Accessibility from Scratch: One Library's Journey to Prioritize the Accessibility of Electronic Information Resources

Abstract

The increased development and use of electronic and information technology in higher education raises questions about accessibility for individuals with disabilities. In academic libraries, providing accessible electronic information resources ensures equal access and opportunity to information. This article provides a contex- 10 tual understanding of accessibility in higher education as well as strategies for evaluating, negotiating, and procuring accessible electronic resources licensed through third party vendors. KEYWORDS accessibility, academic libraries, electronic information resources, electronic and information technology (EIT), 15 voluntary product accessibility template (VPAT), Web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG), Section 508