An exploratory study of library website accessibility for visually impaired users

- Accessibility barriers of library websites are identified in order to improve online services for diverse user groups.
- Library websites were tested for usability by participants with visual impairments who were not regular users.
- Analysis focused on the higher level of understanding meaningful accessibility and usability for screen reader users.
- Identified accessibility barriers included using the catalog, navigation, and dynamic design elements.
- Usability testing results did not match those of a technical accessibility audit.

To extrapolate best practices for accessible library website design, the Web-browsing needs of users with visual impairments were investigated. Selected library websites were tested for usability and accessibility with six visually impaired persons who use screen readers. The results were analyzed in terms of accessible coding standards as well as high-level usability issues. The analysis results indicated that these library websites are not accessible for visually impaired screen reader users. The most common accessibility barriers encountered were issues of information architecture and usable Web design, rather than errors in coding. Suggestions to improve accessibility are proposed.