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Cited by 4Digital Accessibility for DisabilitiesWeb and Library ServicesInformation Architecture and Usability

Measuring Digital Accessibility in New Zealand Public Libraries: A Protocol-Based Web Evaluation Using the WAVE Tool

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Campbell-Meier, Jennifer, Velasquez, Diane·2025·Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association
DOI 10.1080/24750158.2025.2522472
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Abstract

Web evaluation protocols often emphasize the inclusion of specific criteria, but frequently overlook accessibility, a critical component of inclusive digital services. As signatories to the Marrakesh Treaty, library associations have committed to providing accessible information, yet many public library websites fall short of this goal. With the reliance of libraries on electronic information, and the function of library websites as an electronic branch, web pages need to have accessible information for users. This study expands a standard web evaluation protocol by integrating data from the WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool, which identifies issues based on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Sixty-six New Zealand public library websites were assessed using this enhanced protocol. While libraries generally meet basic information delivery standards, accessibility issues – particularly related to HTML structure and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes – were common. The study found that summary categories in WAVE were insufficient for diagnosing specific problems, necessitating deeper analysis of raw data. Findings highlight opportunities for libraries to improve web accessibility, aligning digital practices with their commitment to equitable access. This research underscores the importance of embedding accessibility into web evaluation frameworks to support inclusive information environments.

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  • WAVE and aXe were selected because they are widely used in accessibility research and integrated into A11yAgent's internal evaluation pipeline, ensuring consistent measurement across all conditions.

    “These tools were selected because they are widely used in accessibility research [15, 17, 19, 21] and are integrated into A11yAgent's internal evaluation pipeline, ensuring consistent measurement across all conditions.”

    From A Multi-Agent Framework for Accessible Web Code Generation (2026) · cites this paper as [21]

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Powers, B. S. (2011). Oh, what a tangled web we weave! An evaluation of Pennsylvania's public library websites for a basic level of web presence and beyond. Current Studies in Librarianship, 31(1), 21-35.
  2. Schmetzke, A., & Sherman-Kalla, S. (2001). Evaluation protocol and recording sheet for journal indexes/databases. In Presentation at the Wisconsin Association of Academic Libraries (WAAL) Conference, 18 April 2001.

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Authors
Campbell-Meier, J., & Velasquez, D.
Affiliations
  • Victoria University of Wellington
  • University of South Australia (AU)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2025-07-03
Volume
74
Issue
3
Pages
373-393
ISSN
  • 2475-0158 (ISSN-L)
  • 2475-0166
DOI
10.1080/24750158.2025.2522472
OpenAlex
W4413089898
Cited by
4
References
28
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 1
FWCI
24.35
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Adelaide Research & Scholarship (AR&S) (University of Adelaide) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Human Factors and Ergonomics › Digital Accessibility for Disabilities
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Web and Library Services
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Information Architecture and Usability
Keywords
web accessibility, public library websites, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, HTML structure, Marrakesh Treaty

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