Accessibility of UK-based academic digital libraries for users with dyslexia : challenges and shortcomings

Abstract: This small study investigates the status of accessibility in the context of UK higher education. This is achieved through a case study which evaluates the accessibility status of three UK London-based university digital libraries. The evaluation is performed via the use of a quantitative data collection method, which is examination of conformance to WCAG2.0 standards using online accessibility evaluation tools, and a qualitative method, which is the interviewing and recording of comments by three users with dyslexia evaluating the university digital libraries in real time. The results are then discussed within the framework of the social model of disability and privatised higher education.