Support Services for Print-Disabled Users
As part of the development of student welfare activities through action 9.7 of the Association of Greek Academic Libraries (SEAB), the digital library AMELib (Accessible Multi-modal Electronic Library) was created. The purpose is to enhance efforts to remove barriers for print-disabled users in Greek academic libraries. The focus is on providing accessible content through an equally accessible web application, relying on exemptions from the creator's intellectual property rights for print-disabled individuals, as stipulated by legislation on intellectual property.
Since 2016, the Library and Information Center of Harokopio University has incorporated specialized services to support print-disabled students. According to Ministerial Decision No. ΥΠΠΟ/ΔΙΟΙΚ/98546 (Government Gazette B2065 24.10.2007), the LIC of Harokopio University serves as the competent authority for reproducing works exclusively for eligible print-disabled users.
The LIC continually evolves its services. In 2019, through the project "Support for Social Welfare Interventions for Harokopio University Students," additional trained personnel were assigned to support users at all stages of access. This includes the development of support services for print-disabled students (e.g., deaf and blind) and the accessibility office of the Library. Additionally, efforts are made in processing accessible material in the digital library AMELib of SEAB and communicating this material to users through various means such as brochures, guidelines, and updates.
The multi-format digital library AMELib (https://amelib.seab.gr) includes electronic files of recommended academic textbooks in formats such as pdf, word, daisy, epub, and mp3. Eligible users search for textbooks through the available collections, and they can request the conversion of a textbook not included in the library through the LIC using the e-Request form. Detailed information on reading books is available within AMELib, here.
The Accessibility Service of LIC at Harokopio University accepts requests for converting semester textbooks for students with print disabilities. Once converted into various formats such as daisy, mp3, doc, epub, the textbooks are added to the collection of the digital library AMELib, accessible only to students with specific disabilities.
For material created by instructors, there are guidelines to make it accessible, adding functionalities supported by most text processing software. These guidelines are based on international practices for producing accessible files.
User Registration: Access to AMELib is exclusively for print-disabled users. Beneficiaries communicate with LIC, which creates an account for them within AMELib, providing full access to the available digital material.
Access to LIC Space: The Library space is accessible to people with disabilities. Students facing mobility challenges can visit the LIC facilities in the Library building (New Building "Evanthia Petroutsi") using the elevator and reaching level 4.
