Accessibility Guidance for Digital Information

Almost any time you're including an image on a LibGuide, you need to add alternative (alt) text. This allows people using screen reading software to understand the content of an image. It's also helpful if the image doesn't load due to slow internet speeds or other connectivity issues.

How do I determine when I should add alt text or when to leave the alt attribute empty?

Determining the appropriate alternative text for an image depends upon whether the image presents content and if the image has a function. 

• Function - Does the image contain a link? Is it a button? Is it an image map?

  1. If yes, then then image provides a function and should contain alternative text. 
  2. If no, see content below.

• Content - Does the image present content? Is there text around the image that conveys that content?

  1. If the image presents content that is not communicated by text around the image, then you must add alternative text. 
  2. If the image presents content that is communicated by text around the image, then you do not need to add alternative text.
  3. If the image does not present content and is considered decorative, then you do not need to add alternative text.

There are lots of different ways to add alt text to images in LibGuides.  Basically, any time you're editing an image, keep an eye out for the Alternate Text field.

Here's one example of how to add alt text when you upload images to LibGuides.

To add images in LibGuides, you need to first upload them to the Image Manager. Access the Image Manager by clicking on Content in the toolbar at the top of the page, and then select Image Manager.

In the Image Manager, click on the Upload New Image button

Once the image is uploaded click on it to view the image properties.

Then you can add alt text in the image properties. Remember to think about the purpose and context of the image.  What does someone need to know to understand why this image is being included?