Text telephone reference services in California public libraries.

摘要

Text telephone reference services or Telecommunication Device for the Deaf Reference (TDD) services in the public library setting has gained more attention due to an increased awareness of the information needs of patrons with hearing impairments. Theories in the literature about the state of services to individuals with hearing disabilities suggesting problems and solutions are examined. Unobtrusive text telephone research was conducted, followed by telephone interviews of all California public libraries identified as having text telephone reference services.; Research on text telephone reference services examines the effect of staff training and equipment location. It describes the ability or inability of the libraries to deliver text telephone services based on training, equipment location and other factors suggested by library literature and the research itself. The purpose of the research is to identify what procedures California public libraries currently use that produce success or failure in delivering text telephone reference services.