Write for readability

People take in information differently online than they do in print. These guidelines are based on research about how people read on the web, whether or not they use assistive technologies. The following practices can make your content more accessible.

• Use clear and structured headings. Your headings should be descriptive and use a hierarchical structure.
• Write clear and meaningful link text. 
• Avoid long, complex words and sentences. 
• Use plain language.

People do not read every word of text online. On average, they read only 20 percent to 28 percent of page content as they skim to find what they’re looking for.

Use structured headings

Clear and descriptive headings structure your page with a hierarchy that helps users navigate it.

Break content into scannable sections with clear and concise headings to help people quickly find what they’re looking for.

Screen readers often read only the headings or the links on a page first, skipping from section to section as people search for the information relevant to their needs.

Use headings in a hierarchical order and do not skip levels.

Make link text descriptive and meaningful 

Link text should describe the link destination, even out of context from the rest of the sentence or paragraph.

Link text that reads “click here,” “here,” or “read more” is unclear and often repetitive. For example, Make an appointment rather than "click here to make an appointment."

Opt for simple words and short sentences

Clear word choice and fewer sentences per paragraph can make your content easier to read and understand. Even specialists appreciate simpler, clear language over specialized terminology. And studies have suggested that research is cited more widely when there’s less specialized jargon.

Our recommended reading level is 8th through 9th grade. To assess your writing’s reading level, you can use the following free tools:

• Hemingway App
• Readable

Use plain language 

Plain language is content that is written clearly and simply, without jargon and without acronyms. 

Use accessible and inclusive plain language to communicate to people who use the library that they belong here.

Use active voice 

In general, active voice is more clear and concise.

• Use this: Renew your library books.
• Not this: Library books can be renewed.

Front-load content

Put the most important information at the beginning of a page or at the top of a list — a style often described as the inverted pyramid. This method ensures that readers get the most important information up front.