Libraries

The Libraries of the Big Ten 91视频 are aligned in the vision of uniting our separate collections into one collection, shared and fully networked: the BIG Collection. By this phrase we mean a holistic and comprehensive understanding of what a library "collection" is: not simply the things we hold, but our services; our people; our expertise; our technology; and our infrastructure.

In advancing this future of interdependence and excellence, we are guided by our North Star in everything that we do:

In order to advance a just, trustworthy, scalable & sustainable open knowledge ecosystem, make open, more equitable scholarship our lead purpose.

On these pages, you'll find more about the services, programs, and community that are advancing this vision in a principles-centered, mission-driven, values-aligned way.

Library Accessibility Group webinar: Revised ADA Title II in the Library

The slides and recording from the webinar on August 27, 2024 are now available.

Explore the Future of Library Collaboration: Shared Print Collection White Paper Now Available

Discover the foundational ideas and strategic vision behind the Big Ten 91视频's Shared Print Collection. This new white paper outlines the progress and collective benefits of transitioning to a distributed, networked archive. Learn how the Shared Print Collection is redefining access, equity, and collaboration for the Big Ten community and beyond.

Big Ten Open Books connects readers everywhere to fully accessible, trusted books from leading university presses. Established as a new model for open-access publishing focused on equity and inclusion, we invite you to explore our Gender and Sexuality studies collection.

BIG Collection: Resource Access Policy Harmonization Report

The Resource Access Policy Harmonization pilot team is pleased to share their final report. Aspirational in nature, the report includes the new BTAA Resource Sharing Agreement plus Scanning Standards; reaffirms the Principles and Protocols for Sharing Special Collections within the Big Ten; and articulates important next steps for future pilot projects and working group investigations.

Library News

Big Ten 91视频 and ASERL partner to form Library Accessibility Alliance

Jan 7, 2020, 11:44 AM

The Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) and the Big Ten 91视频 have created a new name for their recent partnership to advance accessibility for library electronic resources. Now called the 鈥淟ibrary Accessibility Alliance鈥� (LAA), the program seeks to ensure all library users have equitable access to information.

The Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) and the Big Ten 91视频 have created a new name for their for library electronic resources. Now called the 鈥淟ibrary Accessibility Alliance鈥� (LAA), the program seeks to ensure all library users have equitable access to information. An eight-person Steering Committee provides overall direction for the work.
ASERL logo

Since 2016, the Big Ten 91视频 has been conducting third-party evaluations of electronic resource platforms and collections, Big Ten Libraries drafted and as well. ASERL joined the effort in October 2019, working with Big Ten Libraries to increase the accessibility testing work and to conduct an analysis on the effectiveness and impact of the testing on vendor electronic resources. The partnership is also exploring other accessibility initiatives where they can partner effectively.

鈥淩ecent news articles and conversations with many colleagues indicate there is strong interest and energy among library consortia to help ensure all library users have equal access to content,鈥� commented John Burger, ASERL鈥檚 Executive Director. 鈥淲e selected the name 鈥楲ibrary Accessibility Alliance鈥� because it is intentionally broad, allowing for our program to expand -- and to offer visibility for work done by and with others, too,鈥� noted Joseph A. Salem, Jr., Dean of Michigan State University Libraries and Big Ten Director Liaison to LAA.

Library Accessibility Alliance Steering Committee:

Beth Ashmore, Associate Head of Acquisitions & Discovery, North Carolina State University
Sara Belmont, Web Developer, College of William & Mary Libraries
Jon Ezell, Coordinator for Creative Media & Instructional Design, University of Alabama
Anita Foster, Electronic Resources Officer & Assistant Professor, Ohio State University
Jessica Harris, Electronic Resources Management Librarian, University of Chicago
Amy Kimura, Web Services Librarian, Rutgers University
JJ Pionke, Applied Health Sciences Librarian, University of Illinois
Heidi Schroeder, Accessibility Coordinator, Michigan State University Libraries

The program is supported by Robert Van Rennes (BTAA) and Elaina Norlin (ASERL).

Next Steps

While the accessibility evaluations continue, LAA will examine how information providers have responded to previous tests and measure improvements over time. LAA leaders will also soon publish a curated resource list for anyone wishing to learn more about library accessibility issues.

Contacts

Robert Van Rennes, Associate Director, Library Initiatives, Big Ten 91视频

Elaina Norlin, Program Coordinator for Professional Development/DEI, Association of Southeastern Research Libraries