Library Disability Policy

This policy is currently under review

1. Introduction

This Disability Policy was developed by the CSU Library Disability Access Project team to support the Charles Sturt University Disability Action Plan 2002 and to comply with the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

2. Purpose

This Policy has been developed to establish strategies that ensure that all library facilities, services and resources are accessible to CSU students and staff with disabilities. It provides guidelines for the training of staff within the Division of Library Services, taking into account disability access issues and assistance for students with a disability.
This Policy also outlines the implementation of a promotion strategy with a view to making students and staff with disabilities aware of the services the library offers and how to access them.

3. Scope of the Policy

The Disability Policy applies to all services, facilities, and resources provided by the Division of Library services across the three major campuses at Albury/Wodonga, Bathurst and Wagga.

4. References

Charles Sturt University Disability Action plan 2002
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cwlth)
Charles Sturt University Library Loans Desk Manual.

5. Definitions

According to the Disability Discrimination Act :
1. 'disability', in relation to a person, means:
  - total or partial loss of the person's bodily or mental functions; or
  - total or partial loss of a part of the body; or
  - the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness; or
  - the presence in the body of organisms capable of causing disease or illness; or
  - the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person's body; or
  - a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction: or
  - a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person's thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgement or that results in disturbed behaviour; and includes a disability that:
    presently exists; or
  - previously existed but no longer exists; or
  - may exist in the future; or
  - is imputed to a person;"

6. Library Buildings and Facilities

Within the limitations of the existing library buildings, the Division of Library Services will strive to ensure that where practicable most facilities are physically accessible to users with disabilities. Problem areas in library buildings will be identified and resolutions sought.
Within the limitations of the existing library building, the Division of Library Services will strive to accommodate any adaptive technology possessed by students with disabilities.
Specific procedures regarding the accessibility features of individual campus libraries are included in the CSU Library Loans Desk Manual and Library Disability Web Page.
A new Interactive Learning centre will be constructed at Thurgoona which will incorporate disability access building standards.
Some items of adaptive technology will be purchased to assist users who have difficulty accessing library resources and information using conventional hardware and software.
Some items of adaptive technology will be purchased to assist users who have difficulty accessing library resources and information using conventional hardware and software.

7. Library Services

Information Services assistance is available from Information staff either in person, via email or by phone. Help will be provided in using the catalogues and electronic resources and in locating appropriate information for assignments.
Assistance will also be provided in using adaptive technology available within the library for students with disabilities.
Staff at the loans desk will provide assistance in collection of items from the shelves with 24 hours notice. Items will be available for collection at the loans desk for two days.
Photocopying assistance will also be provided upon request.
On request, extended loan periods will be provided to students with disabilities.
Distance Education services will be provided for on-campus students physically unable to access the collection.
Individual orientation tours of the library and information literacy classes will be arranged by appointment.
Two Library Disability contacts will be appointed at each campus to act as liaison officers. These contacts will be responsible for implementing and evaluating services to users with a disability. They will also consult with other relevant sections of the university and individually with students with disabilities.

8. Library resources

Where practicable, the library will provide alternative formatting of library information upon request. This could include large print, scanning of documents and alternative colour paper. Users will also be referred to Student Services for provision of alternative formats or resources sought through inter-library loans.

9. Library Staff Awareness and training

A Disability awareness training programme will be delivered to all library staff. This will include an initial PowerPoint presentation to alert staff to the library disability policy, and ongoing training to raise awareness of the needs of users with disabilities.
Appropriate staff will be trained in the use of adaptive technology equipment available in the library.

10. Promotion of the Library Disability Policy

The Division of Library Services will promote the availability of its services to users with disabilities.
This will include an information brochure, a webpage within the library’s website, updating the staff and student guides annually and signage within the library.

11. Responsibilities

All staff of the division of Library Services have a responsibility to be aware of and to comply with this policy.
Disability Liaison officers in each library will be responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating services to users with a disability. These officers will also liaise with other relevant sections of the university such as student services and student administration.

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