Notes: Lightning Talks, Round 2

This year, we're trying something new at Scholars Portal Day: shared session notes. An official note-taker will take notes throughout the session. If you have a spotdocs account, you can feel free to add your own notes to the page as well! If you don't have an account, contribute by leaving a comment below.

"Summer Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 reading camp" - Mark Weiler, Wilfred Laurier University

• Through OCUL accessibility community. Participants read and discussed sections of the guidelines (WCAG 2.0), developed by W3C to help libraries make their content more accessible
• WCAG is more conceptual than technical, describes abstract properties of technologies. Because of this, it's not just for the IT departments. 
• Goal of reading camp was to build participants confidence in talking about WCAG2 in the library.
• 3 online meetings over 6 weeks in the summer. The group discussed pre-assigned readings. 9 participants from 6 OCUL schools
• Readings were of official documents, not summaries, which can be complicated to read. Sections were redacted for participants, so that only essential sections were covered. Makes content more simplified and accessible for readers.
• First part: purposes, key concepts and then discussed those to increase understanding. Discussed how the key documents relate to one another to increase confidence in using them as reference material.
• Second part: 5-part definition of conformance, key concepts such as "assistive technology" and "success criteria"
• Third part: Focused on WCAG's conceptualization of the technological implications. Didn't look at specific tech but at concept like "common problems" and implications such as "non-normativity" for evaluation and interpreting outcomes of testing procedures
• Most participants felt it greatly increased their understanding. Delivery could be improved - eliminating built-in accessibility barriers, time could be compressed, desire for sessions to discuss specialized topics.
• Why is this important? Academic libraries have a mission to support people with all sorts of disabilities. WCAG helps in planning projects and delivering services, and is a common language for discussions

"Inclusive leadership: ARL's Year Long Career Development Program (LCDP)" - Sonny Banerjee, Ryerson University & Jack Leong, University of Toronto

• Program geared towards preparing mid-career librarians from historically under-represented groups to take on leadership roles in their library and the community
• Also to address the need for research libraries and archives to develop a more diverse workforce to support diverse communities
• Two day orientation in DC and two multi-day institute events (one in US one in Canada)
• Program includes a career-coaching relationship with ARL director or senior staff. Tips/training on doing a research project from start to finish. Also discussions and webinars related to ARL strategic framework
• Candidates: from underrepresented racial or ethnic group, as identified by Stats Can or US Census Bureau. Be a citizen or permanent residence in either country. Work in a library, archive, or information professional role.
• Application: complete online form, include CV, 500 word essay describing interest, letter from your supervisor describing your leadership aspirations and potential, letter of support from library director
• Benefits: Great way to develop leadership skills but also learn from colleagues and network, learn about some recent trends in libraries, and connect with colleagues in similar positions with similar experiences.

"Accessing the accessible content provider landscape in North America: a brief on what we have learned" - Meredith Hatton, York University

• Developed a survey in fall 2018 to access the landscape, in order to get a better informed approach of creating best practices in regards to delivering accessible content. Went through research ethics process to allow the information to be shared.
• Survey released across Canada and US. 78% response rate in Canada, 21% in US
• Library has oversight for providing accessible content in most institutions (18 out of 25 institutions). Student services provided in 10 institutions. "other" in 7.
• Most respondents reported that the demand for accessible content has increased over the last three years 
• Accessibility is cross cutting and is an essential part of the library