LibGuide Design: Best Practices and Guidelines

• High audio quality, recorded clearly.
• Transcripts are provided for audio content.
• When recording audio, speak clearly and consistently.
• Audio file length is adequate to meet the goals of the activity without being too large to restrict users’ ability to download the file on computers with lower bandwidths. Ideally, audio clips should be relatively short and/ or divided into short chapters or sections.
• If providing a download link for the audio file, make sure it is in a format that is compatible across devices (e.g. MP3 or MP4).
• Transcripts are provided for audio content.

• Video quality is crisp and clear.
• Video file length is adequate to meet the goals of the activity without being too large to restrict users’ ability to download/stream the file on computers with lower bandwidths.
• Provide closed-captioning. Captions are not only useful for those with auditory challenges, but can be useful for many learners, including those learning a new language, those accessing the video in a noisy environment, or those who prefer to read along as they listen.
• Video player required is compatible with multiple operating systems and requires only a standard, free plug-in.
• Synchronized captions are provided for video on sharing sites (YouTube/Vimeo/Facebook etc.). Please note that automatic captions are not accurate enough to meet accessibility requirements and will likely require some manual editing for accuracy and timing.
• Provide a separate transcript for spoken content and/or audio description track, made available in addition to captions on the video.
• Include visual description of images or slides that provide content (i.e. not decorative).
• Edit out or post a warning at the beginning of the video if it contains flickers or blinks at any time.

Making Audio and Video Media Accessible (W3C)

This resource explains how to make media accessible, whether you develop it yourself or outsource it. It helps you figure out which accessibility aspects your specific audio or video needs, provides project management guidance, and includes requirements from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standard.

Making Audio and Video Media Accessible (W3C)

This resource explains how to make media accessible, whether you develop it yourself or outsource it. It helps you figure out which accessibility aspects your specific audio or video needs, provides project management guidance, and includes requirements from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standard.

Top Ten Tips for Creating Quality Videos*

A one-page document to help you create high-quality, accessible videos that also engage learners and promote understanding.

Embedding Vimeo videos in LibGuides

Embedding YouTube videos in LibGuides

* National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (2020). Top ten tips for creating quality videos. Wakefield, MA: Author. Retrieved 04/11/2022 from https://aem.cast.org/publications/2020/top-ten-tips-for-creating-quality-videos