The Digital Shelf: Opening Digital Doors - Accessibility on the Library Shelf
Description
As libraries expand their digital offerings, ensuring that every patron—regardless of physical limitation—can discover, borrow, and enjoy digital content is paramount. But how accessible are the platforms and reading apps we rely on every day and what can libraries do to optimize their digital offerings for patrons with accessibility needs?
Join us for this edition of The Digital Shelf, hosted by The Palace Project, in partnership with COSLA and ReadersFirst, as we dive deep into the real-world accessibility of library digital shelves. Our panel of accessibility advocates, library technology specialists, and digital publishing experts will provide a candid evaluation of major digital library platforms, examine current reading standards (WCAG, VPATs, EPUB3), and share practical strategies for making your library’s digital shelf truly inclusive.
Learning Outcomes
- Real-World User Testing: Hear direct evaluations of popular library apps and reading tools through the lens of screen reader and assistive technology users.
- Evaluating Vendors & Platforms: Learn how to read VPATs, evaluate platform accessibility, and hold vendors accountable during procurement.
- Born-Accessible Content: Understand how accessible EPUB and audiobook formats render across different platform reading engines.
- Actionable Library Strategies: Discover immediate steps front-line and technical library staff can take to improve digital equity in their communities.
Intended Audience
Librarians and anyone from the book industry interested in accessibility.
Partners
Michael Blackwell, ReadersFirst
Michael Blackwell is the Director of the St. Mary's County Library and leads ReadersFirst. As a prominent national advocate for e-resources, he is instrumental in coordinating efforts across nearly 300 libraries to campaign for fair pricing, sustainable licensing, and an easier patron experience for library e-book content.
Jeremy Johannesen, Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA)
Jeremy Johannesen is the Executive Director of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), an organization dedicated to supporting state library administrative agencies. He is a recognized advocate for nationwide library policy, leading COSLA's long-term efforts to influence publisher pricing and licensing models for e-books and digital content, ensuring equitable access and sustainable solutions for public libraries across the states.
Presenters
Chancey Fleet, New York Public Library
Chancey Fleet is the Assistive Technology Coordinator at the New York Public Library’s Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library. A blind accessibility advocate and tech educator, she leads user testing and practical evaluations of library e-reading platforms to promote digital inclusion. Through her work, Chancey empowers disabled patrons to navigate assistive technology and helps libraries hold software vendors accountable to universal design standards.
Robert Laurie, Benetech
Robert Laurie is the Director of Publisher and Platform Partnerships at Benetech, where he helps publishers and digital platforms navigate the Global Certified Accessible (GCA) accreditation program. Bringing a rich background in content distribution, publishing mechanics, and platform integration, Robert works closely with industry partners to advance "Born Accessible" digital content and ensure eBooks and audiobooks are accessible to readers of all abilities from day one.
Jason Broughton, Dreamscape
Jason Broughton is the Director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress. A former Vermont State Librarian with extensive experience in public service and library administration, he leads nationwide programs and digital modernization efforts to expand access to braille, audiobooks, and specialized reading technologies—guided by the NLS mission "That All May Read."
George Kerscher, DAISY Consortium
George Kerscher is the Chief Innovations Officer at the DAISY Consortium, an international organization dedicated to creating equal access to information for people with disabilities. A pioneer in digital accessible publishing, he spearheaded the development of the DAISY standard and played a foundational role in integrating universal accessibility specifications into global EPUB standards. Through decades of international leadership and technical advocacy, George works to advance open standards and "born accessible" content—ensuring readers of all abilities can engage with books seamlessly.
Lyrasis Learning events are delivered using the Zoom videoconferencing platform and will have AI-generated captions available. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available upon request. If you need ASL or other accommodations to support your participation in the course, please contact us at es@lyrasis.org at least 2 weeks in advance of the event or as soon as possible.