‘One Step at a Time’: Applying AHEAD’s Principle to Improve Accessibility in an Academic Library

In 2022, Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) Libraries underwent an Organisational Design process as part of broader institutional changes, leading to the establishment of five new functional teams: Client & Faculty Services, Collections, Research Services, Planning & Admin, and Digital Services. The Digital Services team was established to enhance the library's digital ecosystem, improve access to digital resources, and foster user-centred innovation in digital service delivery.
Accessibility, a core value at TU Dublin, is deeply embedded in the team’s approach. Rather than focusing on large-scale interventions, the team adopts a sustainable, iterative approach to accessibility improvements, guided by AHEAD’s principle of “One Step at a Time” and align with international accessibility standards.
This article presents two exploratory case studies that demonstrate how targeted, small-scale actions can produce meaningful accessibility outcomes. These case studies explore challenges such as service consistency, adherence to evolving accessibility standards, and gaps in staff knowledge. The aims were to create accessible digital content, improve staff knowledge and reduce gaps in service
These studies underscore how modest initiatives can collectively contribute to an inclusive library environment and offer a replicable model for institutions working within constrained resources.