Libraries and Universal Design

Carli Spina is the Head Librarian for Assessment & Outreach at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA. Libraries of all sizes and types serve diverse populations of patrons. Patrons may have disabilities, may not speak English as their first language, may be elderly, may have limited experience in a library setting, or may have other traits or characteristics that impact the way that they interact with library spaces and services. Staff at many libraries have come to understand the importance of accessibility for individuals with disabilities, both due to legal requirements and because of the growing number of students with disabilities at their institutions.1 However, this approach often results in accommodations that only address the needs of a narrow subset of patrons and do not create an inclusive community. Universal Design offers an alternative approach for creating a welcoming and usable environment for all patrons. Adopting Universal Design principles can help to address the issues many theological libraries face due to aging facilities and spaces, while also opening religious and theological content to the widest possible audience.