Accessible services in academic libraries: a content analysis of library accessibility webpages in the United States
ISSN: 0090-7324
Article publication date: 17 January 2022
Issue publication date: 29 April 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to an understanding of current accessibility efforts and practice in librarianship by providing a broad overview of the information about services, resources and facilities on academic library accessibility pages. By compiling and analyzing data from 85 libraries, this study seeks to facilitate comparisons between current and past accessibility practice and to provide perspective on how libraries communicate to users about accessibility efforts across libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a content analysis of 85 library accessibility pages from a sample population of 98 institutions, consisting of all members institutions of four US academic library consortia. Pages were coded for content elements regarding services, facilities, collections, staffing, assistive technologies and general information. Webpage features, architecture and accessibility/functionality were also assessed.
Findings
Libraries have broadened and strengthened efforts to publicize/provide services and resources to functionally diverse users. Pages most commonly prioritize information about assistive technologies, services and facilities. Pages varied greatly in size, complexity and detail, but public institutions' pages were more prevalent and informative than their private counterparts. Libraries can work to foreground accessibility pages and increase transparency and evidence of currency to improve communication to their users.
Originality/value
This study provides a large-scale content analysis of library accessibility webpages. It allows for comparison of the features and information most commonly featured on these important online points of service.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors conducted this study while serving two-year appointments on the Impact and Analysis Committee of the Library Accessibility Alliance (LAA). The authors wish to extend thanks to colleagues in the LAA for encouraging us to pursue this project and to the members of the LAA Steering Committee for supporting the decision to expand it to its present form.
Citation
Ezell, J., Pionke, J.J. and Gunnoe, J. (2022), "Accessible services in academic libraries: a content analysis of library accessibility webpages in the United States", Reference Services Review, Vol. 50 No. 2, pp. 222-236. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-10-2021-0055
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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