Project Description:
The Center for Disability Resources (CDR) Library is the largest collection of its kind in the Southeastern United States, consisting of over 5,300 books, videos/DVDs, brochures, and audiotapes covering a variety of disability-related topics, from autism to transition resources. The CDR Library represents the highly successful collaborative efforts of several local and statewide organizations, including BabyNet, the Center for Disability Resources, the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, and the University of South Carolina (USC) School of Medicine Library.
The purpose of the library is to support the information needs of families, faculty, students, staff, and other professionals working with individuals with disabilities. This is accomplished in several ways, including through the lending of materials, remote research requests, and through various outreach activities aimed at advertising the library's services. The library's web site provides access to an online catalog of library materials and directs users to high-quality disability-related web sites, subject lists of materials, and various contact information allowing anyone with Internet access to request information from a professionally trained librarian.
Centrally located in the state's capital city, the collection is housed in the USC School of Medicine Library, and is accessible to professionals and the public alike. Its intended population is comprised of any South Carolina resident, irregardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, etc. The library provides the community a unique opportunity for attaining valuable disability information and resources that may otherwise not be available through public and/or other special library venues. Moreover, since Columbia, SC, is the headquarters of the state's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), the library represents an invaluable supplement to an already impressive collection of special needs programs and resources.
The CDR Library's primary activities include processing requests for books, videos, pamphlets, and other items; completing thorough mediated searches for professionals and community members, which primarily focus on disability-related topics; designing/maintaining web sites for both the library and for the Center for Disability Resources itself; participating in frequent outreach activities geared towards educating the public about the incredible, free resource available to them; and, sharing in the daily responsibilities of the USC School of Medicine Library, which supports diverse faculty and student populations.
In terms of program outcomes, the CDR Library consistently strives to build and maintain an up-to-date disability collection; to consistently attract new patrons and library users; to maintain a high-quality Internet presence through a well-designed web site; and, to continually strive to educate the public about the program and its various services.
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Child Care-Related Activities, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Transportation-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology, Other - Cultural Diversity
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas
