This session addresses our physical spaces and the ways they enable or inhibit the broad spectrum of patrons who use our libraries as well as the professionals who work there. Attendees should come away with a new set of eyes for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) concerns and strategies for improving their patron and employee experiences.
Stephanie Bonjack will discuss the principles of Universal Design, an architecture and design philosophy that enables the broadest number of users to interact successfully with a space. Universal Design can be employed in facilities projects and upgrades to improve user experience and Stephanie will highlight some local examples from the University of Colorado Boulder. Michelle Hahn will discuss her experiences interacting with her workspace and workplace at Indiana University before and after she was struck by a car and seriously injured. She will address how ""accommodations"" aren't always very ""accommodating,"" even if they hold to the letter of the law. She will also discuss recent MLA conferences and how our organization and chapters can do more to prepare for all attendees. Katie Buehner will discuss the opening of a new music library facility at the University of Iowa and working with a campus group, the Hawkeye Accessibility Ambassadors, to identify ways in which the library could be more inclusive and supportive of individuals with disabilities. She will also discuss the complexity of implementing the recommendations, which required both external coordination and internal accountability.