Accessibility and DEI-Focused Library Solutions


Libraries play a vital role in their communities and are a valuable resource for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. They are often considered a “third place” which means that they provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where community members can gather, socialize, and engage with each other. Moreover, libraries provide the community with access to educational resources, wi-fi, books, and other media.   

For those reasons, accessibility is a key concern in the design and functionality of libraries. To be an inclusive and welcoming place, disabilities, and other challenges that community members may face must be considered. Only then will a library become a truly diverse and inclusive space with equal access to all that it provides.   

When developing innovative solutions for libraries, these DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility) issues are always top priority at Lyngsoe Systems, as they are a key part of our ESG and sustainability goals and strategy. Our products are designed to be used by all types of people regardless of physical and mental challenges and do not require any higher technical understanding. This, we believe, is paramount to building an inclusive and accessible workplace and community space.   

On this page, you can read more about how our solutions can help make your library more accessible for your staff and patrons alike.   

Accessibility for Patrons 

At Lyngsoe, we believe library technology should support independence, not create barriers. That is why we design our self-service solutions to be accessible, inclusive and easy-to-use for every patron.

Our solutions are designed to support library users of all ages, abilities, languages and levels of digital confidence. Whatever the library setting, we help you deliver services where everyone can borrow, return and use library resources independently and with confidence.


Inclusive Access in Everyday Library Use

We support you to serve every patron, including users with disabilities, through self-service kiosks designed for inclusive access.

Our height-adjustable kiosks, including Lyngsoe LibDeco™, Lyngsoe Library Mate™ 5000 and Lyngsoe Classic™, ensure that the screen is accessible to all users. With a simple push of a button, the kiosk adjusts to an appropriate height for wheelchair users, children and anyone who benefits from a more comfortable reach. This supports independent use while reducing the need for staff assistance in routine transactions.

Accessibility is not only physical. Our solutions are designed to support diverse linguistic and cognitive needs as well. 


LibRid4 Software: Accessibility Built into the User Experience

Our LibRid4 software, which powers all Lyngsoe kiosks, delivers an accessible and intuitive user experience.

We continuously refine the interface to improve clarity, readability and ease of use. 

This includes: 

  • Full screen reader and text-to-speak functionality, supporting users with visual impairments
  • Multi-language support, enabling users to select from 50 languages
  • A colour contrast mode, improving readability of text, buttons, icons and animations
  • Consistent use of text alongside icons, improving clarity and reducing ambiguity in navigation
  • Easy-to-read fonts in multiple sizes, supporting users with different visual and cognitive needs
  • A session extension feature, allowing users to extend their time at the kiosk and complete tasks at their own pace
  • A “call staff” feature, enabling users to instantly request assistance when needed


Compliance with International Accessibility Standards 

All our self-service solutions are designed and maintained in alignment with: 

  • WCAG 2.2 Level AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
  • EN 301 549 (EU Standard)
  • Revised Section 508 (US Federal Standard)

This means that you benefit from library technology that meets complex regulatory requirements. Instead of interpreting and translating standards into technical implementation, you can rely on a solution where accessibility compliance is embedded by design.

Accessibility at All Times   

An often neglected aspect of accessibility is the concern of opening hours. Not only may some be restricted from visiting the library due to work or other obligations, but some patrons may also prefer or require a quieter environment when they visit the library. This can, for example, be due to mental challenges that complicate the use of the library during peak opening hours.    

Considering these needs, an Open Library solution may be a suitable option. The Lyngsoe Self-Operated Library™ can extend your opening hours without increasing costs or the need for staff. Instead, patrons can let themselves into the library using their library card. The solution further includes safety features such as camera surveillance, communication via loudspeakers, and alarm gates. That way you can keep track of the use of the library outside staffed hours and ensure that materials are kept secure.  

Accessibility for Staff  

Height-Adjustable Staff Solutions  

An accessible environment promotes inclusivity by enabling staff members and volunteers with disabilities or other accessibility needs to work effectively alongside their colleagues. One way of ensuring this is by utilizing products and solutions that are aimed at all individuals regardless of challenges.   

The Lyngsoe Ergo Staff™ 1200 is a dedicated to staff induction, that feeds materials, such as books, directly onto the Lyngsoe Sort Mate™ sorter. The Ergo Staff is easily height adjustable and has an optional shelf that offers further comfort. This helps ensure that even long working hours do not become painful for staff that work with material handling. The Ergo Staff is, furthermore, part of a series of Lyngsoe products that focus on ergonomics for an optimal workspace.  


Ergonomics  

Most libraries, especially large libraries with many visitors, experience the challenge of collecting books and other materials and returning them into circulation. Sorting and stacking book returns can put a substantial physical strain on your employees as they must bend and stretch to place materials back on the shelves, ready for the next patron. These movements may in some cases lead to repetitive strain injuries which can be very painful and should be prevented.  

For these reasons, ergonomics is a significant concern for libraries as workplaces. Luckily, products such as the Lyngsoe Ergo Staff™, Ergo Bin™, and Ergo Cart™ can assist in easing the workload for staff throughout their workday ultimately supporting their long-term health.   

One of the most common tasks for library staff is reshelving books after sorting. Here, the Ergo Cart can be used as a sorting destination and subsequently be raised to a horizontal position at the touch of a button. This ensures a safe and easy reshelving process that does not require any awkward work positions or angles for staff. In addition, the ergonomically shaped handlebar and large casters make it easy to maneuver a fully loaded cart around the library.   

Another tool for minimizing straining work positions is the Lyngsoe Library Clerk™. The lightweight tool functions as your assistant in locating materials, managing shelves, or doing stock-take. That way you can easily locate exactly what you need rather than bend and stretch to read titles on top and bottom shelves.  

As these products exemplify, ergonomics has always been a significant consideration at Lyngsoe Systems. The original Ergo Cart was first released in 2000, and so we consider ourselves fairly versed in the development of ergonomic solutions to the benefit of the libraries we serve.  

EU, ADA, and DDA Compliance

When considering accessibility issues in libraries, ADA and DDA compliance is an important objective. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) are American and British pieces of legislation that work to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. In other words, people with disabilities must have access to places used by the public. The legislation of course covers several other areas, but for libraries, this is the most important.  

Similarly, the EU has provided a range of functional accessibility requirements applicable to ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) products and services. These requirements include, among other, the specific measurements that should be followed for products such as self-check kiosks to be accessible for all users. 

To ensure true accessibility to libraries and their services, Lyngsoe Systems prioritizes compliance with the specific requirements of this legislation in the development of products and solutions. For example, the newest addition to the Lyngsoe product collection, the LibDeco F20 self-checkout kiosk, is fully ADA-compliant and lives up to EU standards and measurements. Choosing this self-service solution thus supports the journey towards an entirely accessible library.   

To summarize, accessibility in libraries is a significant aspect, not just of following legislation, but also of providing the best possible experience for both staff and patrons. Here, solutions such as sorters, self-service equipment, and ergonomic work tools are a substantial contribution. 

Ensuring Diversity and Inclusion with IMMS™

As part of DEIA considerations, ensuring a diverse and inclusive collection across library branches is imperative. This can, however, be difficult especially for libraries with large collections and multiple branches as it is difficult to get the overview needed. 

Here, the Lyngsoe IMMS™ SaaS solution can be a powerful tool. By providing detailed information about book usage, IMMS can help libraries identify areas where representation is lacking and adjust their collections accordingly. 

IMMS™ can track the popularity of materials categorized as representing various cultures, ethnicities, and perspectives, informing collection development and weeding decisions. 

Beyond collection management, IMMS can contribute to maintaining diverse and inclusive exhibitions. Exhibitions or displays work very well in encouraging loans, but without a management system like IMMS to maintain the exhibit by ensuring that it is refilled with the right material categories, they risk being emptied out or becoming unattractive. This way, libraries can ensure that an exhibit highlighting a marginalized community can stay interesting and relevant over long periods of time.  

Finally, IMMS can help ensure a consistent implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives across all library branches. By providing a centralized platform for managing collection and circulation data, IMMS allows libraries to monitor the distribution of materials categorized as representing diverse viewpoints throughout their system.  

For instance, IMMS can push materials to branches with underrepresented collections and facilitate the transfer of relevant materials to address these gaps, if this is the collection the library decides to offer. Additionally, the system can support equitable resource allocation by analyzing circulation data to determine which branches have the highest demand for diverse materials. 

As for Lyngsoe, accessibility and DEIA are a large part of our ESG strategy and the development of new and existing products. We strive to be the leading partner in not just innovative library solutions, but also in making libraries more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive on all accounts.