Understanding Disability to Support Library Workers

Abstract

Abstract Libraries have pursued advancements in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) for much of the last twenty years, but little has been done to address inaccessibility in the profession. Disability is regularly left out of EDI discussions and accessibility efforts are usually limited to ADA compliance. This leaves much of the profession with a limited and often stereotypical understanding of what disability “looks” like. In this column, an academic librarian with non-apparent disabilities provides insight into the experience of disabled library workers, the inaccessibility of the profession exacerbated by COVID-19, and offers tips for library administrators to create inclusive and accessible workplaces.