Accessibility of Web‐based library databases: the vendors’ perspectives

Accessibility, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, pertains to accessibility of online environments as well as physical environments for persons with disabilities. Web‐based resources are prevalent in libraries today, but are they accessible? An e‐mail survey was used to examine accessibility of Web‐based abstracting and indexing services from product providers’ perspectives. Company representatives were asked to address overall product accessibility, company compliance with Section 508 Standards, and product usability for persons with disabilities. Findings indicate that the ADA and Section 508 are raising database company awareness of accessibility issues. Still, companies can do more to assure product accessibility.