Alyson Palmquist
Research Mentor(s): Craig Smith
Mentor Department: University Library
Authors: Alyson Palmquist, Craig Smith
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 38
Abstract
The libraries at the University of Michigan are an important resource for students, faculty, and staff; however, not everyone has an equal and accessible access to the libraries and their resources. This research explores how the library experience differs for those with and without disabilities as well as the most critical issues in accessibility. To explore these differences, I am analyzing the 15,000+ responses from students, staff, and faculty from the 2023 Library Survey. The responses contain both qualitative and quantitative data. A series of frequency tests, comment coding, cross-tabs, and other tests were run on the data collected in order to present accurate findings. An analysis of the data collected reveals those with permanent, temporary, or suspected disabilities are more likely to encounter at least one accessibility barrier in their library experience. Those with a disability were also found on average to have significantly lower feelings of acceptance than respondents without disabilities. The library offers many physical and online materials and resources that are on average less accessible to those with disabilities. With this information, the library should focus on including more audio readers and accessible fonts on their online resources, updating signage on accessible pathways and entrances, improving the bathrooms in Hatcher, and adding accessible seating for those with injuries, disabilities, and larger bodies.
