University at Buffalo Library School gets grant to train librarians how to make accessible websites
University at Buffalo Library School gets grant to train librarians how to make accessible websites
Part of me wants to cheer about this. Part of me is sorely
disappointed. Web accessibility is a critical issue for library
websites and it is really important that MLS students get this type of
training. The more librarians and library webmasters that are aware of
accessibility issues the better. Even more important is the ability to
build and maintain accessible library website.
However, I keep wondering why has this taken so long to make its way
into the library school cirriculum. The fact that this topic has taken
so long to permeate library schools means that many smaller libraries
are still behind the curve on this issue. Perhaps the best thing about
this grant is that it seeks to deal with this issue through providing
smaller libraries with MLS interns who can make the sponsoring
library's site more accessible. It is unfortunate that this is the only
way some smaller libraries can get the technical talent they need to
bring their libraries into the digital age.