Library search

Scope

The University of St Andrews is committed to adhering to The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018, which mandate that public sector websites ensure their content is accessible. This document outlines the disproportionate burden related to the Library search system and the measures being taken to address accessibility challenges.

Current accessibility testing

The University of St Andrews has conducted comprehensive accessibility testing of the Library search system. The tests identified several accessibility barriers for users with disabilities. The current search system is being replaced with a new system which meets the relevant regulations and will go live on Monday 6 January 2025. In the meantime, the Encore Library search system has the following accessibility issues noted below.

Issues

The third-party provider is in the process of updating the service to address some of the accessibility issues, with improvements expected by the end of 2024. However, the vendor has indicated that a full resolution of all identified issues is not currently feasible.

The University of St Andrews is working closely with the vendor to resolve as many issues as possible. However, to ensure full compliance with the accessibility regulations, transitioning to a new system is required.

Assessment of costs and benefits

The University of St Andrews is aiming to implement a fully compliant Library search system by the beginning of 2025. Transitioning to a new system before this date would impose significant financial and resource demands on the University. While a detailed cost analysis has not yet been conducted, it is anticipated that the expenses involved would be substantial.

• Financial impacts: the costs associated with conducting re-work on the current system would be extensive.
• Resource impacts: the staff resources needed to manage such re-work are currently limited.

Both the financial and resource impacts would require reallocation of funds and personnel from other university activities, potentially affecting other essential services.

How much could users with disabilities benefit from increased accessibility?

• Significance of accessibility: making the Library Search system fully accessible would greatly enhance the user experience for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to independently and effectively engage with library resources, which would enrich their academic journey.
• Current mitigations: the University of St Andrews has implemented interim measures, including tools and resources available to website editors, as outlined in the University’s Accessibility Statement. These efforts are intended to alleviate the impact on users while the long-term solution of implementing a new, compliant system is underway.

Timescale for addressing the issue

• Short-term plans: the University has undertaken steps to, within the capability of the current system, mitigate any accessibility issues in the interim. While this work has minimised some of the accessibility issues, it will not provide a complete solution.
• Long-term strategy: the University is undertaking a project to replace the current system with a compliant system, with the aim of implementing the system by January 2025. This transition will ensure that the University of St Andrews meets accessibility regulations in a sustainable and comprehensive manner.

The University of St Andrews remains committed to enhancing the accessibility of its Library Search system. The University will continue providing interim support until the implementation of a fully compliant system in early 2025.