41 Accessibility Research and Publications

“Accessible Library Teaching” Open-Access Book

As part of a library strategic initiative, led by Katie Harding and Anna Flak, 13 library staff members collaborated to author and launch an open-access book on accessibility principles in librarianship, published through eCampusOntario, titled “Accessible Library Teaching“. Addressing a recognized gap in professional literature, the publication contributes practical guidance and shared expertise to the broader library community. The work has been well received across the sector and has already supported knowledge sharing through conference presentations and professional engagements, further positioning McMaster University Libraries as a leader in accessibility practice and thought leadership.

Contributors: McMaster University Libraries (Anna Flak & Katie Harding)

“Translating the Accessibility of Live Demonstrations from Library Instruction to Reference Interactions”

In our work with students, library staff often provide live demonstrations of databases and other online tools for finding and organizing information sources. In early 2025, we published an article entitled “Translating the accessibility of live demonstrations from library instruction to reference interactions” in RUSQ: A Journal of Reference & User Experience. The article was based on our work in the Accessible Education Fellows program in 2023-2024, when we investigated strategies for improving accessibility in live demonstrations during in-class instruction. We sought to apply what we had learned about accessibility when using live demonstrations in the classroom to the context of a one-on-one research consultation with a student.

Contributors: McMaster University Libraries (Anna Flak & Katie Harding)

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