7.3 Accessibility and discoverability of digital archives
6 min read•july 29, 2024
Digital archives are treasure troves of information, but they're only valuable if people can find and use them. Making these archives accessible and discoverable is crucial for preserving and sharing rescued stories with a wider audience.
From user-friendly interfaces to search engine optimization, there are many ways to improve access to digital archives. Compliance with accessibility standards and strategic outreach efforts can help ensure these valuable resources reach their intended users and make a lasting impact.
User-friendly interface design
Organizing and structuring content
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- involves arranging the parts of a digital archive to be understandable and sustainable
- Organize content in an effective way (by subject, format, date, etc.)
- Structure the information hierarchy logically with categories and subcategories
- Use clear and consistent labeling for sections and navigation elements
- Implement controlled vocabularies to improve searchability of content
Intuitive navigation and search
- Design navigation systems that allow users to easily move through the digital archive and find materials
- Include global navigation menus that are accessible from every page
- Provide local navigation options based on the current page or section
- Use breadcrumbs to show the user's location within the site hierarchy
- Offer related links to guide users to similar or complementary content
- Incorporate on-page links to enable easy jumping between sections
- Implement faceted search and browsing functionality
- Allow users to explore the collection by applying multiple filters (subject, date range, content type)
- Provide a clear interface for selecting and deselecting facet values
- Display search results with relevant and thumbnails
- Offer sorting and pagination options to help users navigate large result sets
Accessibility considerations
- Ensure that the digital archive interface is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with disabilities
- Provide text alternatives for non-text content (images, videos, audio)
- Use sufficient color contrast and allow for content resizing
- Implement keyboard accessibility for all functionality
- Write clear and concise text content at an appropriate reading level
- Ensure compatibility with assistive technologies (screen readers, magnifiers)
- Follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines () standards and best practices
- Conform to the latest WCAG version (currently 2.1)
- Aim to meet Level AA success criteria at a minimum
- Test interfaces with automated accessibility evaluation tools and manual checks
- Provide an accessibility statement outlining the archive's conformance status
Search engine optimization for archives
On-page optimization techniques
- Optimize the content and HTML of archive pages to improve search engine visibility
- Use relevant keywords in page titles, headings, and body text ("digital archive", "historical documents")
- Write unique, compelling meta descriptions for each page
- Implement structured data markup (Schema.org) to provide semantic context
- Ensure that content is original, comprehensive, and high-quality
- Follow copywriting best practices (short paragraphs, bullet points, internal linking)
- Improve the technical aspects of archive pages to meet search engine requirements
- Optimize page load speed by compressing images and minifying code
- Implement a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes and devices
- Use a secure HTTPS connection with a valid SSL certificate
- Create an XML sitemap and submit it to search engine webmaster tools
- Implement canonical tags for duplicate or similar content pages
Off-page optimization strategies
- Acquire high-quality, relevant inbound links from other reputable websites to improve link popularity and PageRank
- Create valuable, informative, or entertaining content that naturally attracts links
- Promote content on social media channels to drive shares and referral traffic
- Conduct outreach to relevant publications, organizations, or influencers for link opportunities
- Contribute guest blog posts or articles to aligned external websites
- Participate in online communities and forums related to archives and history
- Monitor and analyze link profile using tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or Moz
- Identify and disavow any low-quality or spammy inbound links
- Compare link metrics to top-ranking competitor archives for benchmarking
- Aim for a diverse link profile with links from different domains and IP addresses
Web accessibility compliance
WCAG standards and principles
- Follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) international standards
- WCAG is developed by the World Wide Web Consortium () in cooperation with accessibility experts worldwide
- WCAG 2.1 is the latest version covering a wide range of recommendations
- Conformance levels include A (lowest), AA (mid-range), and AAA (highest)
- Aim to meet all Level A and AA success criteria for maximum conformance
- Understand and apply the four main principles of WCAG
- Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive
- Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable
- Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable
- Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies
Accessibility laws and regulations
- Ensure compliance with relevant accessibility laws and regulations based on the archive's jurisdiction and audience
- of the Rehabilitation Act requires U.S. federal agencies to make electronic and information technology accessible
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life
- The European Accessibility Act (EAA) aims to improve the functioning of the internal market for accessible products and services
- The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) sets standards for accessibility in Ontario, Canada
- Develop an accessibility policy and statement for the digital archive
- Create a policy that outlines the archive's commitment to providing an accessible web presence
- Define roles and responsibilities for maintaining accessibility compliance over time
- Publish an accessibility statement that describes the archive's conformance status and any known limitations
- Provide contact information for users to report accessibility issues or request accommodations
Outreach strategies for digital archives
Audience research and segmentation
- Conduct research to identify and understand the target audiences for the digital archive
- Collect demographic information (age, gender, location, education level)
- Gather psychographic data (interests, attitudes, values)
- Analyze user behaviors and interactions with the archive website
- Identify key needs, goals, and challenges related to using the archive
- Develop audience personas and journey maps to inform outreach strategies
- Create fictional characters that represent typical users in each audience segment
- Write detailed profiles including demographics, goals, motivations, and pain points
- Map out the steps and touchpoints in the user journey from awareness to advocacy
- Use personas and journey maps to brainstorm targeted outreach tactics and messaging
Multichannel communications planning
- Develop a comprehensive communications plan to provide stakeholders with information through various channels
- Identify key stakeholder groups (researchers, educators, students, genealogists)
- Craft strategic messages that align with the needs and interests of each audience segment
- Select appropriate communication channels for each message and audience (email, social media, press releases)
- Define SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and success metrics
- Create an editorial calendar to plan and schedule content across channels
- Leverage social media platforms to increase awareness and engagement
- Share collection highlights, "on this day in history" facts, and behind-the-scenes content
- Participate in relevant hashtag campaigns (#ArchivesHashtagParty, #AskAnArchivist)
- Host social media takeovers or AMAs (Ask Me Anything) with archivists and curators
- Run paid social media ad campaigns to reach new audiences and drive website traffic
- Publish regular email newsletters to keep audiences informed and engaged
- Feature new collection acquisitions, digitized materials, and blog posts
- Highlight upcoming events, workshops, and exhibitions related to the archive
- Offer tips and tutorials for using the archive website and conducting research
- Include clear calls-to-action (CTAs) to visit the website, explore collections, or contact the archive
Strategic partnerships and collaborations
- Identify and pursue collaborative partnerships with aligned organizations to extend the archive's reach and impact
- Seek out academic institutions, historical societies, museums, and libraries with complementary collections or audiences
- Propose joint projects such as research initiatives, educational programs, or digital exhibitions
- Collaborate on grant applications to secure funding for shared goals and activities
- Engage in co-marketing campaigns to cross-promote each organization's resources and services
- Establish mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders and influencers
- Partner with educators to develop primary source sets and lesson plans using archive materials
- Collaborate with scholars and researchers on publications, presentations, and data visualizations
- Work with genealogical societies and family history centers to provide access to relevant collections
- Engage local community groups and cultural heritage organizations in outreach events and programs
Key Terms to Review (18)
ADA compliance: ADA compliance refers to the adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, which require that all public spaces, including digital environments, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This ensures that websites and digital archives provide equal access to information and services, promoting inclusivity and usability for everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
Aria: An aria is a self-contained piece for one voice, typically found in operas, oratorios, and cantatas, designed to showcase the singer's vocal skills and express emotions. Within the context of digital archives, the aria serves as an example of a distinct artistic expression that can be preserved, accessed, and discovered through various digital means, highlighting the importance of accessibility and discoverability in archiving cultural works.
Content obsolescence: Content obsolescence refers to the degradation or loss of digital information due to the evolution of technology and formats, making it difficult or impossible to access or utilize the data. This issue arises when digital content becomes incompatible with newer systems, leading to accessibility challenges and diminishing discoverability in digital archives. Understanding this term is crucial for addressing how long-term preservation efforts can be undermined by rapid technological advancements.
Digital divide: The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals and communities that have access to modern information and communication technology, such as the internet and computers, and those that do not. This divide affects not only technological access but also the ability to use these technologies effectively, leading to disparities in information, education, and economic opportunities. The consequences of the digital divide can significantly impact accessibility to resources and ethical decision-making in adopting new technologies.
Digital library: A digital library is an online repository that provides access to a collection of digital resources, such as books, articles, images, and multimedia, typically organized for easy search and retrieval. Digital libraries enhance accessibility and discoverability, allowing users to find and utilize information without the physical limitations of traditional libraries. They often include features like metadata, search functionalities, and user interfaces that support diverse user needs.
Dublin Core: Dublin Core is a set of 15 standard metadata elements used to describe a wide range of resources, making them easier to discover and access. These elements provide a simple yet effective way to ensure consistent information about digital items, improving both accessibility and discoverability of digital archives through organized and interoperable metadata.
Information Architecture: Information architecture refers to the structural design of shared information environments, focusing on organizing, labeling, and navigating content effectively. This concept is crucial for ensuring that users can easily access and understand information, which enhances the user experience. It plays a vital role in shaping how content is presented in digital spaces, influencing the way stories are told interactively and immersively, as well as determining how easily users can discover and interact with digital archives.
Institutional Repository: An institutional repository is a digital archive that collects, preserves, and disseminates the intellectual output of an institution, typically a university or research organization. These repositories enhance accessibility and discoverability of digital archives by providing a centralized platform for storing research papers, theses, dissertations, and other scholarly works, making them accessible to a wider audience. They play a critical role in promoting open access and ensuring that valuable academic resources are preserved for future generations.
Metadata: Metadata refers to structured information that describes, explains, or otherwise makes it easier to retrieve, use, and manage data. It serves as a set of data about data, providing essential context such as the origin, structure, and format of a dataset or digital object. In various fields, including digital archives and oral history, metadata plays a vital role in enhancing accessibility and discoverability of resources, guiding researchers in their investigations and ensuring the integrity of narratives.
National Federation of the Blind: The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is a U.S. organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of blind individuals. It focuses on improving accessibility, ensuring that people with visual impairments have equal opportunities, especially regarding education and employment. The NFB plays a crucial role in promoting the discoverability of digital archives by emphasizing the need for inclusive practices in technology and information management.
Omeka: Omeka is an open-source web-publishing platform designed for the management and display of digital collections and archives. It empowers users, especially in the cultural heritage sector, to create engaging online exhibits that enhance the accessibility and discoverability of digital archives while supporting scholarly and public engagement with historical content.
Section 508: Section 508 refers to a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. This includes ensuring that digital content, such as websites and software applications, is usable by individuals with various disabilities, thereby promoting inclusivity and equal access to information.
SEO: SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the process of enhancing a website's visibility on search engines like Google to increase organic traffic. By optimizing various elements such as content, keywords, and backlinks, SEO ensures that digital archives are easily accessible and discoverable by users searching for specific information. A well-executed SEO strategy directly impacts how users interact with digital archives, allowing them to uncover lost stories and resources more effectively.
Universal Design: Universal design is a concept that refers to the creation of products and environments that are accessible and usable by all people, regardless of their age, ability, or status. This approach aims to provide equal access and opportunities for interaction with digital content, ensuring that everyone can benefit from resources, such as digital archives, without barriers or restrictions. The principles of universal design emphasize inclusivity, which is essential for enhancing the accessibility and discoverability of various information sources.
User testing: User testing is a method used to evaluate a product, service, or system by observing real users as they interact with it. This process helps identify usability issues and gather feedback on the overall user experience, making it crucial for improving accessibility and discoverability in digital archives. By understanding how users navigate and utilize digital collections, organizations can enhance their interfaces and ensure that important stories are easily accessible to diverse audiences.
User-centered design: User-centered design is an approach that prioritizes the needs, preferences, and limitations of end users at every stage of the design process. By involving users through feedback and usability testing, this method ensures that digital products and services are not only functional but also accessible and easy to navigate. This focus on user experience is crucial in making digital archives more accessible and discoverable for all audiences.
W3C: W3C, or the World Wide Web Consortium, is an international community that develops open standards to ensure the long-term growth of the web. By promoting protocols and guidelines, W3C aims to enhance accessibility and discoverability for all users, facilitating better user experiences in digital environments. This organization plays a crucial role in ensuring that digital archives are accessible to diverse audiences, including those with disabilities.
WCAG: WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, a set of international standards aimed at making web content more accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines help ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with web content. By following WCAG, web developers can create inclusive digital experiences, thereby enhancing both accessibility and discoverability of digital archives.