When sharing academic articles with students, accessibility matters just as much as content. Instead of uploading PDFs to Canvas, instructors should link directly to peer-reviewed literature available through Penn State’s library databases.
Why? The Libraries are actively working with database vendors to ensure compliance with the latest DOJ accessibility regulations. Linking to articles ensures that students can access content using assistive technologies—and keeps you in compliance without the extra work of remediating PDFs.
How? It's easy! First, check out the library's page about how to build durable links from their databases. Then, you'll do one of two things:
- If the instructions say to copy a URL into the link tool widget, Just add the following to the start of the URL:
http://ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/login?url= - If there is no URL, but a DOI is given, just put the following in front of the DOI:
https://ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/login?url=https://doi.org/
Pro Tip: Use stable, library-provided links whenever possible. It’s a win for accessibility, copyright, and your sanity.