Innovation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Activating Student Employees for ETD 508 Remediation in a Remote Work Environment

Abstract

In 2020 our library launched a project to train student assistants to remediate inaccessible Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We revisit that original project to reflect on how it has evolved into an established program and policy. We describe the organizational changes since then, including staff turnover, refined documentation, and a return to a smaller, on-site student workforce. We discuss how a closer partnership with our campus Office of Graduate Studies has increased the number of accessible submissions we receive, through shared training modules and required accessibility checks. Furthermore, we trace the transitions our repository has undergone, from DSpace to ProQuest ETD Administrator and Esploro, and the shifting landscape of accessibility tools we use. Finally, we consider how new ADA Title II regulations and growing campus investment are opening opportunities for improvement, requiring flexibility in our workflows.