Melvyl Accessibility
Review


Academic Technology Services/Office of Information Technology

 Results and Recommended Actions

Basic Search Page

Figure 1 - Screenshot of Basic Search Page


Figure 2 - Screenshot of Basic Search Error page
Results


Section 508 Checklist Item(s)

Status

Recommendations

(c) Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup.

Error messages are shown in red without textual reference that an error has occurred.

Add error handling to the message, making it clearer that an error has occurred:
"We were not able to process your request.
First enter your search term(s) and then select Search.”

(n) When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.

Form controls have no labels.

Add form labels

Usability Recommendations

  • Move "Optional Limits” within form area or simply remove altogether
  • Combine the"Search Examples” and"Search Tip” box. (Sections of similar content and purpose should be grouped together.)
  • Keep the page simple.
  • On this page, the onload/focus() in the body tag works, since most people will understand that it is just a search page.  However, if this is the main page for the site, reconsider using this technique.  The onload/focus() takes people directly to the search input box when using a screen reader, bypassing all explanatory content.

 Search Results page

Figure 3 - Screenshot of Search Results page
Results


Section 508 Checklist Item(s)

Status

Recommendations

(c) Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup.

Error messages are shown in red without textual reference that an error has occurred.

Add error handling to the message (in addition to the red color, making it clearer that an error has occurred. (The error was triggered by hitting the Search button without any search terms in the edit field.) There are additional ways of drawing the user's attention (autofocus event, popup error dialog box, etc.). However, making the error text more explicit is the easiest method.

[I haven’t added this to the later sections with this problem; I want to make sure the text makes sense first.]:
"We were not able to process your request.
First enter your search term(s) and then select Search.”

(l) When pages utilize scripting languages to display content, or to create interface elements, the information provided by the script shall be identified with functional text that can be read by assistive technology.

Using JavaScript in HREF instead of calling JavaScript event

Remove JavaScript from HREF tags.  Use the onFocus element for JavaScript events.

(n) When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.

Form controls have no labels.

Add form labels

Code Example:
In Search Results:

Instead of:

Line 345 : ... <A HREF='javascript:open_window("http://..../F/BSFICBE66GGJ92IA2PQ4SBUYEJFL1XA6PAQPDAKXXCCF8G437S-00701?func=service&doc_number=000907218&line_number=0013&service_type=TAG");'>More treasures from American film archives, 1894-1931 ;program 3</A>...

Use this:

... <A HREF="http://..../F/BSFICBE66GGJ92IA2PQ4SBUYEJFL1XA6PAQPDAKXXCCF8G437S-00701?func=service&doc_number=000907218&line_number=0013&service_type=TAG" onFocus ='javascript:open_window("http://..../F/BSFICBE66GGJ92IA2PQ4SBUYEJFL1XA6PAQPDAKXXCCF8G437S-00701?func=service&doc_number=000907218&line_number=0013&service_type=TAG");'>More treasures from American film archives, 1894-1931 ;program 3</A>...

“Full View of Record” page
Figure 4 - Screenshot of  Full View of Record
Results


Section 508 Checklist Item(s)

Status

Recommendations

(l) When pages utilize scripting languages to display content, or to create interface elements, the information provided by the script shall be identified with functional text that can be read by assistive technology.

Using JavaScript in HREF instead of calling JavaScript event

Remove JavaScript from HREF tags.  Use the onFocus element for JavaScript events.

(n) When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.

Form controls have no labels.

Add form labels

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