Accessibility in digital service interfaces of libraries in the Federal District (Brazil): an identification and analysis study based on the labeling components of information architecture

Abstract

This study analyzes the accessibility of the digital service interfaces of higher education institutions in the Federal District (Brazil), focusing on the labeling components of information architecture. It is a deductive, basic, descriptive, bibliographic, documentary, and qualitative study that examines data from a set of digital services offered by higher education institutions identified on the e-MEC portal, selected according to the highest ratings of the General Course Index and the Institutional Concept. Specifically, 1 public institution and 3 private institutions are analyzed, comprising 1 digital library and 3 online catalogs. The results identify accessibility resources in 3 of the 4 interfaces analyzed. In addition, it is verified that the labels used to represent accessibility resources achieve conformity levels with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (A, AA, and AAA). The study concludes that accessibility is promoted in digital service interfaces through resources such as high contrast, font size adjustment, and keyboard shortcuts, supported by consistent textual or iconic labels aligned with specific guidelines, and that the analyzed digital library stands out for its interface organization, visual design, and the positioning of accessibility resources within the interface.