Release: Accessibility update to HathiTrust website and digital library

Release Name: July 2024 Accessibility update to HathiTrust website and digital library

Product/Service: HathiTrust digital library services and WordPress site

Release Date: July 23, 2024

Who does this impact? If you use screen reader programs or primarily navigate websites with a  keyboard you may  notice the changes listed below. Sighted individuals or those who use a mouse may notice some visual changes. 

Impact: As part of an accessibility audit of the HathiTrust web interfaces, we have updated the following components to meet WCAG 2.2: 

• The color of the focus indicator changed to blue and is now more noticeable. Focus indicators appear around components such as the search bar, buttons, links, text inputs, etc., when you tab into the component or select it with your mouse. (WCAG 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast)
• In search results and collection listing pages, links to Catalog Records, Full View, Limited (search only), and “Multiple Items” will read the title associated with that link will be announced when a screen reader user selects the link. (WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context))
• Search and support forms are more accessible and it should be easier to submit searches and support requests. 
• The row colors of the Item Viewability tables on catalog records have been tweaked to pass color contrast requirements. 
• Frequently accessed WordPress pages were reviewed and updated to ensure that headings and lists are correctly marked up in HTML and that images have meaningful alt text. 

The above are the largest changes made to date. Work will continue in the coming weeks to fix additional problems. 

If you encounter any bugs or problems, please contact our User Support Team at support@hathitrust.org.