[Eril-l] Off-campus access to licensed databases

[Bulock, Christopher J]

I have never heard this argument before. My first instinct would be to say that you are not treating physically disabled people unfairly, assuming that the building itself is accessible. If walk-ins are provided with access to computers, and there are accessible workstations available to walk-ins, then it would seem the treatment is equal. Walk-in use can be seen as a feature of the facility, and something that the library cannot be reasonably expected to extend to unaffiliated users outside of the facility. Certainly, license agreements are very clear that unaffiliated users are not supposed to have off-campus access. University IT departments are also generally quite clear that unaffiliated users are not entitled to a secure university username and password, which would be required in this case. So, it is likely well established that electronic resource access for unaffiliated users is simply a feature of the physical campus.

While I have no doubt that physical disabilities can make it difficult to get around town, this same argument might require all stores and restaurants to provide delivery services, for example.

Chris Bulock
Oviatt Library
California State University Northridge
818-677-6302
christopher.bulock at csun.edu

From: Eril-l [mailto:eril-l-bounces at lists.eril-l.org] On Behalf Of Sara Brownmiller
Sent: Friday, May 01, 2015 2:10 PM
To: eril-l at lists.eril-l.org
Subject: [Eril-l] Off-campus access to licensed databases

The UO Libraries allows community patrons to use our licensed resources when they are in the library.

We've had a request from a community patron for off-campus access to our databases because he is disabled and it is difficult for him to get to the library.  He does not have a current or active affiliation with the UO.   When we explained the restrictions on off-campus access to licensed resources, he is making the argument that this may be a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act because this results in unequal/unfair treatment for people who are physically disabled.

Has this question ever come up in your library?   How did you respond?

Thanks, Sara

--------------------------------------------
Sara Brownmiller
Director, Library Systems
University of Oregon Libraries
Eugene, OR 97403-1299
541-346-2368
snb at uoregon.edu<mailto:snb at uoregon.edu>

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