Overcoming the Information Gap: Measuring the Accessibility of Library Databases to Ddaptive Technology Users

Submitted by mlb78 on Fri, 09/16/2016 - 17:25
TitleOvercoming the Information Gap: Measuring the Accessibility of Library Databases to Ddaptive Technology Users
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsTatomir, Jennifer, and Durrance, Joan C.
JournalLibrary Hi Tech
Volume28
Issue4
Pagination577-594
ISSN Number0737-8831
Keywordsacademic libraries, databases, User interface
AbstractPurpose - The purpose of this study is to address problems associated with the accessibility of academic library databases. Design/methodology/approach - This study evaluates 32 databases and measures their accessibility to users of adaptive technology. Findings - Based on the results of this study, 72 percent of the evaluated databases were rated as marginally accessible or inaccessible, reflecting a low level of compliance to federal web accessibility legislation and international web accessibility standards. To measure database accessibility to adaptive technology users, this study operationalized accessibility into ten component parts as the Tatomir Accessibility Checklist (TAC) and tested each database on each component. Originality/value - Findings of this study can be used both by those who purchase and manage databases in libraries to identify the most accessible databases and by designers of the databases to improve specific features.
NotesThis study evaluated 32 databases of their accessibility to users of adaptive technology. The results showed that 72% of the databases were marfinally accessible or inaccessible. Furthermore, the study evaluated accessibility against ten component parts as the Tatomir Accessibility Checklist (TAC). The evaluation results indicated three main factors that impeded the accessibility of adapative technologies and their users.
DOI10.1108/07378831011096240