Aiming for Universal Design

Universal Design is a perfect vision to aim for. An environment, a library, designed to meet everyone’s needs. Universal Design is, and has been, explained simply as good design. The design and composition are understood, accessed, and used by everyone - not only by someone disabled. In Malmö, Sweden, there are twelve libraries spread across the municipality. Are these libraries accessible for everyone? Maybe not, but they are a work in progress. A library wherever it is located must be a welcoming place for everyone wanting to visit. It is a human right. Presented in this paper is a guide written to help and inspire all staff working with accessibility at any of Malmö’s libraries. Does this guide alone let us reach the universal design – no, however there are many changes being made throughout our libraries and they all are striving for universal design. Keywords: Universal design, disability, guide, accessibility