Libraries exist to expand access to knowledge, ideas, and opportunity. As scholarship, teaching, and learning increasingly take place in digital environments, ensuring that those environments are accessible is essential to fulfilling that mission.
At the University of Virginia Library, we recognize that digital accessibility is not a single project or technical requirement. It is an ongoing commitment to building systems, collections, and services that allow members of our community to fully engage with the Library’s resources and participate in the intellectual life of the University.
This strategic plan reflects the UVA Library system’s commitment to advancing digital accessibility across our libraries. It is grounded in the expertise and dedication of colleagues across the UVA Library system and shaped through collaboration with the Library’s Digital Accessibility Working Group and partners throughout our professional school libraries. Through this work, the UVA Library system seeks to strengthen accessibility across our own environments while contributing to the broader advancement of accessibility practices in academic libraries.
Accessibility work requires persistence, collaboration, and a willingness to continually learn and improve. I am proud of the work our Library has undertaken to strengthen digital accessibility and grateful to the many colleagues whose efforts have shaped this plan and the work it represents.
Leo Lo
University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, and Advisor for AI Literacy
UVA Library Digital Accessibility Strategic Plan persistent link and PDF: https://doi.org/10.18130/8bx5-tq79
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About this plan
Our mission
Our vision
Strategic framework
Guiding principles
Strategic themes at a glance
Strategic themes
Strategic goals and objectives
Advancing digital accessibility
Evaluating progress
Credits
About this plan
This strategic plan establishes UVA Library’s mission, guiding principles, strategic themes, and goals for digital accessibility from 2026–2030. It provides the long-term direction for how the Library will strengthen accessibility across its digital platforms, services, and content.
Implementation details, including specific tasks, timelines, responsible units, and sequencing, are documented in the companion Digital Accessibility Action Plan. Together, these documents function as a coordinated system: the strategic plan defines the what and why, while the action plan defines the how and when.
This plan is intended to guide digital accessibility work across UVA Library and its professional school libraries, while allowing units flexibility in how they meet accessibility goals within their own systems and workflows.
Our mission
UVA Library is committed to advancing digital accessibility across its systems, collections, and services. The Library is working to strengthen accessible digital environments, reduce barriers to information and resources, and ensure that members of our community can discover, use, and engage with Library materials and services.
Advancing accessibility requires sustained effort, shared responsibility, and continual learning. Through coordinated governance, accessible design and content practices, ongoing evaluation, and collaboration across the UVA Library system, the Library is integrating digital accessibility into everyday Library work and long-term planning.
Our vision
We envision a Library where digital accessibility is embedded in systems, collections, and services, enabling all members of our community to meaningfully engage with Library resources and participate fully in research, teaching, learning, and public engagement.
Strategic framework
This strategic plan will advance digital accessibility through six interconnected domains that guide governance, implementation, and continuous improvement across digital environments.
Guiding principles
The guiding principles define the Library’s core commitments and values that shape decision-making throughout this work.
- Establish shared values for accessibility across the Library
- Guide prioritization and decision-making
- Provide a consistent foundation for long-term accessibility efforts
Strategic themes
The strategic themes define the primary domains where digital accessibility must be integrated and sustained across the Library.
- Governance and processes
- Digital platforms and infrastructure
- Collection stewardship
- Digital content practices
- Workforce capacity
- Evaluation and continuous improvement
Goals and objectives
Goals and objectives translate the strategic themes into actionable work that guides implementation and measurement.
- Goals define the outcomes the Library seeks to achieve
- Objectives identify specific areas of focused effort
- Progress will be reviewed and refined over time
Guiding principles
The following guiding principles describe how UVA Library approaches digital accessibility across its digital collections, services, and systems. They reflect shared commitments that guide planning, decision-making, and ongoing work throughout the Library, and are grounded in the Library's broader mission to expand access to knowledge and support full participation in research, teaching, learning, and public engagement.
- Accessibility as core infrastructure
Digital accessibility is a core institutional commitment of the UVA Library and an essential component of how the Library provides digital collections, services, and systems. Alongside physical spaces and in-person services, the Library’s digital offerings must be accessible in order to support meaningful participation and use. Accessibility will be integrated into how digital offerings are planned, designed, implemented, maintained, and governed over time.
- Shared responsibility across the Library
Digital accessibility is a shared institutional responsibility that spans departments, roles, and areas of practice across the Library. Each area of the Library plays a role in ensuring that accessibility is considered as part of how digital collections, services, and systems are planned, created, and managed. This commitment emphasizes collaboration, role-appropriate responsibility, and shared accountability to support consistent attention to accessibility across the Library’s digital environment.
- Compliance as a baseline, not the endpoint
UVA Library is committed to providing meaningful access to its digital collections, services, and systems for all users. Ensuring that digital resources are usable, navigable, and effective in real-world contexts is central to this commitment.
The Library's work supports the University's Information Technology Accessibility policy (IRM-008), which is committed to meeting applicable legal and regulatory requirements for digital accessibility, including the Department of Justice final ruling on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act 28 C.F.R. § 35.200-.205 (2024), Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Virginia Code § 2.2-35, and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These requirements establish a necessary baseline for accessibility, which the Library seeks to meet and sustain while continuing to improve access through ongoing improvement.
- Centering real-world use and lived experience
UVA Library values accessibility approaches that incorporate user experience, testing, and feedback alongside technical standards. Understanding how digital collections, services, and systems are used in practice — including the experiences of users with disabilities — provides essential insight that cannot be captured through technical review alone.
Meaningful digital access depends on how Library resources are navigated, understood, and used in real-world contexts. Users' experiences, including those of disabled users, illuminate barriers and inform how the Library understands, prioritizes, and responds to accessibility needs across its digital environment.
- Sustainability over one-time fixes
UVA Library is committed to approaches that promote consistency, continuity, and ongoing improvement across its digital collections, services, and systems. The Library emphasizes long-term accessibility by integrating accessibility considerations into regular workflows and practices across its digital environment.
Digital accessibility is an ongoing responsibility that must be supported through sustainable practices. Given the scale and complexity of the Library’s digital environment, long-term accessibility depends on repeatable processes, shared practices, and institutional support.
As part of building sustainable workflows at scale, the Library will also evaluate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools, where they can responsibly assist with accessibility evaluation, remediation, and content preparation while maintaining appropriate human oversight.
- Transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement
UVA Library is committed to ongoing evaluation and reflection, and seeks to understand what is working, where barriers remain, and how accessibility practices can be strengthened across its digital environment.
The Library approaches its digital accessibility efforts with transparent and responsible stewardship. This includes communicating progress, acknowledging challenges, and regularly reviewing priorities and outcomes.
Strategic themes at a glance
This strategic plan advances digital accessibility through six interconnected domains that guide governance, implementation, and continuous improvement across all digital environments.
Governance and processes
Establish clear leadership, coordination, and decision-making structures to support sustained accessibility progress.
- Maintain cross-Library governance through the Digital Accessibility Working Group
- Define accountability processes for identifying and addressing accessibility barriers
- Support prioritization, reporting, and coordinated progress
Digital platforms and infrastructure
Strengthen accessibility within the Library’s technical systems and vendor-provided platforms.
- Integrate accessibility testing and remediation into platform lifecycle management
- Establish vendor accountability and accessibility expectations
- Reduce systemic barriers in digital platforms and services
Collection stewardship
Advance accessibility across licensed resources and Library-owned digital collections.
- Evaluate accessibility in vendor-provided electronic resources
- Integrate accessibility into digitization and metadata practices
- Provide accessible formats and alternative access pathways
Digital content practices
Embed accessibility into the creation and maintenance of Library-hosted digital content.
- Integrate accessibility into content creation workflows
- Maintain accessible templates and design system practices
- Monitor and remediate accessibility issues in digital content
Workforce capacity
Build shared knowledge and distributed responsibility for accessibility across the Library.
- Provide training, guidance, and documentation
- Clarify accessibility responsibilities within existing roles
- Strengthen cross-unit collaboration and knowledge sharing
Evaluation and continuous improvement
Regularly assess accessibility progress and adapt strategies over time.
- Conduct structured accessibility reviews and audits
- Incorporate user feedback and lived experience
- Adjust priorities in response to evolving technologies and needs
Strategic themes
The following strategic themes organize the Library’s digital accessibility work into distinct but interconnected areas of responsibility. Each theme defines a core domain in which accessibility must be embedded and sustained over time. The goals that follow articulate specific actions and priorities within each theme. How these themes will be implemented, including timelines and task owners, is detailed in the companion Digital Accessibility Action Plan.
- Theme 1: Governance and processes
To provide clear governance and sustained coordination and review, the UVA Library approaches digital accessibility through defined processes and shared structures that support consistent application across the Library’s digital environments. Governance includes maintaining the Digital Accessibility Working Group (DAWG) as the Library’s coordinating body for digital accessibility efforts. This structure brings together representatives from the UVA Library, UVA Health Sciences Library, and UVA Law Library to support collaboration and shared direction across the professional school libraries while recognizing their flexibility in implementing accessibility practices within their own administrative and technical environments.
Digital accessibility will be integrated into existing workflows, planning processes, and operational practices across the Library. Accountability will be supported through established processes for identifying and addressing accessibility barriers as they arise, as well as taking a proactive approach to reducing barriers over time. Prioritization frameworks will guide longer-term efforts based on feasibility, sustainability, impact, and cost.
Through collaboration, documentation, continual evaluation, reporting, and annual review of priorities and progress, the Library will monitor accessibility efforts and adjust its approach as needed. These coordinated practices will support structured, measurable progress toward sustained compliance and improved accessibility.
- Theme 2: Digital platforms and infrastructure
UVA Library maintains a range of digital platforms and technical systems that support discovery, access, and delivery of Library services and resources. The accessibility of these systems depends on both vendor design and the Library’s configuration and maintenance practices. This theme addresses accessibility at the infrastructure level, reducing systemic barriers across the Library’s digital environment. Alongside technical testing, the Library will engage users who rely on assistive technologies through accessibility and usability evaluation to guide improvements over time.
For platforms built or maintained by the Library, automated and manual accessibility testing will identify barriers. These barriers will be addressed through documented remediation and follow-up testing prioritized based on system use, impact, and feasibility. Accessibility will also be evaluated during upgrades and enhancements to reduce the introduction of new barriers.
For third-party platforms, the Library will integrate accessibility expectations into the procurement process, requiring vendors to provide a current Accessibility Compliance Report (ACR, completed using a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) reviewed against established criteria. Contracts will require compliance with applicable laws and standards and include provisions for remediation when barriers are identified, with vendors expected to demonstrate measurable progress over time.
- Theme 3: Collection stewardship
UVA Library stewards a wide range of collections, including licensed electronic resources, digitized materials, born-digital content, and special collections. This theme addresses the accessibility of the materials the Library acquires, preserves, and provides for research. Improving access requires coordinated effort, ongoing evaluation, vendor engagement, and feedback from disabled researchers, students, and community members through accessibility requests and user engagement.
For licensed electronic resources, the Library will evaluate digital accessibility as part of acquisition and renewal processes and will advocate and work with vendors for improved accessibility. Vendors will be required to provide current accessibility documentation, and disclosures will be reviewed using established evaluation criteria. When barriers are identified, the Library will request remediation, seek measurable progress, and pursue accessible alternatives, recognizing that vendors serving niche, nonprofit, or underrepresented scholarly communities may face particular challenges in meeting accessibility standards.
For Library-owned and digitized materials, accessibility will be incorporated into digitization practices, metadata creation, and access workflows. Remediation and format conversion efforts will be prioritized based on use, impact, and feasibility.
The Library will maintain structured processes for providing accessible versions of collection materials in support of teaching, learning, and research, strengthening accessibility across its collections.
- Theme 4: Digital content practices
UVA Library creates, manages, and hosts a wide range of digital content, including websites, guides, reports, instructional materials, exhibits, and other public-facing resources. This theme focuses on the accessibility of the digital content the Library creates and hosts. Strengthening accessibility across these materials requires consistent practices, structured monitoring, and prioritized remediation.
Accessibility will be integrated into content creation and maintenance workflows through the Library’s accessible design system, templates, and content guidance. As part of these workflows, the Library will also evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, where they can responsibly assist with tasks such as captioning, transcription, document remediation, and alt text generation while maintaining appropriate human oversight. When the Library provides publishing platforms or support services, accessibility considerations will be incorporated to promote accessible outcomes.
The Library will monitor and evaluate Library-hosted content, incorporating accessibility review and feedback from people who rely on assistive technologies. Identified barriers will be addressed through documented remediation efforts prioritized based on use, impact, and feasibility.
- Theme 5: Workforce capacity
Digital accessibility work depends on the collective efforts of individuals across roles, units, and professional school libraries. Advancing digital accessibility efforts requires building shared understanding and practical skills. The Library will strengthen its ability to implement and support digital accessibility practices through sustained attention to workforce development and shared responsibility.
The Library will provide ongoing training, guidance, documentation, and tool support to help staff incorporate digital accessibility into their everyday work. This includes supporting staff in selecting, acquiring, and using appropriate tools for accessibility tasks such as captioning, transcription, document remediation, and content preparation, including newer and AI-enabled tools where appropriate.
Responsibilities related to digital accessibility will be clarified within existing roles and workflows, and staff will be provided with tools and support to effectively carry out those responsibilities. The Library will promote cross-unit collaboration and knowledge sharing to reduce overreliance on a small number of individuals and to strengthen institutional capacity over time.
- Theme 6: Evaluation and continuous improvement
Digital accessibility requires ongoing evaluation as technologies, tools, standards, and internal capacity evolve. The UVA Library recognizes that accessibility practices must adapt over time in response to changes in digital environments, emerging technologies, and evolving user experience needs. This includes evaluating technologies such as AI-enabled systems that may help support accessibility work at scale, particularly in identifying barriers and assisting with remediation of existing digital content.
The Library will conduct regular audits and structured reviews of its digital environments and co-design solutions with users who rely on assistive technologies. The results will guide prioritization, remediation planning, and future improvements.
The Library will track trends in identified barriers, monitor progress in reducing accessibility gaps, and identify recurring or systemic challenges. Insights gained through evaluation will be incorporated into governance decisions, workflow adjustments, and workforce development efforts.
Strategic goals and objectives
Governance and processes
Goal 1: Strengthen governance structures for digital accessibility
Ensure that digital accessibility efforts are coordinated, documented, and advanced through shared structures and clearly defined processes across the Library.
- Governance and processes: Goal 1 objectives
Objective 1.1
Maintain and strengthen the Library’s Digital Accessibility Working Group (DAWG) as a cross-Library coordinating body that supports shared direction, communication, and collaboration across the professional school libraries.Objective 1.2
Define, document, and communicate governance processes and decision-making pathways that clarify how digital accessibility issues are identified, reviewed, coordinated, and addressed across the Library.Objective 1.3
Develop and apply structured prioritization frameworks to guide decision-making related to accessibility remediation, risk reduction, and long-term improvement efforts, incorporating user experience findings and user-reported barriers alongside feasibility, impact, sustainability, and cost.Objective 1.4
Establish consistent reporting and review practices to track accessibility efforts, monitor progress, and inform annual planning and adjustment, integrating user experience findings and feedback into the review process.
Goal 2: Integrate digital accessibility into planning and operational processes
Ensure that digital accessibility is systematically incorporated into planning, procurement, and operational workflows across the Library.
- Governance and processes: Goal 2 objectives
Objective 2.1
Embed digital accessibility checkpoints into planning and project initiation processes.Objective 2.2
Incorporate digital accessibility review into procurement evaluation and vendor selection processes.Objective 2.3
Establish accessibility review checkpoints prior to the launch or significant modification of digital services and systems.
Digital platforms and infrastructure
Goal 1: Strengthen accessibility of Library-built and maintained systems
Ensure that digital systems developed and maintained by the Library incorporate accessibility throughout their lifecycle, including ongoing testing, documentation, and prioritized remediation.
- Digital platforms and infrastructure: Goal 1 objectives
Objective 1.1
Establish and document a structured accessibility testing process, including defined evaluation methods and a recurring review schedule for Library-built and maintained systems.Objective 1.2
Evaluate accessibility and usability using a combination of automated, manual, heuristic, and structured review methods, and incorporate feedback from users who rely on assistive technologies as part of system development and updates.Objective 1.3
Develop, maintain, and update documented remediation plans for identified accessibility barriers.Objective 1.4
Implement prioritized remediation efforts and conduct follow-up testing to verify resolution of identified accessibility barriers.
Goal 2: Strengthen accessibility accountability in third-party platforms
Purpose: Establish and apply structured accountability mechanisms to advance accessibility in vendor-provided digital platforms.
- Digital platforms and infrastructure: Goal 2 objectives
Objective 2.1
Establish and communicate the Library’s accessibility expectations to vendors providing digital platforms and systems. Require vendors to provide a current Accessibility Compliance Report or comparable accessibility documentation and review those materials using established evaluation criteria and scoring rubrics.Objective 2.2
Articulate and communicate the Library’s accessibility expectations and priorities to vendors during selection, procurement, and renewal processes.Objective 2.3
Engage vendors to address identified accessibility barriers, seek measurable progress toward remediation, and document responsiveness over time.Objective 2.4
Consider documented accessibility performance and responsiveness as part of ongoing partnership decisions.
Goal 3: Sustain accessibility throughout platform lifecycle management
Ensure that accessibility is maintained and strengthened during significant system changes, including upgrades, enhancements, and platform transitions.
- Digital platforms and infrastructure: Goal 3 objectives
Objective 3.1
Incorporate accessibility review into planning and implementation processes for significant system changes to reduce the introduction of new barriers.Objective 3.2
Evaluate accessibility implications during platform upgrades, migrations, and major system transitions prior to deployment.Objective 3.3
Document accessibility considerations and decisions during system modifications to support continuity, knowledge retention, and long-term sustainability.
Collection stewardship
Goal 1: Advance accessibility in licensed electronic resources
Establish structured evaluation, communication, and advocacy practices to advance accessibility in licensed electronic resources, including e-Books, e-Journals, databases, datasets, licensed multimedia, and other publisher-provided digital content.
- Collection stewardship: Goal 1 objectives
Objective 1.1
Establish and communicate the Library’s accessibility expectations to publishers and content providers, including the expectation that vendors provide accessibility documentation for licensed electronic resources. Require publishers and content providers to provide a current Accessibility Compliance Report or comparable accessibility documentation. The Library will review those materials using established evaluation criteria.Objective 1.2
Communicate the Library’s accessibility expectations and priorities to publishers and content providers at multiple points in the vendor lifecycle, including selection, renewal, and ongoing engagement.Objective 1.3
Engage publishers and content providers to address identified accessibility barriers and advance measurable progress toward improved accessibility.Objective 1.4
Develop and implement structured alternative access strategies for licensed content when accessibility barriers cannot be immediately resolved, including accessible format requests and vendor coordination.
Goal 2: Strengthen accessibility of Library-owned and digitized collections
Integrate accessibility considerations into the stewardship, digitization, description, and access of Library-owned materials, including digitized collections, born-digital holdings, special collections, rare materials, multimedia, audio, and web archives.
- Collection stewardship: Goal 2 objectives
Objective 2.1
Incorporate accessibility considerations into digitization and digital production workflows and technical standards for Library-owned materials, including special collections and rare materials.Objective 2.2
Ensure accessibility considerations are incorporated into metadata standards, description practices, and discovery systems in coordination with relevant Library groups.Objective 2.3
Prioritize remediation and format enhancement efforts for digitized and born-digital materials based on use, impact, and feasibility.Objective 2.4
Advance accessibility of Library multimedia and audio materials through structured captioning, transcription, audio description, and language access practices. Efforts will be prioritized based on use, impact, and feasibility, recognizing the complexity and scale of audiovisual collections.Objective 2.5
Ensure that platforms providing access to web archives meet accessibility requirements, and evaluate opportunities to improve access to archived content where feasible while preserving the integrity of original materials.
Goal 3: Provide accessible formats and services
Ensure clear and structured pathways to request and receive accessible versions of Library materials through defined processes that support teaching, learning, research, and public engagement.
- Collection stewardship: Goal 3 objectives
Objective 3.1
Integrate mechanisms into relevant request workflows that allow accessibility needs to be indicated when requesting Library materials.Objective 3.2
Maintain clear and publicly documented pathways for requesting accessible formats of Library materials.Objective 3.3
Provide accessible versions of Library materials that support meaningful and usable access through defined and sustainable processes.Objective 3.4
Coordinate fulfillment of accessibility requests through clear roles, shared workflows, and ongoing collaboration across relevant Library units.
Digital content practices
Goal 1: Embed accessibility into digital content and interface design
Integrate digital accessibility into the creation, design, and maintenance of Library-created and Library-hosted digital content and user interfaces, including web pages, forms, documents, PDFs, embedded media, navigation structures, and interface components, through consistent use of the Library’s shared design system across UVA Library and the professional school libraries.
- Digital content practices: Goal 1 objectives
Objective 1.1
Integrate accessibility standards and practices into content creation and interface design workflows for Library-created and Library-hosted digital materials.Objective 1.2
Establish, maintain, and evolve the Library’s shared design system to ensure accessible templates, interface components, and interaction patterns are consistently implemented across UVA Library and the professional school libraries.Objective 1.3
Incorporate structured accessibility review practices into content development and maintenance processes, including for web pages, forms, documents, PDFs, and embedded media, to support ongoing identification and correction of accessibility barriers.Objective 1.4
Integrate accessibility considerations into Library-supported publishing and content platforms at the point of content creation and configuration.
Goal 2: Implement monitoring, documentation, and prioritized remediation
Establish and maintain structured monitoring, documentation, and prioritized remediation practices for Library-hosted digital content and interfaces, including defined criteria and processes for updating, archiving, replacing, or removing outdated or non-compliant materials.
- Digital content practices: Goal 2 objectives
Objective 2.1
Conduct regular accessibility monitoring and evaluation of Library-hosted digital content and interfaces using a combination of automated tools, manual review, and user-informed assessment methods.Objective 2.2
Maintain shared documentation of identified accessibility barriers, remediation actions, and status tracking to support coordinated and transparent progress.Objective 2.3
Apply defined prioritization frameworks to guide remediation efforts and clarify ownership and responsibility for addressing identified accessibility barriers.Objective 2.4
Develop and implement criteria and decision-making processes for updating, archiving, replacing, or removing outdated or non-compliant digital content.
Goal 3: Establish lifecycle and accessibility management for Library-hosted digital content created by the University community
Establish and maintain structured accessibility expectations, defined support levels, and lifecycle management practices for digital content created by members of the University community and hosted on Library platforms, including clear processes for reviewing, prioritizing, updating, archiving, or addressing non-compliant materials in alignment with UVA-wide policies.
- Digital content practices: Goal 3 objectives
Objective 3.1
Define and communicate accessibility expectations for digital content created by members of the University community supported through Library platforms and departments.Objective 3.2
Establish clearly articulated support levels and guidance for digital content created by members of the University community, including the scope of Library assistance and responsibilities.Objective 3.3
Implement structured review and lifecycle management processes for digital content created by members of the University community, including defined criteria for prioritizing, updating, archiving, or addressing non-compliant materials in coordination with UVA-wide accessibility and records management policies.
Goal 4: Establish accessibility practices for Library-supported publishing platforms
Establish structured accessibility practices across Library-supported publishing platforms to promote accessible configuration, clear expectations, appropriate guidance, and sustained, prioritized attention to legacy content.
- Digital content practices: Goal 4 objectives
Objective 4.1
Configure and maintain publishing platforms to support accessible templates, submission workflows, and content structures that promote accessible outputs.Objective 4.2
Provide clear accessibility guidance, expectations, and available support for authors contributing content through Library-supported publishing platforms.Objective 4.3
Define support levels and review practices for publishing platforms, including the scope of Library assistance and pathways for addressing accessibility concerns.Objective 4.4
Develop and apply sustained, prioritized approaches for addressing accessibility barriers in legacy publishing platform content.
Workforce capacity
Goal 1: Build shared knowledge and practical skills in digital accessibility
Strengthen and grow the Library’s collective understanding of digital accessibility by providing structured training, documentation, and practical guidance that help staff integrate accessibility into everyday digital work.
- Workforce capacity: Goal 1 objectives
Objective 1.1
Develop and deliver structured digital accessibility training opportunities in multiple formats, including synchronous and asynchronous options, to meet a range of roles, experience levels, and applied implementation needs across the Library.Objective 1.2
Embed digital accessibility guidance, shared expectations, and practical documentation into everyday workflows and internal resources to support consistent implementation and ongoing staff support across the Library.Objective 1.3
Maintain and regularly update internal accessibility guidance, templates, and reference materials to reflect evolving standards, tools, and Library practices.Objective 1.4
Establish clear pathways for staff to seek guidance, consultation, and peer learning related to digital accessibility practices, reducing reliance on isolated expertise and supporting distributed knowledge across professional school libraries.
Goal 2: Clarify roles and provide ongoing support for accessibility practices
Clarify how digital accessibility responsibilities are integrated into existing roles and workflows. Ensure staff have the tools, guidance, and support needed to implement accessible practices effectively and identify where additional expertise or capacity will be required to sustain progress.
- Workforce capacity: Goal 2 objectives
Objective 2.1
Identify, document, and communicate how digital accessibility responsibilities intersect with existing roles, workflows, and decision-making processes across the Library to reduce ambiguity and support consistent implementation.Objective 2.2
Identify and prioritize role-specific accessibility support needs and develop tools, templates, and guidance based on impact and implementation readiness to support effective integration into everyday work.Objective 2.3
Assess areas where additional expertise, coordination, or capacity will be necessary to sustain and advance digital accessibility efforts, informed by documented implementation challenges, workload trends, and accessibility data.
Goal 3: Strengthen cross-Library collaboration and reduce reliance on isolated expertise
Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across the Library to distribute digital accessibility expertise and reduce overreliance on isolated individuals or units. Support sustainable implementation by embedding accessibility knowledge across teams.
- Workforce capacity: Goal 3 objectives
Objective 3.1
Identify areas where digital accessibility expertise is concentrated and implement cross-training and peer capacity-building efforts to distribute and grow knowledge and reduce overreliance on individual staff members.Objective 3.2
Develop and maintain shared documentation of accessibility practices, implementation approaches, and lessons learned to support consistency, replication, and collective capacity-building across UVA Library and the professional school libraries.
Evaluation and continuous improvement
Goal 1: Evaluate implementation and impact
Continuously evaluate the Library’s digital accessibility efforts through reflection on implementation and outcomes. Actively seek and incorporate user feedback and lived experiences to understand how digital environments function in practice. Adapt priorities and approaches over time to remain responsive to changing technologies, standards, and community needs.
- Evaluation and continuous improvement: Goal 1 objectives
Objective 1.1
Conduct regular reviews of digital accessibility initiatives to assess effectiveness, implementation progress, and impact across digital environments.Objective 1.2
Document evaluation findings and identify areas for refinement or further action.
Goal 2: Center user experience and feedback
Actively seek and incorporate user feedback and lived experiences to understand how digital environments function in practice.
- Evaluation and continuous improvement: Goal 2 objectives
Objective 2.1
Create direct, accessible, and continuous channels for our community to share their real-world experiences with our digital platforms.Objective 2.2
Directly apply feedback from disabled users to shape our yearly priorities, and remediation plans, and annual review processes, to inform future decisions and improvement efforts.
Goal 3: Adapt and refine accessibility strategies over time
Adapt priorities and approaches over time to remain responsive to changing technologies, standards, and community needs.
- Evaluation and continuous improvement: Goal 3 objectives
Objective 3.1
Conduct an annual review of digital accessibility priorities and progress to inform updates to goals and implementation approaches.Objective 3.2
Adjust strategies and resource allocation in response to evaluation findings, user insights, and evolving standards to strengthen accessibility practices while maintaining defined service levels and support commitments.Objective 3.3
Maintain ongoing review of systems and platforms with significant accessibility limitations when no viable alternatives exist. Continue to engage vendors and partners to encourage accessibility improvements and periodically reassess available alternatives as technologies and solutions evolve.
Advancing digital accessibility
Advancing digital accessibility across the UVA Library system requires sustained effort, collaboration, and continued learning. Because our digital environments, technologies, and services evolve over time, progress will be reflected through ongoing improvements in how accessibility is embedded across our systems, collections, content, and practices. The following areas highlight key ways the Library will understand and reflect on its progress.
Equally important is understanding how this work is experienced in practice. The Library will continue seeking feedback from users about their experiences accessing digital resources and services, using those insights to understand where our efforts are working and where further improvement is needed.
Embedding accessibility
Progress in this area will be reflected through the continued integration of digital accessibility into the systems, governance structures, and everyday practices of the UVA Library system. This includes strengthening shared approaches to accessibility across digital platforms, services, and workflows, and supporting coordinated efforts across the professional school libraries.
Over time, progress will also be reflected in how accessibility considerations are incorporated into planning, decision-making, system design, and the ongoing maintenance of digital environments that support research, teaching, and learning.
Advancing accessible collections and content
Progress in this area will be reflected through continued efforts to improve the accessibility of the Library’s digital collections, licensed resources, digitized materials, and publicly available digital content. Because these resources span a wide range of formats, platforms, and ownership models, improving accessibility requires coordinated efforts across both internal Library practices and engagement with external vendors and content providers.
Over time, progress will also be reflected through expanded availability of accessible versions of Library materials, improvements in how digital content is created and maintained, and continued advocacy for improved accessibility across the broader digital information ecosystem.
Building knowledge and shared responsibility
Progress in this area will be reflected through sustained efforts to build shared understanding and practical knowledge of digital accessibility across the UVA Library system, strengthening the Library’s collective capacity to incorporate accessibility into everyday practices. Because accessibility work touches many aspects of Library operations, supporting staff in developing the skills and confidence to address accessibility is essential to ensuring that accessibility considerations are incorporated into everyday practices across roles and units.
Over time, progress will also be reflected through expanded training opportunities, clearer internal guidance and documentation, and increased collaboration across departments. As knowledge grows and accessibility practices become more widely shared, the Library will strengthen its ability to sustain accessibility efforts and respond to emerging needs.
Progress will also be supported through collaboration with peer libraries, library organizations, and broader University initiatives focused on digital accessibility. Many accessibility challenges extend beyond the scope of a single institution, and coordinated efforts across the Library community can help strengthen expectations for accessibility and encourage improvements in shared technologies and vendor platforms.
Understanding impact
Progress in this area will be reflected through ongoing evaluation of how digital accessibility efforts are improving access to Library resources, services, and digital environments across the UVA Library system. The Library will continue to review its digital environments, identify accessibility barriers, and track patterns that help guide prioritization and improvement efforts.
Equally important is understanding how these efforts are experienced in practice. The Library will continue to seek feedback from users about their experiences accessing digital content and services and will use those insights to inform priorities, guide improvements, and demonstrate how user experience shapes accessibility decisions over time.
Evaluating progress
UVA Library will regularly evaluate its digital environments, services, and practices to understand how accessibility efforts are functioning in practice and where improvements are needed. Evaluation will combine technical review, user experience insights, and internal documentation to provide a clear view of progress and remaining challenges. These practices will help the Library identify barriers, track progress, and refine accessibility efforts across systems, collections, services, and staff practices.
Accessibility review
The Library will conduct routine accessibility reviews of its digital platforms, systems, vendor-provided services, and content to identify barriers and monitor progress in improving accessibility. Reviews may include automated testing, manual evaluation, usability and accessibility testing, and targeted assessments of widely used systems and services. Findings from these reviews will inform remediation priorities, guide system improvements, and support the ongoing refinement of accessibility practices across the UVA Library system.
User feedback and experience
The Library will maintain multiple avenues for gathering user feedback and insights, including accessibility reporting mechanisms, user research, and direct engagement with disabled users. User insights will help the Library understand how digital environments function in real-world contexts and will inform improvements to systems, content, and services.
Documentation and internal reporting
The Library will maintain internal documentation that records the accessibility status of systems and services, along with ongoing accessibility efforts, remediation activities, and recurring accessibility challenges. Regular reporting will support coordination across units, inform decision-making, and provide visibility into progress and ongoing priorities.
Reflection and improvement
The Library will regularly reflect on the outcomes of its accessibility work, incorporating lessons learned from accessibility reviews, user feedback, and operational experience. These reflections will inform proactive and responsive adjustments to priorities, workflows, and practices, helping the UVA Library system continually strengthen and refine its approach to digital accessibility.
Credits
This strategic plan was developed through the leadership of the UVA Library system’s digital accessibility initiatives, in collaboration with the Digital Accessibility Working Group (DAWG) and partners across the UVA Library system, including the UVA Health Sciences Library, UVA Law Library, and UVA Wise Library.
The plan reflects the shared expertise and ongoing work of Library staff committed to advancing digital accessibility across systems, collections, services, and staff practices.
The UVA Library is grateful to colleagues across the Library who contributed insight, feedback, and support throughout the development of this strategic plan.
Author
Elysé Girard
Executive Director, Assessment, Communications, and User Experience
University of Virginia Library
Institutional Review
This strategic plan was reviewed and approved by the Office of the University Counsel to ensure alignment with applicable accessibility regulations and institutional policies.
Contact
Questions or feedback regarding the UVA Library Digital Accessibility Strategic Plan may be directed to:
UVA Library
Charlottesville, Virginia
library.virginia.edu
lib-a11y@virginia.edu