Accountability for Web Accessibility in Academic Libraries
A Case Study of Improving Web Accessibility for Emory Libraries
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2026.vol11.2.590Abstract
As academic libraries and higher education institutions expand their digital presence, web accessibility has become a critical aspect of equitable service delivery, legal compliance, and inclusive design. Recent regulatory developments, including the U.S. Department of Justice’s final Title II rule on web accessibility, underscore the urgency for organizations to adopt sustainable, institution-wide accessibility strategies. This article synthesizes existing research on web accessibility in academic libraries and higher education institutions, with a detailed practice-based case study from Emory Libraries. Drawing on a literature review and an institutional methods framework, the paper examines common accessibility barriers, the limitations of compliance-driven approaches, and the role of governance, training, and accountability in advancing accessible digital ecosystems. This study contributes to a holistic model that integrates evaluation, remediation, staff development, and governance, offering practical insights for organizations preparing for Title II compliance and long-term accessibility maturity.
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