Information Literacy and Instruction: Using Universal Design for Instruction to Make Library Instruction Accessible

Abstract

Accessibility is of fundamental importance in all classrooms, including the library classroom. In this article, two disability advocates in libraries, JJ Pionke and Lorelei Rutledge, discuss the importance of taking a universal design approach to library instruction. They argue that library instructors should have accessibility in mind at the beginning of the lesson planning process, rather than retrofitting lessons and activities to make them accessible. They also outline the key steps that every library instructor should take before walking into the classroom in order to make their instruction accessible to all learners.—Editor