Accessible services in academic libraries: a content analysis of library accessibility webpages in the United States

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dc.contributor.authorEzell, Jon
dc.contributor.authorPionke, J. J.
dc.contributor.authorGunnoe, Jeremy
dc.contributor.otherUniversity of Alabama Tuscaloosa
dc.contributor.otherUniversity of Illinois System
dc.contributor.otherUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
dc.contributor.otherHoward University
dc.date.accessioned2022-02-16T21:14:47Z
dc.date.available2022-02-16T21:14:47Z
dc.date.issued2022
dc.descriptionThe 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.en_US
dc.description.abstractPurpose 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.en_US
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.citationEzell, 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. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-10-2021-0055
dc.identifier.doi10.1108/RSR-10-2021-0055
dc.identifier.orcidhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2200-2800
dc.identifier.orcidhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1733-7553
dc.identifier.orcidhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3261-7684
dc.identifier.urihttp://ir.ua.edu/handle/123456789/8346
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherEmerald Group
dc.subjectAccessibility
dc.subjectConsortia
dc.subjectLibrary websites
dc.subjectContent analysis
dc.subjectPolicy
dc.subjectDisability
dc.subjectADA
dc.subjectDISABILITY
dc.subjectInformation Science & Library Science
dc.titleAccessible services in academic libraries: a content analysis of library accessibility webpages in the United Statesen_US
dc.typetext
dc.typeArticle
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