What would you do if you received a call from a patron threatening suicide? Maybe, this has never happened to you or anyone at your library, but there are a few very simple things to keep in mind if the situation presents itself.Continue reading
Digital Life Activities
How are people using the internet? According to a very interesting website, TNS Digital Life, in very practical ways.Â
Socially in order to connect and share with others – for example, Flickr
Keeping up to date on the weather, news, sport scores and events
Accessing Email accounts
Watching videos, listening to the radio/music and on demand TV
Getting information to help solve something – for example uisng google to help solve the Sunday NY Times Crossword Puzzle
Using the Internet to file tax returns, online banking or paying/ checking bill accounts
Shopping online – movie tickets, airline tickets, clothes etc
Researching prices of large ticket items whether the final purchasing is done online or offline
Getting directionsÂ
Pursuing personal interests, hobbies and blogging
Playing online games
Assistive Technologies in the Library
In the October 2010 American Libraries, Barbara T. Mates presented some ways for libraries to help disabled persons gain access to information via assistive technologies. In her article, “Assistive Technologies”, Mates wrote “Approximately half of this country’s disabled workforce is unemployed, and higher education for many disabled individuals is still just a dream.” In part, the reason for this is that assistive technologies to accommodate disabled individuals are expensive.
What if disabled people had access to assistive technologies such as screen readers and accessible work stations at their local public library?Continue reading