Easy access to all features and functions within KLAS has been integral to all phases of the design process since the first version of KLAS, and continues through our ongoing work developing the next generation of the program.
From our first library customer, North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Keystone has had a commitment to develop library software and provide support services for all of our users. Now that KLAS is installed and being used by nearly 2/3 of the network libraries that are part of the Library of Congress' National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped as well as a number of Instructional Resource / Materials Centers, we have a multitude of staff (as well as public catalog users) performing a multitude of tasks and requiring varying levels and types of accessibility. To help support the needs of our users, Keystone offers some different support and services. Examples include:
- Keyboard shortcut access to KLAS
- Testing and troubleshooting of assistive technology software in conjunction with KLAS
- Customized accessibility training for the workflow and AT used by a specific staff member
- Keeping accessibility in the forefront of design as we move toward the next generation of KLAS
Keyboard Shortcuts
KLAS is fully navigable both by a mouse and by a keyboard. In fact, we have seen that it's faster to use a keyboard than a mouse when performing tasks such as entering a new patron or entering multiple subject codes to an item.
To help users learn KLAS-specific keyboard commands and shortcuts, we created a KLAS Keyboard Shortcuts Quick Reference Document which Katy recently updated. You can download it in either Word or .pdf format from the "KLAS Keyboard Shortcuts" article.
AT Testing and Troubleshooting
We do ongoing testing of various types of assistive technologies (AT) and their interaction with KLAS. For example, John C is currently trying to track down an issue with the new JAWS / Zoomtext Fusion software and KLAS. If you are using AT with KLAS and find you are having trouble, please contact both your IT as well as our customer support staff. We may have seen the problem before with another user and already have a solution, or we may be able to help you figure out what's going on at least from the KLAS side.
Accessibility Training
Another service we offer is assistive technology user training and workstation configuration. This service is for any staff member(s) that use assistive technology such as Jaws, ZoomText, WindowEyes, etc. It is a 5-day intensive one-on-one training session done at your staff person's workstation based on their job responsibilities and the adaptive technologies or software they use with KLAS. Please note, your staff member should already be familiar with and using the latest version of their preferred AT software, this training is specifically to configure it and KLAS to your users' specific workflow and needs. Please review the Keystone Training Pricing document for more information.
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Designed for All from the Beginning
Accessibility is a core part of our design process. As we look toward creating the new web-based KLAS, our commitment to accessibility from the beginning continues. The consideration of how to make all of KLAS' screens easily navigable and all its features intuitively presented will benefit those both those who use AT as well as those who do not. We already began these discussions with the user interface testing of the new version of KLAS that took place at our 2018 Users' Conference. We will continue to provide feedback opportunities and focused user testing as we move forward.
