Vocal interfaces in supporting and enhancing accessibility in digital libraries

It is worth noting that speech interfaces have been shown to be especially useful as an input/output medium for the visually impaired, blind, and physically impaired users (see also Chapter 30 of this handbook). Furthermore, provisions and developments targeting users with disabilities usually end up being of benefit in the long run also to the population at large. Vocal interfaces tend to be useful in hands-busy, eyes-busy, mobile, and hostile/difficult settings to virtually all types of users. Vocal interfaces do pose some challenges to effective access and interaction. However, they have a great role to play in supporting and enhancing accessibility. is is true as well when it comes to accessibility to digital libraries (DLs). is chapter describes how vocal interfaces can be used to support and enhance accessibility in digital libraries, and how the user/customer can be involved in the development process through an appropriate integration of user-centered methodology and agile methods.