Beyond the Minimum

New Rule Requires Web Content (I’m Looking at You, LibGuides) to Meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA Standards

Abstract

In April 2024, the Department of Justice finalized a rule updating regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires that all state and local governments make their services, programs, and activities accessible, including those that are offered online and in mobile apps. The final rule dictates that public entities’ web content meet the technical standards of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, level AA, an industry standard since its creation in 2018.

Libraries that receive federal funding will be required to follow this rule for any web content they create, including LibGuides. Springshare’s LibGuide platform is one of the most widely used among libraries for web content creation, from complete websites to pedagogical and research guides. While Springshare may develop plans to make sure its clients are in compliance with this new rule, there are more important questions that LibGuide creators need to consider to move beyond the bare minimum of following the rule. The authors explain what WCAG 2.1 AA compliance requires, how LibGuide authors can use accessibility principles to ensure compliance, and offer available tools to check existing guides, as well as discuss alternatives to LibGuides.