This statement applies to West Sussex Library Catalogue (Arena).
This website is run by West Sussex Library Service and Axiell. We want as many people as possible to be able to use it. For example, this means you should be able to:
- change colours, contrast levels and fonts
- modify the line height or spacing of text
- zoom in up to 300 per cent without the text spilling off the screen
- navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
- navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
- listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver).
We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.
You can find advice on making devices easier for people with a disability to use on AbilityNet. This will enable you to:
- make your mouse easier to use
- use your keyboard instead of a mouse
- make your device talk to you
- talk to your device
- make text larger
- change your colours
- magnify the screen.
How accessible this website is
We know some parts of this website aren’t fully accessible as:
- some of our documents aren’t fully accessible to screen readers
- we still need to replace the captions on a few of our YouTube videos
- the bottom of some images may be obscured by the title caption field.
What to do if you can’t access parts of this website
If you need information on this website in a different format, like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille, please contact us:
We’ll consider your request and get back to you in 10 working days.
Reporting accessibility problems with this website
We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems that aren’t listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, please email us on the link above.
If you wish to make a formal complaint, please complete our complaints form.
Enforcement procedure
If you have made a complaint and you’re not happy with our response contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No.2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’).
Technical information about this website’s accessibility
West Sussex Library Service is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the accessibility regulations.
Due to the non-compliance issues listed below, this website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1 AA standard.
Content that’s not within the scope of the regulations
The content listed below is non-accessible as we are not required to:
- make documents published before 23 September 2018 accessible, unless they are essential to access a service
- make reproductions of heritage documents accessible
- make online maps accessible
- add transcripts to audio files at Level A/AA.
Non-accessible content found by West Sussex Library Service
Non-compliance with the WCAG accessibility regulations includes the following:
1. Issues with images
Some images contain text, so people with dyslexia or those using a screen reader will not be able to read the information. This fails WCAG 1.4.9 (Images of Text (No Exception)). We plan to review where these images are used to reduce their use as much as possible. Where they remain we will ensure any text in the image is given in the alt text.
2. Issues with documents
Some of our PDFs and Word documents don’t meet accessibility standards - for example, they may not be structured so they’re accessible to a screen reader. This fails WCAG 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value).
- Some of our resource documents, such as posters, are designed to be downloaded and printed, so these may not be fully accessible.
- Some of the documents we link to are owned by third parties and may not be accessible.
Accessibility regulations don’t require us to fix PDFs or other documents that we own and published before 23 September 2018 unless they’re essential to providing our services. If you need information in another format, please email: library.digital@westsussex.gov.uk.
3. Issues with video files
Videos we have created and sited on YouTube since 23 September 2018 may not have adequate captions. We are currently focusing our efforts on fixing the most widely used first.
4. Issues with contrast
We are aware that some of the text on the site needs more colour contrast. Contrast issues with text, links, buttons and form elements. This fails WCAG 1.4.3 (Contrast (Minimum)). We are working to improve this.
5. Issues with forms
If an error shows where a mandatory field has not been completed correctly after a form is submitted, the error text is not always clear.
Some form labels are not informative, and a couple are repeated. This fails WCAG 3.3.2 (Labels or Instructions).
6. Issues on landing pages with images
The heading hierarchy is incorrect on landing pages containing images (skipping from <H1> to <H3>). This fails WCAG 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships). We aim to fix this issue without affecting other templates adversely.
7. HTML issues
Some of the HTML code we use to embed features such as Google maps, social media feeds and videos includes deprecated (outdated) coding. WCAG recommends this is avoided.
8. Issue with links
On some pages where we have used an image and a link there are adjacent links that go to the same destination. This fails WCAG 1.1.1 (Non-text Content). We are currently aiming to fix this issue.
9. Page titles
Some page titles do not describe their topic or purpose sufficiently. These are currently being reviewed.
10. Skip to content
The 'skip to content' function is broken. This fails WCAG 2.4.1 (Bypass Blocks). This will be resolved in the new version of the website by April 2021.
11. Sequencing
The sequence of the page is not always meaningful or logical. This will be resolved in the new version of the website by April 2021.
12. Issues with text overlapping
Text overlaps when zoomed in at 150 per cent and other sizes on the page where you can view the money owing.
Non accessible content found by Axiell
This website is largely compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1 AA standard. The content that is not accessible is:
- some form fields have no labels or are marked incorrectly (WCAG 1.3.5: Identity Input Purpose)
- tables are used for styling (DIGG R83)
- some buttons have no explanatory text (WCAG 2.5.3: Label in Name)
- some parts have insufficient tab focus marking (WCAG 2.4.7: Focus Visible)
- search suggestions cannot be read by screen readers (WCAG 1.3.1: Info and Relationships)
- some headers have incorrect header levels (WCAG 1.3.2: Meaningful Sequence)
- roles are missing for parts/functions on the website. (WCAG 1.3.1: Info and Relationships)
- it is not possible to navigate all parts of 'My pages' via the keyboard (WCAG 2.4.5: Multiple Ways)
- The content has an incorrect structure which causes problems for some aids with reading out the text (WCAG 1.3.1: Info and Relationships, WCAG 1.3.2: Meaningful Sequence)
How we tested this website
We reviewed the website using WAVE Web Accessibility Tool.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
We have worked to resolve all identified accessibility issues which are within our control. Our services are also working with suppliers to resolve any identified accessibility issues where we do not have direct control over their product.
We are upgrading our website to a new theme which was resolve a lot of the above issues. We will issue a further statement when this work is completed.
When this statement was prepared
This statement was prepared on 7 January 2021 and updated on 18 January 2022.