| For Immediate Release: June 11, 2003
Media Contact: Gabrielle Jones (415) 557-4282
A Web site for all
The San Francisco Public Library wires up to launch
new Web design.
The Library aims to make web accessibility a reality for disabled and
non-English speaking visitors.
San Francisco – Committed to increasing access for all library patrons, the San Francisco Public Library has undergone redesign efforts to make its Web site readily available for all visitors. Effective June 16, 2003, www.sfpl.org users will be able to view the Web site in English, Spanish or Chinese, ask a librarian questions and utilize a search engine on every library Web page. Even more impressive is the
Library’s efforts to meet stringent guidelines that enable persons with disabilities to perceive, understand, navigate and interact with Web based applications.
The new Web site endeavor is an example of the Library’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of the community it serves. The Library sought to improve the Web site through user research and surveys in 2002 that measured a variety of issues including: trouble-free navigation, access, and translation. “We asked the questions, our community responded and now we are acting,” said Susan Hildreth, City Librarian. “Our Access Services department continues to do an outstanding job of meeting the unique needs of individuals who use library services through resources like reader screens and talking books; it is a great pleasure to be able to add Internet use to that list.”
Library Web designers and consultants worked to ensure all applications, layout and images used supported the public’s feedback and were compliant with web accessibility standards. “The new Web page is the result of hard work from our design staff to build a tri-lingual site that addressed public feedback while keeping the ideals of the American with Disabilities Act prevalent during the design and roll out phases,” said Hildreth. The San Francisco Public Library’s new website is one of the more progressive and responsive sites of its nature. Examples of the new design features the Library adapted for people with disabilities include: visual limitations: describable graphics or video, keyboard support and screen reader compatibility; hearing impaired: supplemental illustration; and cognitive and/or neurological restrictions: consistent navigation, appropriate language level, illustration and no flickering or strobing designs.
“The new Web accessibility design contributes to a pleasant experience for all our users. The Library’s Web page will upload faster for those accessing the site with low bandwidth because we limited the use of images and our consistent layout design will enable visitors to become quickly accustomed with the site’s organization, resulting in more efficient navigation,” said Hildreth.
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