Skip to Main Content
SUNY OLIS logo
 

Accessibility and SUNY Libraries

Covers what SUNY Library Services is doing to address accessibility both internally and for SUNY

Best Practices for Campus EIT Committees

With the recent announcement of the new ADA Title II rules, many libraries may be asking, "How can the library become more integrated into campus EIT?" Here are the first steps to figuring out what’s required by your campus:


The June 20, 2019, SUNY Board of Trustees Resolution on Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility required all SUNY campuses to designate an EIT Accessibility Officer and develop an EIT Accessibility Plan.  The EIT Accessibility Officer and the EIT Accessibility Plan should include the library.  Many campuses have developed EIT Accessibility Committees or Advisory Boards, often involving staff from a variety of areas.


If you haven't been involved in creating your campus's EIT Accessibility plan, requesting a copy is a good first step.  And, making contact with the campus EIT Accessibility Officer is essential. If you are not sure who your campus EIT Officer is, contact Barbara Beauchamp, Assistant Provost for Electronic Information Technology Accessibility.


The SUNY Libraries Accessibility Guidelines Implementation Guidance document, which outlines the areas in which Libraries should plan to coordinate accessibility efforts, is currently being revised. In the meantime, items in this toolkit can help you get started. 


The E-Resources Librarian or Library Director will also want to inquire about upcoming reviewing and testing guidelines for procurement purposes. In reaching out to the EIT committee or procurement staff, the Library Contact should ask:

  • How is Priority or Impact Level being determined, and what reviews will be required and when?
  • What is the short-term plan for gathering accessibility conformance documentation?
  • What resources does the library subscribe to that haven't been recently reviewed as part of the SUNY Third Party Vendor Repository?

Does the Library Need Its Own Accessibility Plan?

Many SUNY libraries have created their own accessibility plans, which allow them to document their efforts across several areas.  A few library plans are below as examples.  Alternatively, the library's plan could be integrated into the campus-wide EIT Accessibility Plan. Depending on how large and complex your campus's plan is, it may or may not be necessary for the library to create its own plan.  What's most important is that your library plan reflects all the library's accessibility efforts and aligns with your campus's overall EIT Accessibility plan.

Relevant Links: