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The Melbourne Library Service is a resource for everyone and we have worked hard to make our website as accessible as possible for all Library users. Many library users don't have the very latest computers and large monitors and equally many users have disabilities which can make websites difficult to access. With our broad user base we decided to provide 3 levels of access to this website so that no-one is disadvantaged.

 

LEVEL 1 - will suit 95% of users. Large monitors are not required, broadband internet connections are not required but the website still retains that modern look and feel that defines the Melbourne Library Service.

LEVEL 2 - this level is to assist users who would like the text and menus options larger and more easy to read.

LEVEL 3 - this level is ideal for users of screen readers, text-only browsers and those with very slow internet connections. Virtually all formatting and images are removed and the text size can be controlled by your web browser (if it has this feature - please see below for details). The colours will be reversed - white background with black text.

The Melbourne Library Service website has been built to satisfy the following requirements:

• it will work on different computer environments such as Windows PCs (Windows 98 through to XP), Apple/Mac Computers (OS 9.2 and OSX) and Linux based computers
• it can be used by all popular web browsers released over the past 4 years (and many before this time). Including Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox, Opera and Safari (Mac only)
• it is usable by people with visual impairments. Level 3 of this website fully meets priority 1 of the website accessibility guidelines and has been extensively tailored to work effectively with the JAWS screen reader product which is available in the library

 

The Melbourne Library Service have made the following important decisions regarding accessibility:

• the website will not specifically cater to users with no-JavaScript support.
• the HTML (web code) of the website may not pass certain validator processes. This is because our staff update the website themselves and users of older browsers require some features which are incompatible with some of the new standards and validators, and we would rather allow access for these users even if it means some HTML coding is now redundant.
• Levels 1 and 2 are not specifically built to meet all accessibility standards
• if a JAWS screen-reader issue was incompatible with web standards the JAWS 'way' would prevail

 

Accessibility options in common browsers 

The JAWS screen reader is an excellent product for the visually impaired however it is quite expensive. Below are some FREE alternatives to help improve accessibility to the Melbourne Library Service and other websites.

• Microsoft's Internet Explorer is the world's most popular browser and it has useful features to assist with accessibility. A simple feature allows the user to increase the screen text size
• Netscape, Firefox and Opera are alternatives to Internet Explorer and each are freely available from the internet and are relatively small downloads. They also have features to increase text size and also free downloadable modules (plug-ins) which allow your computer to speak the text of a website. This is very helpful for those with visual impairments or people who find reading large blocks of screen is a strain on the eyes.

 

How to increase text size in popular browsers (applies to level 3 only)

• Internet Explorer 5.5 onwards - go to the VIEW menu and select TEXT SIZE
• Firefox 1 onwards - go to the VIEW menu and select TEXT SIZE
• Netscape 7 onwards - go to the VIEW menu and select TEXT SIZE/ZOOM
• Opera 7 onwards - go to the VIEW menu and select ZOOM
• Safari - go to the VIEW menu and select MAKE TEXT BIGGER/SMALLER