Accessibility Advisory Board / 15 Jan 2025

Reminder

A $40 stipend is available for meeting attendees. This is to help cover the cost of missed work, travel to the meeting, childcare, etc. Fill out an I-9 with the library to receive this stipend. Let Ben know by email at bkalish@forbeslibrary.org or accessibility@forbeslibrary.org

Bathroom accessibility and ventilation work

  1. The project is nearing completion although we are still working on door hardware issues and getting consistent ventilation to the first floor
  2. Signage is being designed to try and meet the needs of as wide an audience as possible including Braille readers

ASL training

Staff had the opportunity to participate in a basic American Sign Language workshop targeted at library staff. Staff eagerly participated and are hoping to have chances to further their learning. The class included basic pleasantries and simple library focused interactions such as “Do you have a library card?” and “Where are the computers?” Staff were provided with notes and videos that they can review at any time.

Public comment and discussion, in brief

  • People who communicate through signing are really appreciative any time others (such as library staff) try to sign
  • The display of Northampton Accessibility Board Picks in July was successful and can be brought back on an annual basis. The list is available year round in the library catalog and new suggestions are always welcome.
  • The Leadership Team has been discussing AI generated voices (voice cloning) being used for reading audiobooks.
    • AI generated voices sound more realistic than traditional speech synthesis and may be difficult to distinguish from human voices.
    • Many users prefer human voice narrators over traditional speech synthesis for audiobooks.
    • Concerns include: AI taking jobs from voice actors; quality and accuracy; and the legal and ethical issues of the underlying technology (for example audio deepfakes)
  • Aside: most audiobook systems let you change the speed of the narration. Forbes librarians can help if you want to learn how.
  • Assistive listening systems at public programs:
    • Green Burial webinar audio didn’t capture well.
    • Inexperienced speakers may not use microphones effectively. The library will look into getting headset mics, so folks have an easier option than handheld and lavalier mics.
    • The Northampton City Council Chambers have an assisted listening system but it only works with Telecoils and has no amplification system. The city is working on adding speakers.
    • Forbes has a portable assistive listening system that can be borrowed and used for any meeting. It includes an FM transmitter, four FM receivers, a microphone, a mixer, and associated hardware.
    • Please speak up if you are in a meeting where the audio is not good!
  • Effective hybrid meetings
    • Forbes Library uses a 360° video conferencing device called a “Meeting Owl” which allows remote viewers to see everyone gathered around the table and captures clear audio in all directions. Groups using the library meeting rooms can reserve a Meeting Owl for their own hybrid meetings.