Digital Accessibility For Libraries: Ensuring Resources And Services Are Accessible To All Training Course

Introduction

Empower library professionals to create inclusive and equitable library experiences with our comprehensive Digital Accessibility for Libraries Training Course. This program equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to ensure that your library's digital resources and services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Mastering digital accessibility is increasingly vital for libraries seeking to comply with legal requirements, promote inclusivity, and provide equitable access to information for everyone in the digital age. Our digital accessibility training course offers in-depth guidance and actionable strategies for creating and maintaining accessible library resources and services.

This Digital Accessibility for Libraries training delves into key areas such as the principles of digital accessibility, web accessibility standards (WCAG), accessible document design, accessible multimedia, assistive technologies, usability testing with users with disabilities, and developing accessibility policies. You will gain expertise in evaluating the accessibility of digital resources, creating accessible content, and implementing best practices for ensuring that all library users can effectively access and utilize library resources and services. Whether you are a web librarian, systems librarian, or any librarian involved in providing digital resources and services, this Digital Accessibility for Libraries course will provide you with the tools and knowledge to create a more accessible and inclusive library environment.

Target Audience:

• Web Librarians
• Systems Librarians
• Digital Services Librarians
• User Experience Librarians
• Instruction Librarians
• Library Administrators
• Content Creators

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles of digital accessibility.
• Apply WCAG standards to library websites and resources.
• Create accessible documents (e.g., Word, PDF).
• Ensure multimedia content is accessible.
• Understand assistive technologies used by people with disabilities.
• Conduct usability testing with users with disabilities.
• Develop accessibility policies for libraries.
• Evaluate the accessibility of library websites.
• Remediate inaccessible digital content.
• Choose accessible e-learning platforms.
• Design accessible online library instruction.
• Promote accessibility awareness among library staff.
• Stay current with accessibility guidelines.

DURATION

5 Days

Course Content:

Module 1: Principles of Digital Accessibility

• Understanding the principles of digital accessibility.
• Exploring the importance of digital accessibility in libraries.
• Understanding the social model of disability.
• Identifying the benefits of accessibility for all users.
• Best practices for creating an inclusive digital library.

Module 2: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

• Applying WCAG standards to library websites and resources.
• Understanding the structure and principles of WCAG.
• Implementing WCAG success criteria.
• Evaluating website accessibility using WCAG.
• Best practices for complying with WCAG 2.1 (and later versions).

Module 3: Accessible Document Design

• Creating accessible documents (e.g., Word, PDF).
• Understanding the principles of accessible document design.
• Using headings, lists, and alternative text in documents.
• Creating accessible PDF documents.
• Best practices for making documents accessible.

Module 4: Accessible Multimedia

• Ensuring multimedia content is accessible.
• Understanding the accessibility requirements for audio and video.
• Providing captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions.
• Creating accessible multimedia players.
• Best practices for making multimedia accessible.

Module 5: Assistive Technologies

• Understanding assistive technologies used by people with disabilities.
• Exploring screen readers, screen magnifiers, and alternative input devices.
• Understanding how assistive technologies interact with digital content.
• Designing content that is compatible with assistive technologies.
• Best practices for supporting users of assistive technologies.

Module 6: Usability Testing with Users with Disabilities

• Conducting usability testing with users with disabilities.
• Understanding the importance of inclusive usability testing.
• Recruiting and working with participants with disabilities.
• Adapting usability testing methods for diverse needs.
• Best practices for conducting accessible usability tests.

Module 7: Developing Accessibility Policies

• Developing accessibility policies for libraries.
• Understanding the importance of having a formal accessibility policy.
• Identifying the key components of an accessibility policy.
• Implementing and communicating accessibility policies.
• Best practices for creating and maintaining library accessibility policies.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.