American Library Association Endorses GPII

The American Library Association (ALA) has sent Raising the Floor a letter supporting the development of the Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure. Carrie Russell, Director of ALA's Program for Public Access to Information in their Office for Information Technology Policy, notes that GPII will address accessibility in "education, employment, commerce, entertainment, and social and civic participation – all areas that libraries support." She went on to describe how libraries are an essential community resource for Internet access: "... for many people jeopardized by the digital divide, libraries are a bridge, and sometimes the only one available."

We know that libraries struggle with shrinking budgets and yet are committed to serve anyone who comes through the door. Our vision of GPII is that it will help libraries and other public access points by letting disabled patrons implement their GPII-based solutions on public computers, without the need for staff expertise or expense.

ALA has several continuing programs on accessibility, including a Presidential Task Force on Equitable Access to Electronic Content, a Section 508 workgroup, a group on accessibility in college and research libraries, and high visibility in the National Library Service and other 'special' libraries that serve largely print-disabled people. Non-ALA members -- even non-librarians! -- can join in these activities, so please do, if you're interested.