New ADA Rules and Libraries

Like many librarians, I have been steadily working at updating our digital materials to comply with the new ADA rules. The more I work at this, the more I learn, and so I thought I would share what I’ve found. Hopefully, this helps your efforts at making accessible content.

• Create accessible templates for common documents that you create. For example, an accessible template for creating subject guides or handouts could save you a lot of time.
• Keep instructional videos short. Not only does this make it more likely for students to watch them, it also makes it easier to edit any closed captions.
• Practice using Adobe Acrobat Pro to make PDF files accessible. Fillable forms are especially difficult. I would recommend moving to Microsoft Forms if possible. Web based files are generally more accessible.
• There is some discussion about whether emails need to meet accessibility rules. My library is taking the approach that large group emails, for example, to all faculty or all students, should be made accessible. Making emails accessible isn’t particularly hard.
• Contact all the vendors you work with to confirm they are accessible. If they are not, you may need to switch products or explore possible accessibility exceptions. Database PDF files and their accessibility are a serious concern at my library.
• Inventory your digital content and decide if you need all the files you have posted. This is a great chance to delete anything that isn’t needed, which leaves you less content to manage.
• Historic materials that you might have in a special collection appear to be exempt from the new rules. I would recommend libraries review the exceptions to be sure this applies to your content.
• The WAVE accessibility evaluation tool is great for evaluating any webpages your library manages.
• Microsoft offers several PowerPoint templates that are designed to be accessible. Make sure to use these when creating any PowerPoints you intend to post for students. Be sure not to change the template so that you don’t impair the accessibility.

Those are just a few things I’ve learned over the last few months. If you have questions, contact me at akirby@pennhighalndse.edu