Difference between revisions of "ADA and Bookmobiles"

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'''Q.''' Are there wheelchair accessibility requirements for bookmobiles? If so, what are they?
'''Q.''' Are there wheelchair accessibility requirements for bookmobiles? If so, what are they? What would they be for a 28-foot bookmobile?

Revision as of 13:31, 9 May 2007


A. There are two facets to the answer to this question. The first is: is physical accessibility required? The second is: if physical accessibility is required, what are the parameters?

In answer to the first question, the Department of Justice has published ADA Guide for Small Towns. It maps out some key examples.

If your small town has a small historic town library built before the days of ADA--

The town library is a historic structure that is listed on the State historic register. The two entrances to the facility each have four steps and no accessible entrance is provided. The town consults with an architect to determine if an accessible entrance can be provided and is told that a ramp or lift cannot be added to either entrance without a significant change to the exterior of the building. After reviewing the ADA requirements, the town learns that qualified historic buildings and facilities are not required to take any action that would threaten or destroy the historic significance of a historic property. The State historic preservation office is consulted and it determines that the exterior cannot be modified. Because physical modifications to the entrances cannot be made, the town changes its policies and provides access to the library services in an "alternate manner" upon request. Library staff are trained to take requests over the telephone, to look up information for individuals with disabilities who cannot use the library, to provide information over the telephone, and to provide curbside service for books and library publications or to mail items to individuals upon request. Library staff may also meet with an individual in another accessible location when the telephone service is not effective. The library publicizes a telephone number for requesting these alternate services in its publications and announcements.

One "alternate manner" in serving those patrons can be using bookmobiles that come to the library user instead of vice versa. Speaking specifically to library services, the ADA Guide states--

Library services are an example of programs and services offered by many towns. If a library facility or building is not accessible, these services may be offered in a different accessible library facility, in another accessible facility nearby, or in an alternate manner. Some towns with only one library may prefer to modify the entrance to the library and other key elements to provide access. Others that may have a facility that is difficult to make accessible or lack the resources to make essential physical changes may choose to offer the programs and services in an alternate accessible location. What is important is that the same services be available to individuals with disabilities as are offered to others ­ such as doing research, using the card catalog or cataloging device, reading or reviewing items usually held in reserve or special collections, and returning loaned items.

The ADA Guide shows an example of an older, smaller bookmobile, explaining, "A drawing of an older bookmobile parked in a parking lot with a person using a scooter approaching the side door. The entry door has steps and no ramp. A call button, located on the side of the bookmobile, is pushed to call the staff person to the door to provide service."

There are newer, larger bookmobiles that are ADA compliant and include lifts for disabled patrons.