WEBINARS: Barrier-Free Libraries – Accessibility in Practice
📅 May 12, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
📍 Online (access link will be provided upon registration)
The first event in the lecture series on accessibility, as part of the German-Czech partner country program, is dedicated to the German perspective on accessibility in Czech and their own libraries.
In the first lecture, Miriam Akan, Niklas Haberkorn and Carolin Helfmann from the Frankfurt Public Library will report on their findings regarding accessibility in Czech libraries, which they gained during a study trip in 2023 (organized by BI-International and SDRUK). They present the contents of an extensive recommendation paper that they developed for the Frankfurt Public Library based on good practices in the Czech Republic. The presentation concludes with a brief report on the first inclusive events at the Central Adult Library of the Frankfurt Public Library.
In the second lecture, Helmut Obst, head of the library at the Pfennigparade Foundation in Munich, presents the inclusive approaches of the library, which is particularly geared to the needs of people with (physical) disabilities and implements barrier-free measures in various areas. These include the spatial design, the media stock with a special focus on disability and inclusion, special features of the service and the use of electronic aids. The inclusive objective is also realized through cooperation with other institutions. The lecture provides practical insights into the challenges and opportunities of inclusive library work and shows how a library can contribute to social participation.
📅 May 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Online (access link will be provided upon registration)
📖 How are Czech libraries working to become more inclusive and accessible for everyone?
Join us for a webinar where we will explore how libraries in the Czech Republic are improving access to their services, spaces, and programs for people with disabilities, seniors, foreigners, and other groups at risk of social exclusion.
🔎 Key aspects of accessibility we will discuss:
✔ Information accessibility (websites, digital libraries, assistive technologies)
✔ Physical accessibility (architectural modifications, navigation in spaces)
✔ People accessibility (trained staff, communication, inclusive approach)
✔ Program accessibility (cultural and educational events for diverse audiences)
✔ Openness and participation (collaboration with organizations, community engagement)
🎤 What to expect?
🟢 The Barrier-Free Libraries Section of SKIP will present the “Handicap Friendly Library” certification.
🟢 Municipal libraries from Hradec Králové, Hodonín, Třinec, Vsetín, and Šumperk, as well as regional libraries from Liberec and Zlín, will share their best practices.
🟢 Martin Lhoták (Library of the Czech Academy of Sciences) will introduce digital tools for people with specific needs.
🟢 Radek Pavlíček (Teiresiás Center, Masaryk University) will reveal common accessibility issues on library websites and offer solutions.
🟢 Discussion on funding opportunities, collaboration with organizations, and staff training.
📢 Want to make your library truly accessible to everyone? Join us and get inspired by the best practices!
🌍 The webinars will be conducted in both German and Czech, with simultaneous interpretation provided.