The goal of the Oulu University Library is to make its services and online content easily accessible and approachable, and to ensure the library premises are barrier-free for the benefit of all users. To advance these goals, the library has established an accessibility working group, which last year, together with the library’s management, conducted accessibility tours at all library locations to assess the level of physical accessibility of the premises. During these tours, we focused on the clarity and bilingualism of signage, the accessibility of pathways, the suitability of furniture for different users’ needs, and the soundscape of the library facilities. Development needs were identified and recorded in all our libraries. Some measures to address these issues were implemented immediately, such as adding signage and repositioning furniture for better functionality, but larger development needs will be addressed in the future as resources permit. Improving accessibility does not necessarily have to be expensive or excessively time-consuming – even small improvements can make a significant difference.
Students may need individual study arrangements for health reasons, such as extended loan periods for library course books due to reading disabilities. Last year, our library, in collaboration with the study psychologists and campus advisors of the Oulu University and Oulu University of Applied Sciences, developed a practice for extending the loan period of course books for students with reading disabilities. A student with a reading disability can receive an extended loan period for a course book by presenting a recommendation form from a study psychologist or study counselor to the library’s customer service when borrowing the book. So far, this opportunity has been used relatively infrequently, so we have not yet received feedback on the practice.
We regularly inform through the library’s communication channels about the services of the national Accessibility Library Celia for students with reading disabilities, and new Celia customers are registered in our libraries. In conjunction with Celia information dissemination, we have also made available reading aids such as reading rulers and reading overlays for customers to test.
The library’s online services have also been reviewed from an accessibility perspective. We started with the library’s LibGuides, and those accessibility checks were conducted using the WAVE tool. Information about the accessibility of the library’s services, as well as tips and instructions for making reading easier, has been compiled into the Accessibility Guide for library customers. Additionally, the library’s website has a page on Accessible Library Services, where customers can learn about the accessibility of the library premises before visiting. The library staff has received training on web accessibility, and during a staff workshop, we tested various e-material listening options together.
In addition to improving the accessibility of the premises and online services, we have also considered how to promote an equal and inclusive atmosphere in the library. Our library has declared itself a Discrimination-Free Zone as part of a national campaign coordinated by the Ministry of Justice. In the spring of 2024, we also adopted the library’s safer space principles. To develop these principles, we wanted to understand our customers’ experiences and views on what makes the library a safer space for them. The library conducted an online survey for customers and staff, and based on the results, we developed the safer space principles and library-specific guidelines for reporting harassment or inappropriate behavior. We encourage our customers to contact the library staff in cases of harassment, either in person at the library or by emailing the library’s harassment contact person. The safer space principles and guidelines are visible in the library premises and are also available on the library’s website.
The library has also received recognition for its work: the safer space working group was awarded at the Oulu University’s academic year opening ceremony in September for exemplary conduct in line with the university’s values. Promoting accessibility in the library is an ongoing process that also requires tolerance for unfinished work. However, the most rewarding aspect is that investing in accessibility, even in small steps, makes the library more functional and welcoming for all users.
Leena Ilkko
Communication Designer
Oulu University Library
Minna Abrahamsson-Sipponen
Director of Oulu University Library
Artificial intelligence used in translation.
