Accessibility improvements to Library interfaces
07 Oct 2020
Teams around the Library are working together to ensure our digital interfaces are accessible to all users.
As a Library and University, we are committed to ensuring the information and resources that we provide via the web are accessible to all users, regardless of disability, background or technology.
This focus on accessibility supports the heart of The University of Manchester strategic plan, ‘Our people, our values’:
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- An environment and facilities to support our people
New UK regulations
From September 2020, it became a legal requirement for all public sector organisations (including the Library and University) to ensure all web content meets accessibility requirements:
As a provider of digital content, it is our duty and legal responsibility to ensure that our online interfaces are accessible to all and meet the international WCAG 2.1 AA standard.
Accessibility improvements project
To meet the new requirements and demonstrate the Library’s commitment to accessibility, the Digital Library Development Team (DLDT) has been co-ordinating an audit of all public and staff facing interfaces that the Library manages.
The team will then be co-ordinating various accessibility improvement works and statements over the coming months.
This has been no small feat, as the accessibility project encompasses almost 60 online interfaces and websites plus an additional 400 third-party content providers.
The DLDT would like to pass on thanks to all Library colleagues and The University of Manchester legal team for their ongoing efforts, support and advice as we work together on this important project.
For more information, please see the Library website and / or contact Kristian Scott: