INSIGHT
‘‘ Disability Network
The space is the thing I
WAS lucky enough to attend CILIP’s Green Libraries conference on 24 March at the Wellcome Collection in London. I joined 130 delegates from across the UK to discuss the attainable and sustainable successes of the Green Libraries Initiative.
www.cilip.org.uk/ greenlibraries.
It was fantastic event with many takeaways. One in particular that resonated with me is that:
● action doesn’t need to be big – making small changes to library infrastructure like repurposing furniture is a great start, and doesn’t cost much.
As we all navigate the cost of living crisis, where many library services may have to do more with less, this is something to consider and opens the door to innovation and creativity. When redesigning a library space I believe that accessibility and green issues are close cousins and should be addressed as a matter of priority in any design venture. As stated in the Green Libraries introduction:
“Environmental action and engagement can bring opportunities, especially fi nancial benefi ts, raising awareness, new engagement opportunities, and improved health and wellbeing.”
Any benefi ts around improved health and wellbeing for disabled information professionals and disabled library end users is very welcome. CILIP’s A warm welcome: setting up a warm space in your community report (
www.cilip.org.uk/warmspaces2022), details how “local communities have stepped up in many ways to support their neighbours through the cost of living crisis” (p.3). The report also references the need for warm spaces to be accessible (p.9).
46 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
When redesigning a library space I believe that accessibility and green issues are close cousins and should be addressed...
“It is important that your warm space can be used by everyone and to look at barriers that may prevent this, not just for wheelchair users, but also for visitors with additional or special needs. For example, bright lighting is important for those with visual impairments, while blue LED lights and quieter spaces are more autism friendly. You may also need to give some thought to making space for assistance animals (or indeed other pets!) who may visit with their owners. Some local disability charities may also come and do an accessibility audit of your space.” This sound advice made me wonder how many libraries had made use of this guidance, especially having space for assistance animals. As a Disability Network we want an overview of what good work is going and always want to hear what you are doing to make spaces accessible. Do send us your photos, especially of assistance animals or other accessible changes you have made for information professionals or end users. The Warm Welcome report goes on to discuss the kinds of facilities disabled people need to know are in place before visiting a space include: level access, accessible toilets, parking, public transport, hearing loops, sensory-friendly areas and more. Having access to trusted disabled access information inspires confi dence, breaks down the barriers of exclusion and removes the fear of the unknown.
As I continue with our library refurbishment I have been looking at Euan’s Guide
www.euansguide.com, which is a trusted source of information written by and for disabled people. It was founded by Euan MacDonald MBE and his sister Kiki, and aims to empower disabled people by providing information that will give confi dence and choices
Morag Clarkson is Co-Chair of the CILIP Disability Network.
for getting out and about. It uses the power of reviews to “give someone else enough confi dence to visit somewhere new. Euan’s Guide is opening doors for disabled people to fi nd great places to go. By breaking down barriers of exclusion, it gives everyone the freedom to explore.”
As we move towards warmer weather, it is a great resource to keep handy and also to consider in your library redesigns.
Catherine McLaren is taking a short six-month sabbatical from her role as co-Chair of The Disability Network and will be back in October. We are looking for someone to cover this role. It is a great opportunity and we would be delighted to hear from interested parties. If you are interested in the role and want to fi nd out more about it, contact The Disability Network via info.
disability@cilip.org.uk IP
April-May 2023
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