University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Are library and information science educators teaching accessibility? Content analysis of syllabi

Mallary, Kevin J.; Simons, Rea N.; Copeland, Clayton A.; Nikiema, Jackie; Dorman, Evan J.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/123144

Description

Title
Are library and information science educators teaching accessibility? Content analysis of syllabi
Author(s)
  • Mallary, Kevin J.
  • Simons, Rea N.
  • Copeland, Clayton A.
  • Nikiema, Jackie
  • Dorman, Evan J.
Issue Date
2023-09
Keyword(s)
  • Accessibility
  • Curriculum
  • Disability
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Information Services
  • Library Technology Systems
  • Pedagogy
  • Social Justice
Abstract
Library and information science (LIS) graduates are expected to serve patrons from diverse backgrounds, including disabled patrons. While serving patrons with disabilities is a core value of librarianship, graduates often feel unprepared to serve disabled patrons, suggesting that programs inadequately train students to design accessible services. This study’s authors analyzed hundreds of course descriptions and 73 syllabi from 20 North American LIS programs to determine how often accessibility and disability topics are covered and how educators teach accessibility. Findings indicate that accessibility and disability topics are mostly covered in electives, meaning students may never develop accessibility competencies during their programs. Additionally, a lack of disability-focused assessments may create the impression that serving disabled patrons is less important to LIS than addressing the needs of other underserved communities. Recommendations for educators include creating or revising learning objectives and assessments to prioritize accessibility education and support disabled patrons.
Series/Report Name or Number
Proceedings of the ALISE Annual Conference, 2023
Type of Resource
text
Language
eng
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/123144
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21900/j.alise.2023.1376
Copyright and License Information
  • Copyright 2023 Kevin J. Mallary, Rea N. Simons, Clayton A. Copeland, Jackie Nikiema, Evan J. Dorman
  • This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).

Owning Collections

Proceedings of the ALISE Annual Conference: ALISE 2023 PRIMARY
Bridge the Gap: Teaching, Learning, Practice, and Competencies