6 Links & Citations

Accessible Links

It is important that links are written in a way that allows them to be as accessible as possible. When linking content, these are the things to keep in mind.

1. Use meaningful text to describe where the user is being linked to.

• Do not use the words “click here”, “link”, or anything similar. These words do not help describe where the user will be going when the link is followed.

2. Do not use URLs as the link text.

• URLs tend to be long strings of characters that don’t make any sense when read by a screen reader. Avoid using the URL as the link text. Instead, describe where the user will be taken by the link.

3. (Optional) The URL needs to be visible to remain accessible for print copies of the content.

• If there are plans to create print copies of a pressbook, this is an important point to remember. Links are not accessible on paper if the full URL to the website is not provided. To make links accessible in print formats, either follow your link text with the full URL in brackets, or provide a back section in the pressbook that lists all of the URLs used within the pressbook.

Correct Example:

If you would like to practice, please go to Practice Website – Practice Problems (https://www.practicewebsite.com/QrnqoiueRNHqrh/qWrr/practice_problems).

Incorrect Examples:

If you would like to practice, please go to https://www.practicewebsite.com/QrnqoiueRNHqrh/qWrr/practice_problems.

If you would like to practice, please click here.

Accessible Citations

All of the rules listed in the links section apply to citations as well. The only important thing to note specifically for citations is that the title of the citation should be the active link, not the URL. Below are two examples using APA 7.

Correct Example: