The Accessibility Advisory Committee for the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida is committed to promoting and supporting equal access to library resources and services, both virtual and in person, for all patrons and employees. Our mission is to be informed advocates on matters of accessibility; to listen to the latest research and to individuals with disabilities, both visible and invisible, for first-hand accounts of issues, ideas, and innovations. Using this information, we will identify, evaluate, and recommend effective strategies, policies, and technologies that can improve accessibility throughout our libraries, and work collaboratively with library staff, administrators, and users to implement these recommendations.
The committee is composed of library employees from every branch and many other units and embraces a broad perspective on accessibility consistent with the University’s and the George A. Smathers Libraries’ strategic directions.
Through our efforts, and in consultation and collaboration with the UF Disability Resource Center, UF’s Office for Accessibility and Gender Equity, and other campus entities as appropriate, we aim to ensure that the library remains a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters academic excellence and lifelong learning for all members of the UF community.
Additionally, we will:
- Advise on accessibility of the physical library environment
- Advise on policies to make the libraries more accessible to all
- Advise on the purchase of accessibility technology
- Review and maintain the Accessibility Services page and associated documentation for the UF Libraries.
Membership:
Co-chairs:
- Matthew Daley – Libraries Web Unit/IT
- Daniela Suzarte – Special & Area Studies Collections
Members:
- Lisa Campbell – Instruction Library Committee
- Gus Clifton – Libraries Web Unit/IT
- Chris Eaton – Borland Library
- Cera Keene – Library West
- Brittany Kester – Education Library
- Keith Manuel – Special & Area Studies Collections
- Michelle McClure-Elneil – Acquisitions and Collection Services
- Patricia Morgan – Legal Information Center
- Jane Morgan-Daniel – Health Science Center Library
- Jackson Williams – Marston Science Library
Responsible Dean:
- Patrick Reakes – Senior Associate Dean, Scholarly Resources & Services
Committee page updated: January 1st, 2024