Making your LibGuides content accessible benefits everyone. The following list provides suggestions for accessibility practices that will make your content more user-friendly.
Use clear fonts. Don't mix different font types. Stick to the default font (Sans Serif).
Do not use all caps (ever) or underlines for emphasis. These can cause difficulties for screen readers.
Use headings and lists appropriately. Headings, lists, and other structural elements provide meaning and structure to web pages. They can also facilitate keyboard navigation within the page.
Do not rely on color to convey meaning or importance. That information may not be available to a person who is colorblind and it will be unavailable to screen reader users.
Ensure proper contrast between the font and the background. Optimize font color use for readability and accessibilty.
Make sure your content is clearly written and easy to read. Avoid dashes, abbreviations, jargon, and slang.
All Images need to have alternate text (ALT tags) included. Alternative text provides a textual alternative to non-text content (such as graphics or images). It is especially helpful for people who are blind and rely on a screen reader to have the content of the website read to them. Learn more about providing appropriate alternative text.
Tables should have appropriate table headers. Data cells should be associated with their appropriate headers, making it easier for screen reader users to navigate and understand the data table. Learn more about creating accessible tables.
Make sure linked text makes sense out of context. Screen reader users may choose to read only the links on a web page. Certain phrases like “click here” and “more” must be avoided. Avoid automatically opening links in a new window.