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NNELS Accessibility Expert (Multiple Positions)

File Accessibility Expert_JobDescription_2025.docx

Posted February, 2025

Please note: Accessible versions of the following post are attached in Word format.

About Us

The BC Libraries Cooperative (BCLC) is a mission-driven non-profit cooperative that helps libraries help people.

Our 200+ members include public and post-secondary libraries and institutions across Canada. We provide libraries and related organizations with the services, cost savings, and support they need to do great work in their communities. We provide several online services for our members which include a focus on using open-source technology and systems, as well as expanding work in the field of accessible publishing that supports people in Canada with print disabilities.

The BCLC has a distributed workforce of over 40 people working across three time zones. Visit this link for a detailed overview of our work at the BCLC.

About the Role

The BCLC houses the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) which is a digital library of books in accessible formats for readers with print disabilities. When people request books that do not yet exist in accessible formats, our job is to produce them. NNELS is funded by 8 provincial and territorial governments, as well as the federal government. For more information, please visit the NNELS Website.

The BC Libraries Cooperative (Co-op) seeks multiple Accessibility Experts. The anticipated start date is April 1, 2025 with an end date of March 31, 2027.

Reporting to the Training and Awareness Coordinator, the Accessibility Experts will be responsible for creating resources focusing on the awareness, acquisition, and use of alternate format reading materials using assistive technologies and participating in webinars. These positions are excellent opportunities for individuals with lived experience with a print disability, are digitally savvy, and who are interested in advancing the equitable reading landscape.

Responsibilities:

  • Work with fellow team members and the Training and Awareness Coordinator to develop resources and learning materials for reading alternate format materials using a variety of assistive technologies.
  • Perform accessibility testing to aid in the creation of training materials.
  • Participate in and record accessibility demonstrations.
  • Create awareness about accessibility with public and post-secondary librarians, content creators, publishers and other stakeholders, making presentations and conducting reading demonstrations with different assistive technologies.
  • Contribute expertise and information for outreach and promotion.
  • Conduct research on topics related to accessibility, including social media platform and outreach materials, electronic braille, tactile graphics, document remediation, procurement processes, guidelines, best practices, and legislation
  • Other duties as assigned.

Competencies and Qualifications:

Required

  • Applicants must have a print disability as defined by Canada’s Copyright Act, which defines print disability as: a disability that prevents or inhibits a person from reading a work in its original format and includes disabilities resulting from: severe or total impairment of sight or the inability to focus or move one’s eyes; the inability to hold or manipulate a book; or an impairment relating to comprehension;
  • Experience using one or more assistive technologies to read:
    • magnification or screen enhancement software,
    • eye-tracking software, voice controls, or switch devices;
    • braille displays, notetakers, or tactile displays,
    • screen readers, or text-to-speech software,
  • Tech-savvy and able to problem-solve;
  • Familiar with ebook reading software and hardware;
  • Willingness to learn and improve;
  • Strong writing skills and attention to detail;
  • Exceptional communication and time management skills, particularly working in a remote/distributed environment;
  • The ability to work with a team is essential.

Highly Desired:

  • Previous experience writing and presenting training materials;
  • Ability to fluently speak, read, and write in French and/or an indigenous language;
  • Familiarity with the Canadian public library system;
  • Previous experience accessibility testing is an asset

Contract Terms

  • Work location: remote (home based).
  • This is a full-time, long-term contract with an anticipated start date of April 1, 2025, and an end date of March 31, 2027.
  • Contract will be for 15 up to 35 hours per week.
  • Rate: $36.05 per hour.
  • There will be a 3-month probationary period for this role starting on the first date of employment.
  • Positions include paid vacation and sick time.
  • These positions are grant funded.

Must provide own internet and computer. The Co-op operates as a "bring your own device" (BYOD) environment, requiring contractors and employees to supply and maintain their own suitable equipment.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application (in an accessible format) to office@bc.libraries.coop with the email subject line “Accessibility Expert”. The positions are open until filled.

Submission format: When submitting your application** please name and save your attachments in WORD or PDF format with your first and last name in the title, such as: “FirstnameLastname Resume Accessibility Expert.pdf” and “FirstnameLastname Cover Letter Accessibility Expert.pdf”.

**Please note: Applicants are kindly requested to submit their resume and cover letter in an accessible format. Please refer to the following checklist for detailed instructions.

Candidates must clearly indicate how they meet the position requirements.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews will be held virtually (via Microsoft Teams or Zoom). Candidates may be asked to complete an exercise as part of the application process.