Sharing electronically and accessibly in library-led instruction

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2021.1361

Keywords:

accessibility, universal design, online instruction

Abstract

The electronic information and technology accessibility project is a strategic overhauling of the digital instructional materials of the Health Sciences Library System (HSLS) to comply with the accessibility standards established in a 2020 University of Pittsburgh policy. Though these technologies have existed for quite some time, library instructors were not skilled in the actual creation and design of documents, web content, and presentations with accessibility in mind. Over the past year and a half, a team within HSLS developed detailed guidance and education on universal design and creating an inclusive online learning environment. These guidelines were developed in accordance with Section 508 and the WCAG2.1, with a focus on an improved experience for the D/deaf community and those with visual impairments. We initially made accessibility improvements to online subject guides, in-person presentations, and digitally shared class materials. The COVID-19 pandemic and complete shift to virtual instruction then necessitated the evaluation of platforms used in remote learning (such as Zoom and Panopto), where accessibility best practices needed to be incorporated. This article highlights going beyond in-program accessibility checkers and describes how library technology experts and content creators worked together to bridge the gap of accessibility in the information we share.

Author Biographies

Julia Jankovic Dahm, University of Pittsburgh

Coordinator of Technology Integration Services

Health Sciences Library System

Julia Grace Reese, University of Pittsburgh

Technology Integration Services Administrator

Health Sciences Library System

References

University of Pittsburgh. CS 26 electronic information and technology accessibility policy [Internet]. University of Pittsburgh. [rev. 4 Mar 2020; cited 7 Jun 2021]. <https://www.policy.pitt.edu/electronic-information-and-technology-accessibility-policy>.

World Wide Web Consortium. Web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 [Internet]. W3C Web site. [rev. 5 Jun 2018; cited 7 June 2021]. <https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/>.

US General Services Administration. Section508.gov [Internet]. GSA Government-wide IT Accessibility Program. [cited 7 June 2021]. <https://www.section508.gov/>.

Reese J. Accessible Zoom classes and meetings [Internet]. HSLS Update. [rev. March 2021; cited 7 June 2021]. <https://info.hsls.pitt.edu/updatereport/march-2021/accessible-zoom-classes-and-meetings/>.

Reese J. Creating accessible Panopto videos [Internet]. HSLS Update. [rev. May 2021; cited 7 June 2021]. <https://info.hsls.pitt.edu/updatereport/may-2021/creating-accessible-panopto-videos/>.

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Published

2021-11-22

Issue

Section

Virtual Project