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Accessibility Testers – National Network for Equitable Library Service

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Description

The BC Libraries Cooperative seeks several Accessibility Testers for limited-term employment with the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS).

Reporting to the Coordinator for Accessibility Testing, the Accessibility Testers will be responsible for evaluating library ebook reading applications and websites, as well as EPUB files for accessibility, following a defined set of criteria. Accessibility testers will also review and proofread electronic Braille files.

We are aiming to build capacity in the Francophone market, and especially welcome applications from bilingual individuals to fill out at least one of these positions. In addition, we encourage English speaking candidates that meet the other requirements to apply.

These positions are excellent opportunities for individuals who are interested in EPUB accessibility, and who have familiarity with the challenges facing Canadian publishers to produce accessible ebooks.

NNELS is a digital public library of books in accessible formats for readers with print disabilities. For more information about NNELS, please visit https://nnels.ca/about

The Accessibility Testers will be responsible for:

  • Working with fellow team members and the Coordinator for Accessibility Testing to evaluate mainstream library reading platforms such as RBdigital, Overdrive, Hoopla and others (both applications and websites) and then document and prioritize accessibility feature requests.
  • Working with fellow team members and the Coordinator for Accessibility Testing to evaluate publisher EPUB files for accessibility, and then document and prioritize suggestions for improvements.
  • Reporting on findings and helping write and assemble reports for publishers, library vendors, and public libraries.
  • Assessing the quality of eBraille files.
  • Providing updates and reports as requested by the Coordinator for Accessibility Testing and NNELS staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.

This is a virtual office opportunity.

Requirements

The candidate must provide their own home office, internet connectivity and computer. The Co-op is a "bring your own device (BYOD)" work environment. Employees are required to supply their own computing equipment and ensure that the equipment is fit for the job.

Competencies and qualifications

Must have

  • A print disability as defined by Canada’s Copyright Act and use one or more assistive technologies to read.
  • Be familiar with ebook reading software and hardware.
  • Be comfortable with technology and communicating via email.
  • French/English bilingualism (is a requirement for at least one of the available positions).
  • Strong writing skills.

Nice to have

  • Experience with electronic Braille and Braille transcription.
  • Working knowledge of HTML5, CSS and ARIA.
  • Knowledge of web accessibility standards
  • Knowledge or experience in the publishing industry, or knowledge of publishing software (e.g. Sigil or Adobe InDesign) a strong asset.

What We Offer

  • Flexibility: while the Co-op is headquartered in downtown Vancouver, this is a virtual office opportunity.
  • The opportunity to be part of an energetic, supportive, and dynamic team in a growing community enterprise.
  • Exciting opportunities to have a positive effect on library services and the lives of readers across the country.
  • This position is a limited-term employment opportunity. Final number of hours per tester will be decided upon to maximize diversity of experiences and expertise with assistive technologies within the team; offers may range between 15 and 30 hours per week.

Start date September 3, 2019 and ending March 27, 2020.

Salary: $30/hr.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume in PDF or Word format to office@bc.libraries.coop with the email subject line “NNELS Posting: Accessibility Tester”.

This posting will remain open until the positions are filled; review of applications will begin on Monday, August 19, 2019.

Candidates must clearly indicate how they meet the position requirements. Please mention any assistive technologies with which you have experience in your cover letter.

We thank all applicants in advance, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The BC Libraries Cooperative hires on the basis of merit. We are committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from visible minority group members, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for the positions we post; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.