Build Accessible Online Content

In the library world, we create lots of content. This guide is designed to help you make this content accessible to everyone. In addition, this guide aims to explain why these methods are needed, which we hope will make accessible content easier to create.

Modern websites frequently use Content Management Systems (CMS), such as LibGuides and WordPress, to create this content. There are three layers where accessibility issues could occur — the CMS software; the page templates that include repeating elements, such as the site header and footer; and the content poured into the templates. Fixing errors in the first two layers requires advanced knowledge of online accessibility. However, the content can be improved by everyone who uses the CMS! That is where this guide focuses.

How to use this guide

Each section will explain how our patrons use assistive technology to access our content, best practices for fulfilling accessibility, videos to see these practices in action, and linked resources to dig deeper. However, there is no one way to read this guide— 

• You can read this guide beginning to end or jump directly to the sections you need. 

• Read how our patrons interact with our content or jump right to the best practices.

• Grab what you need and return for additional information as you find time.

Prep: Install the WAVE accessibility testing tool to help you check your content.

• Why We Should Care
• How is Online Content Perceived?
• Four Principals of a well-code page
• Build Better Content!
  • Page Structure
  • Color and Color Contrast
  • Images
  • Hyperlinks and Buttons
  • Audio and Video
  • Text and Content Readability
  • Tables
  • Electronic Documents
  • Social Media Tips
  • Copy and Paste Tips
• Useful Resources

Image credit: Person using Braille reader to read websites by VisualPun.ch on Flickr. CC BY-SA 2.0

This guide was originally written by Jerry Yarnetsky, web services librarian at Miami University of Ohio, as an open educational resource text for his course IMS222 Interaction Design and Development. However, it became immensely better with contributions, edits, and wisdom from Victoria Van Hyning, Amy Drayer, Brittni Ballard, Lauren Kehoe, and Brad McKenna.