Access Denied: Addressing Digital Accessibility in Academic Libraries

Abstract

Libraries have adapted and expanded their resources and services over the decades to match increasing use of and reliance on digital content. These efforts are right in line with core librarianship values, as they provide increased opportunities for people to access information, resources, and services, while also attempting to lower barriers to access these digital spaces. Library catalogs, institutional repositories, and LibGuides are just a few examples of such digital library assets, which make the impending digital accessibility compliance deadlines set by recent updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) relevant for many libraries. However, compliance should not be the sole motivator; rather, librarians should view the creation of accessible digital content as another piece of the overall information access puzzle. This presentation will first overview digital accessibility -- including its importance, breadth, and recent statistics -- and then discuss laws and standards, implications for libraries, and what individual librarians can do to make digital content more accessible. There will also be a robust resources section provided so that attendees can explore applicable articles, organizations, services, and resources related to digital accessibility.