Accessibility and usability of online library databases

Purpose – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that all library services, programs and activities be accessible to people with disabilities. Web‐based indexes and databases have become a major staple in today's academic libraries. This study aims to investigate the accessibility and usability of these online resources for people using adaptive software to interface with computers.Design/methodology/approach – Database interfaces were evaluated with two different methods: Selected screens of the interfaces were checked for compliance with major Section 508 and web Content Accessibility Guidelines components; and involving minimally trained subjects to carry out routine search‐related tasks, the interfaces were tested for functionality when used along with adaptive software commonly employed by people with print disabilities. Content accessibility within documents was judged based on document format.Findings – The results indicate that, while most indexes and databases are now largely complian...

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