In this early career research development project, DR

Under a USD 366,325 Project Grant awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (CFDA 45.313 - Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program), Dr. Kevin J. Mallary at Old Dominion University Research Foundation will conduct multiple case studies at five academic institutions. Through interviews with academic librarians, disability services coordinators, and deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH) students, the project will elicit insights on accessible library services for D/HH patrons. The findings will inform the development of an innovative website for practitioners to contribute accessibility resources, share recommended practices, and build a community of practice to better serve D/HH library users. This 3-year project, commencing on August 1, 2024, aims to enhance evidence-based practices for academic librarians and disability services coordinators in their daily interactions with D/HH patrons.

Kevin j. Mallary at old dominion university will address the accessibility needs of d/deaf and hard of hearing (d/HH) patrons in academic libraries. DR. Mallary will conduct multiple case studies at five institutions, employing interviews with academic librarians, disability services coordinators, and d/HH students to elicit academic librarians' and disability services coordinators' knowledge and experiences surrounding accessible library services to d/HH patrons and d/HH patrons' knowledge and experiences concerning accessible library services. This project will inform the development of an innovative website for practitioners to contribute accessibility resources, share recommended practices, and build a community of practice for better serving d/HH patrons. Findings from this project will inform evidence-based practices for academic librarians and disability services coordinators to immediately enhance their daily interactions with d/HH patrons.