Social media may enable those who have difficulty leaving their homes or going to the library during often-shrinking hours of operation to access library services. It can also be used to inform those who do not often visit the building of programs and other happenings at the library. We must keep in mind, however, that information technology has its own barriers to use, as discussed in a previous post about the digital divide. Rather than eschewing old technologies for new, libraries can use social media to diversify the formats in which information and services can be made available.
Digital media, when equipped with proper accessibility features, allow users greater freedom to customize the delivery of content to their needs. People with vision impairments can use screen readers or magnify text to a readable size, or people who have difficulty holding or turning the pages of a book or other print format can view and manipulate content on a screen, to name just a few examples. Exploring the potential of new technologies is an important component of the process of achieving access for all.
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