Accessibility in libraries is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative for librarians. This includes making sure that both physical spaces and digital platforms including the library management system are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Ensuring that all users can access library resources without barriers is a key part of our mission. This article explores practical steps you can take to enhance the accessibility of your library’s online systems, providing a more inclusive experience for all users, including reducing eye strain with a popular Dark Mode.
Simple Little Library System (SLLS), offer built-in accessibility library software features that are already applied out-of-the-box and extra features that can be easily activated.
Digital accessibility ensures that websites, online catalogues (OPAC), and digital resources are usable by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. By adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), libraries can make their digital platforms more accessible to:
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Simple Little Library System is designed with good design principles and meets WCAG guidelines to make their OPAC pages screen reader-friendly.
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Issue: Dropdown menus that activate on hover can be challenging for users with motor impairments or those using screen readers.
Solution: Configure your website or library system so that menus expand only when clicked, not on hover. This provides users with more control and reduces accidental menu activations.
How to Implement:
Issue: Information displayed in complex tables or horizontal layouts can be difficult for screen readers to interpret accurately.
Solution: Organise information in a simple, vertical list format. This linear approach is easier for screen readers to navigate and understand.
How to Implement:
Issue: Some users may find dashboard gadgets or widgets confusing or inaccessible.
Solution: Offer alternative navigation methods, such as a dedicated “Our Library” menu that links directly to important functions like contact information, resources, and support.
How to Implement:
Issue: Auto-scrolling carousels or sliders can be disorienting and hard to control, especially for users with cognitive disabilities.
Solution: Disable auto-scroll on carousels, allowing users to navigate through content manually at their own pace.
How to Implement:
Issue: Poor colour contrast can make text difficult to read for users with visual impairments.
Solution: Use high-contrast colour schemes and themes that meet WCAG guidelines for colour contrast ratios.
How to Implement:
Issue: Bright screens can cause eye strain, especially in low-light conditions, and may be uncomfortable for light-sensitive users.
Solution: Offer a Dark Mode option that switches the interface to a light-on-dark colour scheme. This feature can reduce eye strain, improve readability in low-light environments, and cater to user preferences.
How to Implement:
OPAC design is more than just choosing colors or fonts. It’s about deeply impacting how users interact and feel about the system. A great OPAC design creates a digital environment that represents your library in a visually appealing and user-friendly way. Every detail, from fonts to color schemes to button layouts, helps create this online atmosphere. An engaging digital space shapes how users see your library, leading to more interaction and satisfaction. But it’s not just about looks; a well-designed OPAC also works smoothly, making it easy for users to find what they need. Read here more about how to design your OPAC
While the specifics will vary depending on your library’s systems, here are general guidelines to help you implement these accessibility features.
Enhancing the accessibility of your library’s online systems is an ongoing process that benefits all users. By making these changes, you not only comply with legal standards but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and equal access to information.
Remember, accessibility is everyone’s responsibility. Small changes can make a big difference in someone’s ability to use your library’s resources effectively.
Dark Mode is a display setting that uses a dark background with light text and interface elements. It reduces eye strain, especially in low-light conditions, and is beneficial for users with light sensitivity or visual impairments.
You can work with your IT team or web developers to add a Dark Mode option to your website or application. This may involve coding adjustments or using frameworks that support Dark Mode themes.
Features like Dark Mode can often be toggled on or off by individual users according to their preferences, as seen in systems like SLLS. This ensures that each user can choose the setting that works best for them.
Disabling auto-scrolling features, simplifying navigation menus, and adjusting content layouts to be screen reader-friendly are changes that can often be made relatively quickly and have a significant positive impact.
Conducting an accessibility audit using tools like WAVE or Axe can help identify issues. Additionally, gathering feedback from patrons who use assistive technologies provides valuable insights.
Yes, many countries have laws and regulations that require digital content to be accessible to people with disabilities, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States or Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 in the UK
While individual user preferences are important, you can set accessible defaults, such as high-contrast themes or simplified navigation, to benefit all users. Systems like SLLS allow for both individual and system-wide accessibility settings.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide comprehensive standards. Additionally, professional organisations and online communities offer resources and support for implementing accessibility in library systems.
Disabling auto-dropdown menus reduces the complexity of navigation for users with motor impairments or those using screen readers. It prevents accidental menu activations and allows users to navigate menus at their own pace.
The “Our Library” menu is an alternative navigation option that links directly to essential functions like contact information, resources, and support. It simplifies navigation and is especially helpful for users who find dashboard widgets confusing.
Use semantic HTML elements like headings, lists, and landmarks. Avoid complex table layouts when possible, and ensure that all images have appropriate alt text.
Testing with assistive technologies like screen readers or keyboard-only navigation helps identify real-world accessibility issues that automated tools might miss. It ensures that users relying on these technologies have a seamless experience.
Yes, many users prefer Dark Mode for its aesthetic appeal or because it reduces eye fatigue, even if they don’t have a specific disability. Offering Dark Mode can enhance overall user satisfaction.
Accessibility should be an ongoing consideration. Regularly review your systems, especially when making updates or adding new features, to ensure they remain accessible.
Generally, implementing accessibility features poses minimal risk and offers significant benefits for everyone. However, improper implementation can cause issues, so it’s important to follow best practices and consult experts when necessary.
On devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, Dark Mode can significantly reduce energy consumption because pixels displaying black are essentially turned off. This can extend battery life for mobile users accessing your library’s online systems.
The high colour contrast between text and background is crucial for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. Ensuring sufficient contrast helps all users read content more easily.
Engage with your community by soliciting feedback through surveys, focus groups, or suggestion boxes. Involving patrons ensures that the changes you make are aligned with their needs.
Yes, training staff on how to use and promote accessibility features ensures that they can assist patrons effectively and foster an inclusive environment.
When incorporating third-party widgets or content, choose providers who prioritise accessibility. Test these elements with the same rigour as your own content to ensure they meet accessibility standards.
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