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Public libraries do a lot with limited time and resources - and your website carries more weight than ever. For many patrons, it’s the first doorway into your services and resources. Small, intentional design choices can make that digital doorway clearer, kinder, and easier to use for everyone.
This post shares a few simple, high-impact improvements you can make today to strengthen your online library experience, reduce friction, and help patrons move through your site with more confidence.
Why Online Design Choices Matter for Libraries
Patrons visit your library website with specific goals: finding location hours, renewing items, registering for events, managing their account, or looking up a book they saw on “BookTok”. When web page structure is confusing, contrast is low, or the mobile layout doesn’t hold up, many will leave without getting what they need, causing a gap between libraries and their patrons.
Mobile use continues to rise across public library websites, and many patrons rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, voice controls, and other assistive technologies. A smooth, predictable digital path increases access for every visitor, especially those who already face barriers.
The good news: none of the improvements listed below require a full redesign. They can begin with the tools you already have today.
Four Small Fixes With a Big Impact
1. Improve Page Structure with Clear Headings
A clean page content structure helps patrons scan more easily and stay oriented - especially on mobile devices or when using a screen reader. It also creates more predictable navigation and strengthens your site’s overall accessibility.
Tactics to Try:
- Use only one H1 per page
- Use H2 and H3 levels in order, without skipping levels
- Add a “Skip to main content” link to reduce cognitive load
- Write descriptive link text that tells patrons exactly where they’re going
A well-structured page supports both accessibility tools and fast-moving mobile users, helping everyone get where they need to go with fewer steps.
Above: Libraries can provide clear and consistent messaging to patrons about the language or accessibility accommodations available. Learn more about the latest in WCAG 2.2 AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) in this blog article.
2. Ensure Full Keyboard Access
Many patrons navigate web pages with a keyboard rather than a mouse. All tasks, from searching the catalog to registering for events, should work with Tab, Enter, and Space keyboard controls.
A visible focus outline is essential; it shows where a patron is on the page. Without it, the navigation path disappears.
Quick test: unplug your mouse and move through your own website using Tab. If you get stuck, your patrons will too.
Above: Keyboard-friendly navigation supports a more inclusive, future-ready library website.
3. Strengthen Color Contrast for Better Readability
Good contrast improves readability for everyone, not only patrons with low vision.
Aim for:
- 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text
- 3:1 for large text
Above: A chart visualizing color contrast and design for accessibility.
Avoid placing light text over photos without an overlay. If you do need to layer text over images, use a solid or semi-solid color block behind the text to maintain clarity.
Tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker make this fast and simple.
4. Prioritize Mobile-First Design
More than half of library website visits now come from mobile devices. A mobile-first layout helps patrons complete tasks quickly, whether they’re renewing items on the bus or registering for storytime at home.
Check that:
- Text can resize up to 200% without breaking
- Buttons and links are at least 44 × 44 pixels
- Content flows in a logical order on small screens
- Menus work without requiring hover effects
A mobile-first approach is foundational to delivering an intuitive, one-click digital experience.
How to Start Small
You don’t need a full website rebuild to make meaningful progress. Begin by applying one improvement to your highest-traffic pages:
- Home page
- Events page
- Catalog search path
- Hours & locations
Run a contrast test. Clean up heading levels. Check the keyboard flow. Pick one improvement this month, another next month, and continue building momentum. These small changes add up and improve the experience for every patron.
How BiblioCommons Supports This Work
Libraries that use BiblioWeb and the broader BiblioCommons DXP have a strong foundation for accessible, predictable, and mobile-ready design from day one. Many of the fixes above—structured templates, accessible components, mobile-first layouts, clear navigation patterns—are built directly into the platform so staff don’t have to configure them manually.
We also partner with libraries to review existing designs, identify quick wins, and share patterns we see across the field. There are many articles published in the Partner Portal for BiblioWeb Accessibility, or check out the Learning Lab for webinars and “in-a-minute" tutorials.
Above: BiblioCommons Partner Portal is the best place to find product release notes and access the Learning Lab for product webinars, updates, and in-a-minute tutorials.
A Simple Next Step
If your library is interested in improving clarity, accessibility, or the overall patron-centered design of your website, we’re happy to walk through your current setup and discuss practical next steps. You can begin without a complete redesign because small improvements can create an immediate impact.
You serve a wide range of patrons. Clear, thoughtful design helps each of them feel welcome from the very first click.
Want to Stay Informed?
If you’d like to explore how a modern CMS built for public libraries can support a more unified, connected digital experience, we’re here to help.