In this presentation I will present my work as the Zine Library Accessibility Graduate Assistant at Pratt Library, focusing on improving accessibility for blind and low vision users in zine collections. My responsibilities included creating descriptive alt-text for images, enhancing findability through diverse records and keyword functionality, and educating students about the significance of zines. I will discuss the challenges I faced, such as generating alt-text as a blind user, and the opportunities for professional growth in navigating these accessibility hurdles. Key takeaways include the importance of radical dependency, fostering collaboration to enhance access, and how these practices can be replicated in other academic libraries to ensure inclusivity and representation. This talk will explore how my role can inspire others to rethink accessibility and advocate for inclusive practices in special collections, particularly for marginalized and disabled students.
I first presented this work at ARLIS/NY’s mini conference in Fall 2024 as a student member. The slides from my presentation can be accessed via the link below:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16N9w6SOkA229h62hARWalIWIsuSlyruftpShm8YDxT4/edit?usp=sharing
