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Bridging the Digital Divide: Navigating Accessibility and Usability in Swedish Digital Libraries
University of Borås, Faculty of Librarianship, Information, Education and IT.
2024 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
Abstract [en]

This study explores accessibility in digital libraries through the lens of the social model of disability and Carpentier's (2015) framework on access, participation,and inclusion. Drawing from interviews with librarians, it identifies key challenges and strategies in creating accessible digital libraries. While libraries are expanding their physical collections with online platforms, the findings reveal a primary focus on access rather than full participation. The social model of disability suggests that the design of technology, rather than the disability itself, limits users' engagement. Carpentier’s distinction between access, interaction, and participation underscores that true inclusion requires more than just providing access to digital resources — it necessitates creating environments that support meaningful interaction and participation. The study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive design, and the integration of user feedback to enhance accessibility. It also highlights the need for continuouse valuation and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of diverse users. By framing accessibility as an integral aspect of digital library design, this research advocates for a holistic approach that ensures that all users, regardless of their (dis)ability, can actively engage with and benefit from digital resources. This approach not only supports the library’s mission of fostering learning and democratic participation but also contributes to a more inclusive and equitable information society.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024.
Keywords [en]
digital libraries, accessibility, inclusion, participation, holistic approach
National Category
Information Studies
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-32874OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hb-32874DiVA, id: diva2:1918286
Available from: 2024-12-30 Created: 2024-12-04 Last updated: 2025-09-24Bibliographically approved

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CiteExportLink to record
Permanent link

Direct link
Cite
Citation style
  • harvard-cite-them-right
  • apa
  • ieee
  • modern-language-association-8th-edition
  • vancouver
  • Other style
More styles
Language
  • de-DE
  • en-GB
  • en-US
  • fi-FI
  • nn-NO
  • nn-NB
  • sv-SE
  • Other locale
More languages
Output format
  • html
  • text
  • asciidoc
  • rtf