Keep It Simple

July 1, 2011

Green (library & information studies, Valdosta State Univ.; Library Management: A Case Study Approach) and Blair, who has an MLIS and has conducted assistive technology workshops for public libraries, have tried to provide here a basic tutorial on the currently available assistive computer applications, hardware, and software available for library use. The meat of the book is organized by disability rather than type of assistive technology and includes click-by-click instructions for specific software applications. Librarians will find value in the copious resources, including websites and periodical references, collected in the book. VERDICT Despite its title, this is not the simple guide one would expect. It would best serve academic libraries able to provide access to an exhaustive array of assistive technologies. For most public and smaller-sized academic libraries, Barbara T. Mates and William R. Reed IV's Assistive Technologies in the Library, reviewed below, is the guide to turn to for simple and engaging information when selecting, funding, and marketing assistive technologies that will enable libraries to provide equal access to library services to all patrons.--Catherine McMullen, Canby P.L., OR

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