Overcoming the information gap: Measuring the accessibility of library databases to adaptive technology users

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address problems associated with the accessibility of academic library databases.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates 32 databases and measures their accessibility to users of adaptive technology.

Findings

Based on the results of this study, 72 percent of the evaluated databases were rated as marginally accessible or inaccessible, reflecting a low level of compliance to federal web accessibility legislation and international web accessibility standards. To measure database accessibility to adaptive technology users, this study operationalized accessibility into ten component parts as the Tatomir Accessibility Checklist (TAC) and tested each database on each component.

Originality/value

Findings of this study can be used both by those who purchase and manage databases in libraries to identify the most accessible databases and by designers of the databases to improve specific features.

Citation

Tatomir, J. and Durrance, J.C. (2010), "Overcoming the information gap: Measuring the accessibility of library databases to adaptive technology users", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 577-594. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378831011096240