Book Review: Creating Inclusive Library Environments: A Planning Guide for Serving Patrons with Disabilities

Abstract

This concise but complete guide to accessibility will be beneficial to libraries of all types. Kowalsky and Woodruff seek “to provide a roadmap for libraries so that they may be proactive in creating inclusive library environments” (vii). In laying out this roadmap, the authors cover everything from ADA legislation updates to universal design for both the library building and its online presence. The book focuses not merely on accessibility, but also on building relationships by interacting in a positive manner with people with disabilities. An important part of this is the emphasis on including people with disabilities in accessibility planning. The authors also incorporate examples for disability awareness programming in academic, public, school, and special libraries.