User+Accessibility


 * Accessibility **

Intellectual freedom also includes freedom from being unable to find information because of a disability. This could be inability to see, the inability to see certain colors, the inability to hear, the inability to have the use of both hands, and/or the inability to stand. The use of the library and all of its amenities and services must be accessible to all. This applies to in the use of Internet and Web-based content as well as computer software. The American Library Association has information to help anyone in understanding accessibility in the library as well as checklists for Internet and Web-based content and computer software so that a librarian and the staff can make the library accessible to all.

** There are 15 steps in checking for accessibility with Internet and Web-based content: ** 1. Is there a text equivalent for any item on the web page that is not text? 2. For audio presentations is there captioning? 3. Should the color not be available, is the content still understandable? 4. Do the web pages ignore user defined style sheets? 5. If an image is a link, is there an equivalent text link? 6. Can tables be distinguished by columns and rows? 7. Are frames text labeled? 8. Does the page have blinking and flickering? 9. If the website is not accessible by the standards set forth, is there a text only site? 10. If scripting is used, is there a text equivalent so adaptive technology can be used? 11. Are there alternative links to help download, access, and display information? 12. Can adaptive technology be used to fill in online forms? 13. Is there a way to skip repetitive navigational links? 14. Can timing to perform certain actions or responses be modified? 15. Is there a help page with easily identifiable ways to seek help? ** There are 12 steps to check for computer software accessibility **. 1. Can just a keyboard be used to operate software? 2. Can the software be used while running adaptive technology? 3. Does the software offer its own accessibility options? 4. Is adaptive technology options easily observable on the screen? 5. Is software properly labeled or described to assist in operating software? 6. Are images for actions the same throughout the program? 7. When using adaptive technology, can all text be seen? 8. Can animation be disabled and is there a text only equivalent? 9. Would lack of color inhibit the software? 10. Are there color choices to allow for variety of contrasts? 11. Can blinking or flashing be disabled and the software still be used? 12. Can adaptive technology be used to input information? ASCLA: The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (2010). “Internet and web-basedcontent accessibility checklist” and “Computer software accessibility checklist.” // ALA.org (Retrieved July // // 25, 2010). // []

This library website is for LS 596.02. Last updated August 1, 2010.