Haze in the digital library: design issues hampering accessibility for blind users

摘要: Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore design issues hampering the accessibility digital libraries (DLs) for first-time blind users. Design/methodology/approach A combination questionnaire, pre-interview, think-aloud and post-interview methods was used collect data on non-visual interaction experiences with American Memory Digital Collection (AMDC) from 15 participants. Qualitative analysis via open coding revealed recurring themes problems consequent difficulties users in accessing DLs. Findings It found that AMDC not blind-friendly. Five categories were identified. Participants faced difficulty perceiving, operating understanding content controls needed information retrieval. Research limitations/implications This paper does offer a comprehensive set prevalent across DL models, instead it focuses observed publicly available DL. Practical implications This raises awareness choices can unintentionally bar seekers access, further suggests solutions reduce these users. Originality/value The paper’s originality its identification unique prevent effectively interacting DLs.