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Web Accessibility

The OWWL Library System is committed to ensuring that our website, mobile app, and digital resources are accessible to all users. We strive to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, which are the internationally recognized standards for web accessibility established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

If you experience any issues accessing our website, mobile app, or one of our digital resources, have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, or need reasonable accommodation, please email us at webmaster@owwl.org or call 585-394-8260. We are committed to resolving any issues as promptly as possible.

OWWL Website

We make our website more accessible in the following ways:

  • Consistent Navigation and Layout: Our website uses uniform navigation and clear headings throughout. Content layout and design are consistent on every page.
  • Images with Alternative Text: Photographs and other relevant images on the site are accompanied by alternative text (the ALT tag.) Alt tags provide a written description of the image, which is accessible to screen readers.
  • Relative Font Sizing: Relative font size can be enlarged using magnification tools or by changing your browser settings.
  • Responsive Design: We’ve programmed our website so that the width of our pages changes and adapts to the width of your browser. This is more noticeable if you have a large screen and/or use high resolution for your monitor.
  • Accessible Via Mouse or Keyboard: You can use the mouse or keyboard to navigate through our content. The tab key will move the cursor from link to link.

OWWL Mobile App

The OWWL mobile app (available for both iOS and Android) is developed by an independent contractor on behalf of OWWL. The app (version 4.2.0 and later) incorporates accessibility features designed to support equitable access, including:

  • Improved color contrast ratios
  • Minimum touch target sizing
  • Descriptive labels for images and controls
  • Support for iOS Dynamic Type and VoiceOver

Accessibility testing for both iOS and Android was conducted using platform-specific tools, including the iOS Accessibility Inspector. OWWL continues to review and improve accessibility alongside the app developer, and we welcome user feedback.

Third Party Vendor Accessibility

The OWWL Library System prioritizes partnerships with third-party vendors who can affirm compliance with WCAG 2.1, Level AA, through documentation and ongoing accessibility practices. This ensures equitable access to library resources and services for all users. Below is a list of vendors and their WCAG 2.1, Level AA, compliance status.

External Resources

NOVELny is a statewide service provided by the New York State Library. Accessibility information for NOVELny databases is maintained by the individual database providers. Questions for the NOVELny Help Desk can be submitted on the NYSL website.