Accessibility and Diversity in Library and Information Science: Inclusive Information Architecture for Library Websites

Abstract

AbstractWe incorporate the perspective of diversity in order to discuss accessibility problems in LIS. “Diversity” is defined as the ability to create and ensure inclusive information access and services for different user groups. We outline the results of our study on library website accessibility for screen-reader users. Based on our findings, we argue that the inaccessibility of library websites is primarily a problem of diversity rather than being merely a technical issue. The high-level implications of this problem indicate the need to adopt inclusive principles that require usability beyond accessibility for all user groups in library web design. To meet this goal, we propose an inclusive information architecture specifically focused on screen-reader access. Our intention is to present broader guidelines for information design by illustrating one way in which inclusive principles can be applied to library website design by expanding and customizing the information architecture to meet the individual...