ERIC Number: ED367347
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1993-Oct
Pages: 81
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Training the Library Staff about Disabilities: A Model for Investigating Staff Education Tested in Seven Public Libraries.
Theiss, Sally A.
Librarians must find ways to meet the information needs of patrons with various disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act codified what librarians have long espoused: equal access to information for people with any type of disabling condition. This study's objective was to identify and examine current or planned programs dealing with staff education about disabilities in the public library setting. An exploratory research design using survey methodology was executed; the data were collected through in-depth, unstructured interviews with library directors or their designees at seven public libraries in Stark County (Ohio). Analysis of data was conducted using the "concept book" technique of qualitative content analysis. Research data are presented in three formats: (1) categorized, coded statements arranged in lists with full explanation of the coding; (2) a table of the number of unique statements by category and code; and (3) a data matrix prepared so that categories and coded themes for each library may be examined. Included in the appendices are the text of the Americans with Disabilities Act; attitudinal barriers toward people with disabilities; and the interview guide. (Contains 48 references.) (Author/JLB)
Descriptors: Access to Information, Accessibility (for Disabled), Attitudes, Content Analysis, Continuing Education, Disabilities, Federal Legislation, Interviews, Library Directors, Library Personnel, Library Planning, Library Services, Physical Disabilities, Public Libraries, Staff Development, Training
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Masters Theses; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Americans with Disabilities Act 1990
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A