Webinar recap
Accessibility and inclusion are no longer optional considerations for libraries, they are foundational to how modern libraries serve their communities.
As digital services, online resources, and technology platforms continue to expand, libraries face growing expectations to ensure that disabled and impaired patrons can fully access and benefit from everything they offer.
In the Library Journal–hosted webinar “Accessibility in Libraries: Real Stories, Practical Lessons,” library practitioners from the United States and Europe came together to share candid perspectives on what accessibility looks like in practice today. The discussion emphasized that accessibility is not a one-time compliance effort, but an ongoing journey – one that evolves alongside technology, regulations, and community needs.
Webinar overview
This moderated panel discussion explored how libraries at different stages of accessibility maturity are approaching digital inclusion, from strategy and policy to real-world implementation and patron impact. Panelists reflected on the realities of working within complex regulatory environments, collaborating with vendors, training staff, and engaging patrons directly.
Rather than focusing on abstract principles alone, the session centered on lessons learned, including what has worked, what has proven challenging, and what libraries wish they had known earlier in their accessibility journeys.
Featured speakers
This webinar features perspectives from public library systems in the United States and Europe:
Nicole Turzillo, Administrator for Technology Services, Suffolk Cooperative Library System (Downstate New York)
Karin Larsson, Accessibility Coordinator, Malmö City Libraries (Sweden)
Tommy Olsson, Useit Consulting AB, Sweden
Moderator
Ruth Starr, Senior Accessibility Program Manager, Clarivate
Key themes explored
Throughout the discussion, panelists addressed a range of questions and themes that many libraries are currently navigating, including:
- How libraries recognize and build internal awareness around digital accessibility
- The role of regulations and standards in shaping accessibility priorities across different regions
- What “universal design” looks like in practice and why accessibility must be built in from the start
- How libraries collaborate internally and with vendors to advance accessibility goals
- The importance of training staff and embedding accessibility into everyday workflows
- Ways to measure progress and maturity over time, beyond compliance checklists
- How libraries engage patrons directly and learn from real-world user experiences
Rather than prescribing a single path forward, the panel underscored that accessibility work looks different depending on local context – but that shared learning and collaboration can help libraries move forward more effectively.
Watch the full webinar
Many of the most valuable insights came from the real-world examples and audience Q&A shared during the live session.
Watch the full webinar recording
Explore accessibility resources
To support libraries at every stage of their accessibility journey, we have compiled a set of accessibility resources referenced during the webinar:
Access the accessibility resources
Share your library’s accessibility story
Accessibility work is happening in libraries everywhere, and those stories matter. If your library has initiatives, lessons learned, or success stories related to accessibility and inclusion, we encourage you to share them through the Clarivate Library Awards.
Submit your library’s accessibility story
Submissions are a powerful way to highlight the impact libraries are making and to inspire peers across the community, so make sure to submit your story until February 13, 2026.
Accessibility is a journey, not a destination. By sharing real stories and practical lessons, libraries can continue learning from one another – and move closer to truly inclusive services for all.