Accessibility Trends among Academic Library and Library School Web Sites in the USA and Canada

Submitted by mlb78 on Fri, 09/16/2016 - 17:25
TitleAccessibility Trends among Academic Library and Library School Web Sites in the USA and Canada
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsSchmetzke, Axel, and Comeaux, David
JournalJournal of Access Services
Volume6
Issue1-2
Pagination137-152
Abstract This paper focuses on the accessibility of North American library and library school Web sites for all users, including those with disabilities. Web accessibility data collected in 2006 are compared to those of 2000 and 2002. The findings of this follow-up study continue to give cause for concern: Despite improvements since 2002, library and library school Web sites still tend to contain many barriers. A low correlation between the 2002 and 2006 data point to much up-and-down movement in Web accessibility. Contrary to findings derived from the early data sets, the comparison of the 2002 and 2006 data shows that redesign had a positive impact on accessibility. The paper concludes with the warning that advocates of accessible Web sites cannot yet relax: despite the overall positive trend, with so much up-and-down movement in Web accessibility occurring, today's leaders may turn into tomorrow's laggards--unless special vigilance and efforts keep this from happening.
NotesThis study reported the findings from their comparison of 2002 and 2006 web accessibility of North American library and library school Websites. There was a positive trend during the period. However, authors pointed out that advocates still needed to put more effort.
URLhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15367960802286286
DOI10.1080/15367960802286286