This should be of interest to the members of this forum.  

Axel Schmetzke
Library
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

-----Original Message-----
From: SFX & Metalib Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Karen Groves
Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2006 5:43 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [SFX-METALIB-DISCUSS-L] Accessbility & MetaLib

Dear Sara, Thomas, and other MetaLib users -

As previously reported, MetaLib 3.13 (our current version) contains some
screens that are not fully accessible when using assistive technologies
such as screen readers and voice-activated applications.

Last year, in collaboration with Metalib users, we launched a special
project to review our accessibility compliance and create new guidelines
for fully accessible interfaces to all our products. As a result of this
effort our next MetaLib release, version 4.00, will include new
developments to achieve our overall objective at Ex Libris: information
that is accessible to as many people as possible regardless of the
challenges that they face.

Specifically, our MetaLib 4.00 user interface will address:

- Accessibility - Section 508 Compliance
- Usability - JAWS, Dragon, wide range of browsers
- HTML, CSS Validity - HTML 4.01 Transitional, CSS 2.0
- Simplicity - 'lighten' HTML, reduce use of JavaScript
- Ease of Customization - reduce MetaLib's total cost of ownership (TCO)

Regarding MetaLib 4.00 availability, roll-out will begin at the end of
December 2006 and will include beta testing at select sites followed by
a gradual release. Each Ex Libris office and distributor will determine
and coordinate the roll-out of the new version for the customers they
support. We are currently finalizing the details of our roll-out plans,
and will provide additional information to our customers in the future.

Best regards,

Karen
------------------------------------------------------------------
Karen Groves
MetaLib Product Manager
Ex Libris, Inc.

Phone:  617 332 8800 ext. 529
Email:  [log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: SFX & Metalib Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Thomas Dowling
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 2:38 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [SFX-METALIB-DISCUSS-L] Accessbility & MetaLib

On 9/12/2006 2:25 PM, Sara Brownmiller wrote:

> We have just gone live with MetaLib.  I'm getting questions about
> accessbility with screen readers, etc.  Has anyone else had to deal
with
> this?  What solutions have you idenitified?
>

We've been advised that the next major release will be much better about
accessibility and working with screen readers, so you might want to ask
your rep about the current timeline for delivering that release.


--
Thomas Dowling
[log in to unmask]

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