2025 UPDATES DRAFT: Making LibGuides

Heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3, etc.) is not only important for visual clarity and usability – it is essential for readers who rely on assistive technology! 

When applying headings, do not use H1 – this is reserved for the guide’s title and should only be used once.

Guide box titles default to H2 automatically. If you’re using floating boxes, apply H2 using the HTML source editor for any second-tier headings within your box. For subsequent headings, continue to apply corresponding heading levels (H3, H4, etc.) as needed. 

Avoid using serif fonts, as they can be more difficult to read.

Similarly, avoid text that is too small or too large. Instead, use headings as needed to visually organize your content. 

Use bold, color, italics, and ALL CAPITAL LETTERS with caution.

Avoid using underlined text for emphasis. In a web medium, users will likely think underlined text is a hyperlink.

Make sure linked text is descriptive and makes sense out of context. Screen reader users may choose to read only the links on a web page, so avoid using phrases such as "click here," "more," "click for details."

Avoid automatically opening links in a new window, with the exception of links to external sites.

Per WebAIM, alternative text (or Alt text):

• Be accurate and equivalent in presenting the same content and function of the image.
• Be succinct. This means the correct content (if there is content) and function (if there is a function) of the image should be presented as concisely as is appropriate. Typically, no more than a few words are necessary, though in rare cases, a short sentence or two may be appropriate.
• Don't be redundant or provide the same information as text within the context of the image.
• Don't use phrases like "image of ..." or "graphic of ..." to describe the image. It's usually apparent to the user that it is an image. And if the image is conveying content, it is typically not necessary that the user knows that it is an image that is conveying the content, as opposed to text. If the fact that an image is a photograph or illustration, etc. is important content, it may be useful to include this in alternative text.