Guidelines for Inclusive Library Services
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has published a new series of Guidelines for Inclusive Library Services for Persons with Print Disabilities, which provides a practical framework to support libraries of all types to provide inclusive library services for all.
At a time when digital transformation and accessibility legislations are reshaping how information is produced and accessed, libraries are encouraged to adopt inclusion as a standard not as a case-by-case response. These guidelines respond to that need by offering clear, structured guidance that can be applied across different library context.
These guidelines were developed by IFLA Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section (LPD) and are grounded in the principle that access to information is a right, not a privilege. They reaffirm that inclusive services should be embedded within core library strategies, policies, and daily operations and not treated as a specialised or separate service.
What do the Guidelines cover?
The guidelines provide guidance across several key areas:
- Legal and policy frameworks
- Accessibility of physical and digital environments
- Accessible formats and inclusive collections
- Provision of assistive technology and user support
- Collaborations with relevant stakeholders
Why these Guidelines Matter?
These guidelines come at a time when digital transformation is reshaping library services across the globe. As libraries adopt new technologies and expand on their digital collections, ensuring accessibility from the outset is crucial. This document provides practical steps to support libraries assess their current practices and move towards more inclusive models.
It also serves as a valuable reference for professionals working in accessibility, inclusive publishing and librarianship for policy development, service evaluation and training initiatives.