Digital Accessibility

Digital accessibility refers to standards and tools that help people with disabilities access web content sites. According to WCAG 2.0 AA and Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York City Department of Education is compelled to create web sites that are accessible to all.

Accessible websites not only help those with disabilities access web content; such websites also feature good design principles that benefit all people. Below are a few tips to help you keep your library site accessible to all.

You can use accessibility checkers like the WAVE tool and the accessibility checkers in Microsoft products to check the accessibility of your current resources according to current guidelines.

Three key issues of digital accessibility that recur in library practice are Alt Text, Hyperlinks, and Headings.

ALT TEXT

Alt Text is text within HTML code that describes an image. Screen readers will pick up this text and read it aloud, allowing those with visual disabilities to understand the image.

Use Alt Text to convey the meaning or significance of an image, rather than a description. Alt Text includes

• INFORMATIONAL TEXT describes the meaning and function of an image. For example, if the image is a clickable button, the text should describe what the button does
• NULL indicates an image is merely decorative (for example, a border around some text, a random image separating paragraphs, etc.). In this case, use two empty quote marks to signify “Null Text.” The screen reader will ignore this image.

HYPERLINKS

Rather than pasting links on to a web page, embed the link in text that describes what the link is and where it will take you. Note that “click here” is not helpful because it does not describe where “here” is.

• Good example:
  • Visit the Facilities page of the NYC Librarian Guidebook for more information.
• Bad example:
  • For the Facilities page of the NYC Librarian Guidebook, click here.
• Worse example:
  • Link to Facilities page: http://nycdoe.libguides.com/librarianguidebook/libraryfacilities

HEADINGS

Headings are a great way to organize a web page, as they make information more findable for all users, especially those using a screen reader to access your site.

• Use only one H1 heading per page
• Use H2 headings for all major sections
• Use H3 headings for each subsection
• Avoid headings beyond H3
  • if you are using H4, this is a sign to review your information organization strategy, and re-write your web content!

A helpful resource on using headings in web site design is the University of Minnesota Web Accessibility Guide https://accessibility.umn.edu/core-skills/headings

BEST PRACTICE: Create a template web page and use it for all pages on your site. This will help keep your site accessible.

Library Collection Accessibility

In order to make your library accessible to users with disabilities, consider a few tips from expert librarians from District 79. These tips will make your library more accessible to all users because they focus on inclusive design.

Diversify labeling systems. In addition to Dewey, consider labeling book spines with easy to recognize icons. Free stickers are available for download online. Labeling sections of the library by name as well as by Dewey number ranges will also help users quickly find the general area where there books are located.

Color coding. For many library users, consistent color coding will help them remember library organization. Color coding can be as simple as using each school’s colors to denote special resources or displays of high interest to a particular school, particularly if your campus contains middle and secondary schools.

Signage. Clear and engaging signage will help direct students and teachers to the distinct areas of the library and find needed resources.

Furniture purchasing. Make sure your furniture can accommodate everyone. Can at least one computer station in your library accommodate a wheelchair? Is it possible to easily move chairs in the library to make room for wheelchairs and walkers? Moveable furniture also facilitates group work in the library.

Use MyLibraryNYC. This collaboration with NYPL is a great way to get materials that aren’t already a part of your collection. If students request large print, for example, you can use MyLibaryNYC and consider adding some to your collection.

Purchase a variety of media forms, including those that support students with visual disabilities and low reading levels so they can enjoy library materials. Examples include Playaway audio books, large print, and eBooks.

Accessibility for ELLs (English Language Learners)

In order to learn more about your ELL population, look up the schools on your campus on the DOE website. By doing this search for each school on your campus, you will learn a bit about your ELL population. Visit the schools.nyc.gov page to find the ELL data of your campus schools.

• Go to schools.nyc.gov
• Click on “Find A School” (it’s at the top of the page).
• Type in the name of a school on your campus.
• Go to the Data and Reports tab.
• Click on Register.
• The school register will contain data about ELLs at that school.
• Repeat this process for all your schools.

Finding and analyzing the ELL data for you schools will allow you to better plan to meet their library needs. For further information, consult with your Library Operations & Instructional Coordinator.

Resources and links

• Facilities, NYC School Librarian Guidebook
• Web Accessibility, New York State Education Department
• University of Minnesota Web Accessibility Guide

Go to the next section: Opening a New Campus Library