Best practices to make accessibility services more visible online and web content more accessible

Sponsored by Springer Nature
Recorded on 12/08/2021

Posted in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA)

How can librarians improve the visibility of accessibility services online and ensure the accessibility of web content?

Download the presentation transcript here
Access K.T.’s presentation slides here
Access Jude and Hollie’s presentation slides here

Summary:

In librarianship, there are two key features of accessibility. First, librarians must ensure the accessibility of their products, platforms and online content. Second, they must spotlight their accessibility services centrally on library webpages so all patrons can easily find that information. With the added complexity of legal requirements like Section 508 and VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template), what are the best practices to make users aware of your accessibility services online and make library web content more accessible?

Join us for this 1-hour webinar presented by Springer Nature and Choice/ACRL as speakers share how to increase the accessibility of library webpages and follow legal or professional guidance on the topic.

Professor and librarian K.T. L. Vaughan will share insights about her work on library webpages and accessibility issues. She will reflect on:

  • How accessibility pages can demonstrate a library’s commitment to inclusion
  • How accessibility statements and policies can act as an opportunity to audit the library’s accessibility for people with a variety of disabilities
  • Best practices on how to involve and work with different partners, prepare content and update language use

Jude Robinson and Hollie Kay from Springer Nature will guide us through topics like:

  • What is a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)?
  • How to read and compare VPATs?
  • What makes a good VPAT? What are the warning signs of a bad VPAT?
  • What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)?
  • What implications does WCAG have for US-based institutions?

A high quality live transcript will be provided by 121. You’ll have the opportunity to download the full transcript at the end of the session. 

Speakers:

  • K.T. L. Vaughan, MSLS, EdD

    Hal F. and Barbra Buckner Higginbotham University LibrarianWashington & Lee University

    With her varied experiences in the science, health sciences, scholarly communication, teaching, and management, KT brings an optimistic and inclusive perspective to the leadership of the Washington & Lee University Library. Her interests focus on asking questions about – and driving change in – the future of libraries. She is currently focused on building inclusive and equitable library environments for people with disabilities and other minoritized groups, recruitment and retention of librarians of color, and the career advancement and professionalism of library staff and faculty.

  • Jude Robinson

    Global Head of Frontend DevelopmentSpringer Nature Digital

    As part of Springer Nature Digital’s global leadership team, Jude helps looks after a diverse group of about 300 people (and thousands of websites). Jude is also responsible for web accessibility, a field in which Springer Nature are industry leaders, being repeatedly noted for their achievements.

  • Hollie Kay

    Senior Frontend DeveloperSpringer Nature Digital

    In her role as Senior Frontend Developer, Hollie champions accessibility and web standards for teams across the whole of Springer Nature. She deploys advice, reviews, training, and toolset recommendations to help cross-functional teams produce maintainable, semantic, accessible websites. Hollie is a core contributor to the Pa11y (automated accessibility testing) Open Source project, originally created in-house.

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