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Improving Online Access For Seniors and Other Patrons An Information Session for Libraries
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Agenda This information session is intended for a general audience including library directors, IT staff, and accessibility specialists Online accessibility – how much of a problem is it? How libraries are addressing accessibility How Sitecues helps libraries and their patrons
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Presenters Chris Boynton, Main State Library John Carlin, Ai Squared David Young, Ai Squared Specialist in libraries and library networks Background in assistive technology, software, and tele- communications Marketer for Sitecues: www.sitecues.com www.sitecues.com Interest in proving the business case for investment in accessibility Maine regional librarian for the blind and physically handicapped Maine State Library circulation supervisor
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World leader in vision accessibility and accommodation ….. since 1987 World’s best-selling computer screen magnification and reading software (Zoom Text) Sold in 40+ countries, localized in 23 languages Most F1000 companies use ZT
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How big a problem is online accessibility?
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Website usability issues are common for web users 50+ 25% experience regular and consistent challenges Only 9% claim to never experience challenges with websites 25% experience regular or consistent challenges Website designs and the tools that older web users employ result in frequent usability challenges Comments Source: Ai Squared web user research (2015) Share of older adults with website challenges Question: How regularly do you find it difficult to read or use a website because of the way it was designed or the way it appears on your computer screen? There is a significant unmet need to improve website usability
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These impacts exist for many user segments (e.g., low vision) What is the impact of online challenges? A Case Study on Seniors & Boomers Seniors and Baby Boomers in the US Are 43% slower at using websites than users aged 21–55 Make 2.2x more errors when completing a task on the web “If [organizations] redesigned their website to give seniors the same user experience quality as younger users, they could expect 35% more activity from them”
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Market research finds that most adults could benefit from assistive technology Source: Microsoft & Forrester, “The Wide Range of Abilities and Its Impact on Computer Technology” (2003) Adults who could benefit from Assistive Technology Unlikely to benefit Likely to benefit Very likely to benefit
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Built-in accessibility tools are generally known, but seldom used Built-in accessibility tools include all functionality built into the operating system or browser to make content and applications more accessible –Zoom / magnifier –Font size –Mouse size & color –Line thickness –Colors & contrast Use of pinch zoom in mobile has greatly increased awareness of built-in accessibility tools Comments Source: Ai Squared web user research (2015) Use of Built-in Accessibility Tools Question: Have you ever used the built-in accessibility tools (e.g., Browser Zoom, Large Fonts) included in your computer’s operating system or web browser? Why aren’t these tools addressing website usability needs?
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Web users react strongly to poor website usability For a majority, poor website usability translates to lost page views and/or loss of patronage Only a small faction employ alternatives – either calling by phone or getting help to use the site Comments Source: Ai Squared web user research (2015) Reaction after experiencing a website challenge Question: When you find a website to be difficult to read or use, what alternative approaches do you use? (click all that apply) Website owners cannot afford poor website usability
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How many have print disabilities? US Populations with Print Disabilities Includes blind and non-correctable low vision LOW VISION 9%21 M Individuals reading below 5 th grade level LOW LITERACY 21%65 M Includes dyslexia, ADHD, autism LEARNING DISABILITES 15%46 M English-as-a-second language (ESL) NON NATIVE SPEAKERS 5%13 M Includes the 50% of seniors with one or more diagnosed disability SENIORS & BOOMERS 39%127M All percentages based on US population Source: US Census, American Community Survey, National Institute of Health, National Adult Literacy Survey, National Health Interview Survey
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How libraries are addressing accessibility
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Case Study: Maine State Library Scope of accessibility programs and responsibilities Key challenges & gaps related to accessibility and online access Drivers for investment
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Do any of these situations sound familiar? What are your own experiences accommodating patrons with special needs? An elderly patron leaves the library because they forgot their reading glasses You have assistive technology, but not when & where there is a need Some of your assistive technology is too complex for your users (and your staff)
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Libraries and their constituencies benefit from improved online accessibility What is most important to your library? Increased use of the library website –More site visits, more page views, more visitor engagement, more self-service Improved usability for library catalogs –More online searches, more in-library searches, more self-service Inclusion and support for key populations –Print disabled segments, including low vision, low literacy, learning disabilities –A way to help seniors, who are often overlooked in accessibility planning Adherence to legal and funding requirements –Federal and State mandates to serve individuals with print disabilities –Reduction of legal risk from ADA complaints Improved return on all investment in digital/online resources A strong signal to external stakeholders and to patrons of the library’s commitment to access and inclusion for all
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How Sitecues supports libraries and their patrons
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By adding a single tool, websites, online catalogs, and shared computers can be made more accessible for all Easy for libraries to install, and easy for anyone to use
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What is Sitecues? Sitecues makes websites more accessible and usable Sitecues is Software-as-a-Service technology for website owners LEARNING DISABILITIES LOW LITERACY SENIORS AND BOOMERS LOW VISION SITUATIONAL NEEDS Build zoom, speech, color themes and other reading enhancements into any website Website visitors can customize their user experience based on personal needs without impacting others Seamlessly integrates into any existing website with minimal effort and without a redesign For anyone with print disabilities Or with situational needs Over 100M in US* Source: US Census, American Community Survey, National Institute of Health, National Adult Literacy Survey, National Health Interview Survey Also available as a: Shared computer solution- Sitecues Everywhere Full turnkey compliance solution– Compliance Plus
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Powerful functionality, yet easy-to-use Zoom See it bigger Adjust magnification using the main panel Speech Read it aloud With speech on select an area and press Mouse Change the pointer Activate through the settings menu Colors Select a color theme Activate through the settings menu Highlights Create a highlight box No activation required once zoom or speech are on Lens Create reading box Activate by pressing Additional features: Mouse and keyboard control Section 508 compliant User tips and instructions Multi-browser support User feedback and ratings
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Pricing Standard Pricing Software-as-a Service with yearly service fee 3-year commitment with fixed pricing over the term Licensing allows deployment across the full library web domain, online catalog, and all shared computers Service fee includes all maintenance and updates One-time setup fee of $500 Pricing Options Pricing is based on each library’s population (service area), number of shared computers, and scope of deployment Deployment options –Website –Online catalog –Shared computers Bundle and individual service pricing is available
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Sitecues works across a variety of library environments
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Case Study: Maine State Library Why Sitecues? Experience with Sitecues Lessons learned
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Why Libraries Use Sitecues Supports older patrons with low vision and other age-related conditions Cost-effective and scalable deployment across all library computers Easy to use, with no need to train library staff or patrons Promotes digital inclusion of print disabled populations (e.g., low literacy, non-native English) Improves usability of online catalog, website, and all online services Reduces legal risk and helps to address ADA and related state and federal obligations
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Next Steps Ask questions Review our support materials Evaluate your library’s needs Contact us to schedule a demo, and to discuss deployment options and pricing Try our solution on a computer or on a test website Let us help you – Support funding approval – Work with your library catalog provider – Engage directly with your web developer
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Support Materials Article: Improving web accessibility for library patrons (Strategic Library, May 2016)Improving web accessibility for library patrons Brochure: Sitecues for LibrariesSitecues for Libraries Brochure: Sitecues Library CustomersSitecues Library Customers Case Study: New Jersey State LibraryNew Jersey State Library Video: "Dispelling the top 5 myths of library web accessibility" (ALA Midwinter, January 2016)Dispelling the top 5 myths of library web accessibility
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Contact Information (440) 582-8839 jcarlin@aisquared.com www.sitecues.com John Carlin – Market Manager
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