At a time when baby boomers are becoming senior citizens, Assistive Technologies in the Library is a resource brimming with practical advice and step-by-step ideas for implementing the recommended tools needed to provide patrons with the best possible access to library materials, resources, and services. With a combined 35 years of experience with the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, as well as a history of active participation in ALA’s Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), Mates and Reed have a firm grasp of the issues facing patrons and are well versed in the resources that may help them.

Starting with chapter 1, “The Library’s Mission to Serve All Patrons” (emphasis added), Mates notes that while certain technologies may be aimed at patrons with special needs, often times, patrons without such needs can also use and benefit from said technologies. For example, a large print keyboard or a so-called senior mouse can be utilized by all.

Recognizing that libraries need to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, yet are frequently caught in the current economic crunch, many of the devices and procedures suggested by Mates and Reed are cost-effective and require only basic staff training for awareness. Mates emphasizes the importance of communicating with all library staff concerning the use of assistive technologies, reminding readers that it is not helpful for patrons to be told that staff doesn’t know how to use the available resources.

Some of the recommendations are more costly to implement: JAWS (Job Access With Speech), “the most popular screen reader, is expensive” (46). Mates urges librarians to remember that if assistive technologies like JAWS are costly for libraries, they are likely beyond the personal means of many patrons who need such resources.

The timing of this reviewer’s receipt of the book was fortuitous, as the library at which she works has received bequest funds to aid visually impaired patrons. The myriad resources recommended in this book helped the reviewer and her colleagues develop a wish list for the expenditure of these funds and gave them ideas for implementing no-cost and low-cost tools and technologies, including Microsoft accessibility features (50). Librarians are reminded that Friends of Libraries groups are likely supporters of requests for moderately priced assistive technologies.

Assistive Technologies in the Library is a “must have on hand” field guide for frontline librarians. It is worth reading cover to cover. However, librarians with limited time should at least review the one page synopsis, “Ten Items Libraries Should Put on the Front Burner” (165) and visit ASCLA’s website to review the tip sheet. Well worth the cover price, this book is recommended for all libraries.—Lisa