Join our Survey on Accessibility in National Bibliographies and Catalogues: Your Insights Matter!

IFLA Bibliography Section is conducting a survey to gather insights into how national bibliographic agencies (NBAs) are navigating the challenges of accessibility metadata and bibliographic description of accessible formats. This survey is part of our ongoing efforts to improve accessibility in bibliographic control and resource discovery for users with disabilities or special needs.

What is Accessibility Metadata?

Accessibility metadata refers to information about the accessibility features of a resource so that a person with disabilities, such as a print disability, can determine whether they can access the content of the resource.

As the publishing landscape evolves, and with recent legislative changes such as the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882), there is an increasing need to enhance the resource discovery experience for library users with disabilities. Accessibility metadata also supports IFLA’s core value of universal and equitable access to information for users of all abilities, including those with print or reading disabilities. It aligns with IFLA’s mission to advocate, enhance professional practice, and foster connections internationally and across related domains.

Why Participate?

Participation in this survey will help us understand the current status of NBAs regarding accessibility metadata. We invite you to share your practices, challenges, and information needs related to accessibility. Your responses will assist in identifying areas where further guidance and support may be necessary, particular in areas unique to NBAs such as integrating accessibility metadata into national bibliographic control and legal deposit processes.

Click here to complete the survey — please submit your responses by June 12th, 2025.

Thank you for taking the time to participate. Your contributions are important for enhancing the accessibility of cultural and intellectual publishing outputs and ensuring equitable access to library resources for all users. The results of the survey will be published on the website of the IFLA Bibliography Section.

Support and Further Information

For questions related to the survey, please contact Accessibility Metadata and Accessible Formats in National Bibliographies working group chair Satu Niininen.

For more information about the Bibliography Section’s ongoing work and objectives in this area, please visit the Accessibility Metadata and Accessible Format Working Group page.