Access to Electronic Resources for Patrons with Disabilities
I compiled this collection of resources as a companion to my April 2010 Alabama Library Association Convention presentation, “Access to Electronic Resources for Patrons with Disabilities.” From the abstract:
As the availability and use of electronic resources in libraries continues to increase, librarians and other information professionals are coming to realize the importance of making these resources accessible to people with disabilities. This session will address the accessibility of Web-based databases and indexes. The recently adopted “Purchasing of Accessible Electronic Resources Resolution” (ALA Council Document #52 Revised, 2009) will be discussed, and attendees will leave the session with tools to help them make better-informed purchasing decisions and ultimately provide greater access for all patrons.
This short list is hardly exhaustive, but I hope it will provide interested persons with a good start. The links are also available via the Delicious social bookmarking service: mbfortson’s alla_access Bookmarks on Delicious. As the resources below relate specifically to electronic resource accessibility, those seeking additional information on library services and people with disabilities may be interested in this Crash Course in Library Access & People with Disabilities.
Purchasing of Accessible Electronic Resources Resolution:
Purchasing of Accessible Electronic Resources Resolution (.doc)
Purchasing of Accessible Electronic Resources Resolution (.pdf)
Purchasing of Accessible Electronic Resources Resolution (.txt, internal link)
Items referenced in the resolution:
28 C.F.R. § 35.160-164 | Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
28 C.F.R. § 36.303 | Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
ALA Policy Manual | ALA
Includes the section referenced in the “Purchasing of Accessible Electronic Resources Resolution,” 54.3.2 (”Library Services for People with Disabilities”).
Americans with Disabilities Act | ADA.gov
Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy | ASCLA
Further information on the section of the ALA Policy Manual referenced in the “Purchasing of Accessible Electronic Resources Resolution,” 54.3.2 (”Library Services for People with Disabilities”).
Resolution of Principles for Digital Content (PDF) | ALA
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act | Section508.gov
Section 508 Standards | Section508.gov
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 | W3C
From the From the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA):
Accessibility to Library Databases and Other Online Library Resources for People with Disabilities | ASCLA Wiki
A page “for sharing information among library employees about accessibility of library databases and other online resources.” Includes information about specific vendors and strategies for/experiences of evaluating resources.
Think Accessible | ASCLA
An ASCLA toolkit designed to increase awareness regarding the purchasing of products that are accessible to people with disabilities. Includes guidelines and checklists to help ensure usability for patrons with disabilities.
Other sites:
Accessibility of Online Library Information for People with Disabilities (PDF) | Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology
“This article seeks to determine the extent to which the library profession addresses the need of people with disabilities for accessibly designed online resources—by reviewing the professional library literature for coverage of this issue, by summarizing empirical accessibility studies, and by analyzing pertinent policies adapted by libraries and their professional organizations.”
Accessibility of Online Resources in Academic Libraries
Presented by Axel Schmetzke & Suzanne Byerley at the 11th Annual Accessing Higher Ground: Assistive Technology and Accessible Media in Higher Education Conference, Nov. 11-14, 2008.
AccessLibraries | DO-IT
DO-IT = “Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology.” Includes presentation materials for “Universal Access: Electronic Resources in Libraries,” a training program to help library staff and volunteers “become more aware of the issues, needs and concerns of people with disabilities in accessing electronic resources.”
Introduction to How People with Disabilities Use the Web | WAI
Provides examples of people with different disabilities access online content. Includes scenarios, examples of the barriers encountered by web users with specific disabilities, and specific assistive technologies and access strategies.
Schmetzke Web Accessibility Survey Homepage
Axel Schmetzke’s “clearinghouse for studies involving the collection of accessibility data pertaining to web sites and online resources in education, particularly in higher education.” Includes research studies and vendor-supplied information on the accessibility of online library catalogs, indexes, and databases.
Software Accessibility, Usability Testing, and Individuals with Disabilities | ITD Journal
“This paper reports on a collaborative project between a university and technology corporation that explored computer software usability and accessibility with older adults and individuals who have disabilities, some of whom use assistive technology. The project history and overall goals are described. In addition, the methods and results from usability/accessibility studies involving individuals with visual impairments, people with mobility impairments, and older adults are presented. The implications of these findings are discussed relative to the notion that in order for information technology products to be considered “usable” (i.e., efficient and easy to learn and use), they should be universally designed to meet a wide range of user needs, with or without the use of assistive tech.. Suggestions for future research, as well as for promoting the consideration of the needs of consumers with disabilities during product design, development, and usability testing are also discussed. ”
Testing More Than ALT Text- Techniques for Testing Usability and Accessibility (PDF)
“Conducting usability studies with participants who use assistive technology requires some non-traditional techniques. The
complexities of the systems, and poor accessibility on the Web today make doing these studies imperative but challenging.
Based on many sessions with participants with disabilities, this paper includes insights and practical tips for managing
planning, recruiting for, and facilitating these studies.”
Book
Mates, B. T., Wakefield, D., & Dixon, J. M. (2000). Adaptive technology for the Internet: Making electronic resources accessible to all. Chicago: American Library Association.
Articles/Journals
Providenti, M., & III, R. Z. (2007). Web accessibility at academic libraries: standards, legislation, and enforcement. Library Hi Tech, 25 (4), 494-508.
Library Hi Tech and Computers in Libraries have published he following accessibility theme issues:
Library Hi Tech 20(2)
“Special Issue: Accessibility of web-based information resources for people with disabilities.”
Library Hi Tech 20(4)
“Special Issue: Accessibility of web-based information resources for people with disabilities: part 2.”
Library Hi Tech 25(4)
“Special Issue: Special Sections on Accessibility and OPAC .”
