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From: Mosley, Leigh
Date: Apr 21, 2025 6:43AM


Hi all,

I can only speak for the US, but in terms of legal requirements, under the updated ADA Title II, all institutions receiving funding from states and local governments (such as public universities) are required to ensure that all the web content and mobile apps that they provide for use meet WCAG 2.1 AA. Notably for university libraries, this includes third-party content if there is are "contractual, licensing, or other arrangements" with that publicly-funded entity. (https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-07758/p-586) Deadlines for compliance vary by size of jurisdiction, either 4/24/2026 or 4/24/2027. Presumably the option to create a defense by claiming fundamental alteration or undue burden still exists, but no one is sure yet how or if that would work.

Leigh Mosley, MA, MLS, CPWA
Accessibility Coordinator
University of Tennessee Libraries
1015 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, TN 37996-1000
865-974-0011
<EMAIL REMOVED>