Improving Resource Discovery and Access Through User-Controlled Adaptation: Exploring the Role of Library Metadata

Abstract

Accessibility of library search tools is measured not only by their adherence to accessibility guidelines, but also by the ease they offer users to find accessible resources. This makes library metadata an object of study in library accessibility. Past studies encouraged exploring the application of metadata in fostering accessibility. The studies also recommend considering user requirements. This study aimed to examine the role of metadata in making the process of resource discovery and access accessible to people with low vision impairments. Based on recommendations of past studies, a simple prototype was developed to test the idea of allowing users to set their own metadata preferences on their search interfaces. Participants were recruited to explore the prototype. The initial findings showed that adding such option in preference settings may be more appealing to frequent users than "one-time" users. However, the participants were able to provide comments on what to improve for the next iteration.

Inclusion, access, and accessibility of educational resources in higher education institutions: exploring the Ethiopian context

“…The findability of a resource depends upon the metadata that describes it and the accessibility of the search interface used to search it (Beyene and Godwin 2018). Organising content by categories such as material type, subject area, and audience would help persons with visual disabilities to limit their searches, for instance, to braille or audiobook types (Beyene and Aasheim 2018a). As users conduct search, the metadata shown along the search result provide important information for the user.…”