What do we have to do to make sure everybody can use the library?

The accessibility of library services goes way beyond the library building. For many users the access to books, learning and the library space starts a long time before they even leave their house.

In this talk by Marie Bjørnskov Engberg, she will explore how many of the services we develop and plan can unintentionally build new barriers for users with disabilities, and how using the principles of universal design can help us build meaningful and equally accessible library services for everybody.

Marie Bjørnskov Engberg is a project and communications developer in the Bevica Foundation.

Marie holds the title of Cand.Scient.Bibl. from The Royal Danish School of Library and Information Science 2009 and a Master in Universal Design and Accessibility from University of Aalborg 2021.

From 2009 to 2019 Marie worked at several Danish public libraries, primarily as a team and project manager. She has also had an active role in international library work as a member of on of IFLA's Standing Committee, focusing on library services for people with disabilities, people in homelessness and prisons. During the same period, she was the project manager for the international award Public Library of the Year Award. Since 2013 she has been a board member of the New Danish Literature Society, which publishes literature in large print and easy-to-read versions for people with visual or reading impairment.

Marie was the instigator and driving force behind Danish national library service projects “Make it easier” — about library services for adults with dyslexia — and “The accessible public Library”, which focused on equal library services for people with disabilities.

She has many years of experience in putting knowledge into practice through presentations, teaching and project development. She has lectured and delivered presentations both nationally and internationally with a focus on accessibility, universal design and the Sustainable Development Goals.

This public program is made possible by federal Library Service and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which enable the New York State Library to champion lifelong learning.