Accessibility Practices for Online Guides in U.S. Academic and Government Libraries: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Online library guides function as core components of reference and instructional services in academic and government libraries, yet responsibility for ensuring their digital accessibility is often distributed across individual practitioners. This study presents findings from a cross-sectional survey examining current practices related to creating accessible online guides, including institutional policies, training, investment, and librarians’ perceived preparedness. A total of 216 responses were received, of which 211 were included in the analysis. Results indicate substantial variation in how accessibility work is supported and governed, with informal guidance more common than a formal policy and responsibility frequently resting with individual librarians. While respondents consistently rated accessibility as important, reported preparedness and awareness of institutional investment varied. These findings provide baseline descriptive evidence of how accessibility in online guide creation is currently approached in practice. By documenting patterns across a diverse set of institutions, this study offers contextual insight that libraries can use to reflect on expectations, responsibility, and support structures related to accessible online reference resources.