OCLC accessibility statement
Revised: 17 December 2024
OCLC is committed to inclusive design and as part of that, usable and accessible products for all.
We are dedicated to improving the accessibility of our products, focusing on conforming to Level AA of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2 guidelines).
Features and known opportunities
Users of modernized interfaces, either new or significantly updated and released to production 2020 or later, should be able to:
- Listen to most of the experience using a screen reader.
- Zoom the experience up to 200% without losing content.
- Switch devices and orientation without losing content or functionality.
- Navigate using assistive technologies like keyboards and speech recognition software.
Users of mature interfaces launched prior to 2020 may experience gaps in functionality that aid in making an interface perceivable, operable, or understandable when relying on assistive technologies.
Customers subscribing to services with highly customizable interfaces such as WorldCat Discovery are encouraged to test their color selections using tools such as Accessibility Insights for Web.
Customer support
Current customers having difficulty using OCLC services with assistive or adaptive technology, after trying workarounds, may contact Support in your region.
Ongoing efforts
OCLC approaches accessibility through a multi-pronged approach:
- Regular accessibility assessments
- Increased training opportunities for employees
- Increased accessibility awareness and knowledge across product development
- Verification that OCLC's products are progressing toward being more accessible in design and technology
Regulation conformance
We have a global focus on WCAG 2.2 Level AA conformance, including regional regulations such as the:
- USA's Americans with Disabilities Act (including the April 2024 Department of Justice’s revision to ADA Title II regulation) and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
- UK's Equality Act and the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations
- The European Accessibility Act and EN 301 549 Accessibility Requirements for ICT Products and Services
- Canadian Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA)
Evaluation methods
OCLC is committed to supporting use of our services by all users. Accessibility is a guiding principle during our product design and development. Features in active development are checked using a range of tools, including but not limited to keyboard-only navigation, browser zoom, automated Axe-core tests integrated into OCLC development processes, Accessibility Insights for Web and other browser plug-ins, and manual review with VoiceOver, JAWS, or NVDA screen readers prior to production release. Mobile apps are tested on iOS devices using VoiceOver and on Android devices with TalkBack.
Conformance reports
Conformance reports indicate impact on views or pages supporting key user workflows as well as the holistic service. The reports cover conformance with WCAG 2.2 Levels A and AA; ADA Section 508 Chapters 3, 5, and 6; and EN 301 549 Chapters 4, 9, and 12. Justification is provided within the reports regarding Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 10.
Conformance report audits use the following tools:
- Accessibility Insights evaluation tool for Chrome browser
- WAVE evaluation tool for Chrome browser
- VoiceOver screen reader on Apple platform with Apple Safari
- WebAim's Contrast Checker
- Manual code review and general product knowledge
Current and prospective customers may request conformance reports via the form below.
Send questions to [email protected].