Special Issue: Advancing Web Accessibility in Libraries: Evaluation, Remediation, and Inclusive Design
Publication Date: June 2026
About the Special Issue
The digital presence of libraries is more critical than ever, serving as a gateway to resources, services, and community engagement. With the recent release of the final Title II rule on web accessibility by the U.S. Department of Justice and growing global commitments to digital inclusion, libraries must take proactive steps to ensure their digital ecosystems are accessible to all users.
This special issue invites papers that explore the intersection of web accessibility, library practice, and inclusive design, with a focus on real-world strategies, emerging technologies, and institutional readiness. We welcome contributions from global perspectives and across all types of libraries.
We invite original research articles, case studies, literature reviews, and practice-based reports on topics including but not limited to:
- Preparing for Title II compliance: planning, implementation, and policy development
- Accessibility audits and evaluation frameworks for library websites, digital repositories, discovery services, and learning platforms
- Remediation of legacy content: e.g., PDFs, LibGuides, web forms, etc.
- Inclusive and accessible design in web development and UX practices
- Staff training and cultivating a culture of accessibility within libraries
- AI and automation in accessibility evaluation and remediation
- Procurement and vendor compliance for accessible third-party platforms
- Collaborative models between libraries, IT departments, and disability services
- Measuring outcomes and assessing the impact of accessibility initiatives
- Global accessibility policies and cross-cultural approaches
- User perspectives: engaging patrons with disabilities in service design and testing
We especially encourage submissions that offer practical insights, assessment tools, cross-institutional collaboration, and innovative approaches.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: December 31, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: February 2026
- Final Revisions Due: April 30, 2026
- Publication Date: June 2026
Submission Guidelines
Please visit the Submissions section of the IJoL website for detailed submission guidelines, including instructions on manuscript preparation and formatting: https://journal.calaijol.org/index.php/ijol/about/submissions.
When submitting, please indicate that your manuscript is intended for this special issue, either in the “Comment to the Editor” section of the submission system or clearly within the manuscript itself (e.g., “Special Issue: Advancing Web Accessibility in Libraries”).
Contact Information
Please send questions to Special Issue editors: Jessie London (jessie.j.london@ttu.edu) and Jingjing Wu (jingjing.wu@ttu.edu) or the journal editor-in-chief: Yongming Wang (wangyo@tcnj.edu).
About the Journal
The International Journal of Librarianship (IJoL), ISSN 2474-3542, is a leading double-anonymous peer-reviewed academic journal that highlights innovative research and developments across the global library and information science community. Published quarterly and available as a diamond open-access journal, IJoL is accessible through major databases like EBSCO and ProQuest, and registered with the Library of Congress and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). The journal ensures the permanent preservation of all published articles through the Library of Congress and the LOCKSS/PKP PLN system. For more details on the types of manuscripts accepted, please refer to the Section Policies on the journal website: https://journal.calaijol.org/index.php/ijol/about