SWAN's accessibility efforts include:
- Working with third-party vendors to improve compliance with accessibility standards
- Providing education to member libraries in web accessibility and evaluating third-party vendors
- Complying with accessibility standards on SWAN websites and internally developed applications
As of 2021, in an effort to further improve the accessibility of patron-facing services:
- SWAN will not integrate any third-party services or e-resources into the library catalog that do not meet accessibility standards -- this includes chat widgets and other features libraries may purchase independently.
- SWAN will not pursue group purchases of e-resources that do not meet accessibility standards.
You can learn more about how SWAN evaluates resources for inclusion in the catalog.
Ultimately, a fully accessible library experience depends on SWAN, member libraries, and library vendors all taking responsibility to ensure access for people with disabilities. SWAN acknowledges that accessibility is an iterative, ongoing effort, and not all of our core supported services meet our accessibility standards. We are documenting our efforts to work with vendors through our supported platforms database.
Please report any barriers to access that you experience with SWAN supported websites and software.