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.
Findings – Nearly all of the companies who participated in the survey consider their products to be
mostly accessible to users of assistive technologies and are committed to improving product
accessibility in the future. At the same time, few companies promote accessibility in their marketing
efforts. Most companies test their products for accessibility, but few conduct usability tests with actual
persons with disabilities.
Research limitations/implications – This study covered a small sample of database vendors and
relied on self-reporting by representatives from database companies. Until usability testing becomes a
standard practice, product testing by independent parties is necessary to complete the accessibility
report cards for online library database providers.
Practical implications – Librarians must be proactive in encouraging vendors to continue to
provide products that are accessible and user-friendly for everybody including persons with
disabilities.
Originality/value – This is the second known study that examines online database accessibility and
usability based on database vendors’ perspectives.
Keywords Online databases, Libraries, United States of America