Abstract
Purpose – Web-based research databases are common in today’s libraries, but most librarians lack
the ability to evaluate them for accessibility for persons with disabilities. Consequently, they rely upon
resource providers to develop products that are ADA and Section 508 compliant. Are database
vendors stepping up to the plate? As a follow-up to a study reported in 2003, the purpose of this paper
is to investigate accessibility of online databases from database vendors’ perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach – Researchers used a web-based questionnaire to gather
information from vendors of online databases concerning the accessibility of their products. The
questions covered general information about product accessibility, compliance with Section 508
standards, and product accessibility/usability testing.