Professional Media Reviews, July 2011 

Green, Ravonne A. & Vera Blair. Keep It Simple: A Guide to Assistive Technologies. Libraries Unlimited: ABC-CLIO. 2011. 144p. index. ISBN 9781591588665. pap. $50. PRO MEDIA
Green (library & information studies, Valdosta State Univ.; Library Management: A Case Study Approach) and Blair, who has an MLIS and has conducted assistive technology workshops for public libraries, have tried to provide here a basic tutorial on the currently available assistive computer applications, hardware, and software available for library use. The meat of the book is organized by disability rather than type of assistive technology and includes click-by-click instructions for specific software applications. Librarians will find value in the copious resources, including websites and periodical references, collected in the book. VERDICT Despite its title, this is not the simple guide one would expect. It would best serve academic libraries able to provide access to an exhaustive array of assistive technologies. For most public and smaller-sized academic libraries, Barbara T. Mates and William R. Reed IV’s Assistive Technologies in the Library, reviewed below, is the guide to turn to for simple and engaging information when selecting, funding, and marketing assistive technologies that will enable libraries to provide equal access to library services to all patrons.—Catherine McMullen, Canby P.L., OR

Mates, Barbara T. with William R. Reed IV. Assistive Technologies in the Library. ALA. 2011. 176p. illus. index. ISBN 9780838910702. pap. $55. PRO MEDIA
Mates and Reed (former head and regional librarian, respectively, Ohio Lib. for the Blind & Physically Disabled, Cleveland P.L.) together have more than 35 years of experience providing library services to patrons with disabilities. Their passion and expertise on the subject come through on every page in this well-organized book, which facilitates choosing the assistive technologies that are most appropriate and economical for your particular library and service population. The authors begin with the charge to serve all patrons, and the bulk of their text covers the wide range of assistive technologies available, including solutions for every library budget. They finish with chapters on staff training and support, finding funding, and marketing. Mates points out that the number of persons with disabilities is growing as baby boomers age, thus it is “best to be prepared.” Additional resources listed include vendors, organizations, websites, and grant opportunities. VERDICT In a time of tight budgets, just reading this engaging book makes one want to devote the needed resources to assistive technologies. Recommended for all libraries.—Catherine McMullen, Canby P.L., OR