (American Libraries, November/December 2024 issue), author Elisabeth B. White provides suggestions for making library instruction more accessible based on best practices from the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. The UDL Guidelines are focused on making learning inclusive by using three principles: engagement, representation, and action & expression. WCAG 2.1 provides success criteria for making content accessible to people with disabilities. Although WCAG 2.1 was created for Web content, White notes that many of these guidelines can be applied to any digital instruction materials including PowerPoint slides. White provides reasons these accessibility tips may be helpful to multiple groups of students. For example, avoiding using color as the only means of conveying content is a well-known accommodation for color-blind users. However, this may also be important to students who print the materials on a black and white printer.
White’s article is a good starting point for anyone who wants to make their instructional materials more accessible. Her extension of WCAG 2.1 to digital instruction materials is a logical extension, especially when the accessibility check in many app may only cover certain types of accessibility criteria. She also suggests instruction librarians test the accessibility of their materials using different devices and a screen reader. I appreciate White’s practical suggestions for making materials more accessible, and I think that any librarian who writes content for webpages or gives virtual or in-person presentations may find useful tips in this article. Contributed by Kate James.
Merrilee Proffitt is Senior Manager for the OCLC RLP. She provides community development skills and expert support to institutions within the OCLC Research Library Partnership.
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