New library and information center professionals are leaders in providing universal access to library services for all. This universal access philosophy is becoming more important as the population of information seekers with physiological challenges continues to grow.

These professionals incorporate a universal access philosophy into most areas of library and information service, including the use of assistive technologies and other information and communication technologies.

"The premise underlying the universal access philosophy is to move from a legal definition of disability to a more inclusive definition that embraces persons with mild to moderate impairments. This premise is couched in international definitions of disability that are informed by social and cultural conditions rather than limited by medical qualification." [1]

Please watch, "Introducing Christina: The Librarian", a current ALFA fellow as she describes library services - accessibility for all!

Christina is a Project ALFA (Accessible Libraries For All) fellow who is preparing to serve an aging population of information seekers, connecting them to information through various technologies in all types of library and information agencies.

"As a Project ALFA fellow, she will also disseminate and diffuse the ALFA philosophy in the organizations where they will work through daily work flow as well as through more formal channels such as in-service and continuing education with colleagues in the field, at professional conferences, and special projects."

What do you about think about "Library Services: Developing A Universal Access Philosophy"? Feel free to provide comments and start a discussion! If you have questions for Christina, email her at christina.golm@wayne.edu.

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[1] Project ALFA (Accessible Libraries For All)

[2] Universal Access Blog - http://universal-access.blogspot.com/

[3] You just never know who's going to drop by the IMLS booth in the exhibit hall!, Kevin Cherry, IMLS Senior Program Officer, February 10, 2012

[4] Dr. Stephanie Maatta-Smith, co-Principal Investigator, IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grant