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LibGuide Author Style Guide

Preferred practices for LibGuide authors

Alternative text

Make images accessible

By following the basic principles outlined here, we can make our LibGuides more accessible to individuals with disabilities.

  • Adding alternative text to images is one of the easiest accessibility practices to implement. 
  • Alternative text may be provided in the HTML alt attribute or in the surrounding context of the image.
  • Every image must have an alt attribute.
  • Decorative images still need an alt attribute.
  • Alternative text should:
    • present the CONTENT and FUNCTION of the image.
    • be succinct.
  • Alt text of a functional image (e.g., an image within a link) should describe the function as well as the content.
  • Alternative text should not:
    • be redundant (be the same as adjacent or body text).
    • use the phrases "image of…" or "graphic of…".
  • Appropriate alternative text depends heavily on the image's context. Use this Alt Text Decision Tree to guide your choices.

adapted from WebAIM

Choosing Images

Images on LibGuides should be—

  • In the open domain or used with permission
  • In keeping with the libraries' privacy policy
  • High enough resolution to avoid blurring, etc.
  • Supplemental to text, see "Alternative Text" box for more