Today's Read Contributor The 2025 NISO x BISG Forum on Accessibility Standards, held on June 27, 2025, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, brought together industry leaders, publishers, libraries, and technology providers to discuss the future of accessible publishing. The forum, a collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition, centered on how accessibility standards can continue to evolve to meet the needs of diverse audiences. As the publishing industry increasingly embraces digital formats, ensuring accessibility for all readers remains a top priority.
The Importance of Accessibility Standards in Publishing
Accessibility in publishing has come a long way, but the journey is far from over. As technology continues to transform how books are distributed and consumed, it is crucial for the publishing industry to ensure that its content is accessible to all readers, including those with disabilities. The NISO x BISG Forum served as a platform for sharing the latest developments in accessibility standards and the tools that publishers can use to make their content more inclusive.
Discussions at the forum focused on a wide range of topics, including content conversion for digital formats, enhancing discoverability for readers with disabilities, and the future of e-books and audiobooks. One of the key points emphasized was the growing importance of creating materials that are not only legally compliant but also user-friendly for individuals with various needs. The forum also provided insight into how publishers can incorporate accessibility features into the publishing process from the very beginning, rather than retrofitting them later.
Collaborating for Inclusive Publishing
One of the highlights of the forum was the emphasis on collaboration across the publishing ecosystem. Publishers, libraries, and technology providers are essential partners in ensuring that accessibility standards are not only met but exceeded. By working together, these stakeholders can share knowledge, resources, and best practices to improve the quality and accessibility of content. OverDrive, a leading digital reading platform, was one of the organizations that showcased its initiatives to promote accessibility. OverDrive emphasized the need for accessible e-books, audiobooks, and digital materials that are easily discoverable by people with disabilities.
The forum also highlighted the role of libraries in providing access to materials and supporting readers with disabilities. Libraries, as community hubs, play a key role in ensuring that everyone has access to the information and entertainment they need. As the digital landscape evolves, libraries are continuing to adapt by implementing inclusive practices that allow all readers to participate in the literary world.
Key Technological Innovations in Accessible Publishing
Technology was another major focus of the forum, with discussions on the role of AI and machine learning in enhancing accessibility. Tools that automatically generate alt text for images or provide audio descriptions for visual content are becoming more advanced, allowing publishers to create more accessible content without significant additional cost. The use of machine learning to analyze content and adjust it for better readability and comprehension for individuals with learning disabilities was also explored.
OverDrive’s collaboration with Clarivate’s Innovative division was also featured at the forum. This partnership focuses on improving library workflows and integrating accessibility tools into their systems. By incorporating new technologies and data-driven decision-making, libraries can better serve patrons with disabilities, ensuring that all readers have access to the full range of digital content.
Looking to the Future of Accessible Publishing
The NISO x BISG Forum underscored the need for ongoing innovation and collaboration in the accessibility space. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access the content they love. As digital publishing continues to grow, so too will the opportunities to make literature and information more inclusive.
The future of publishing is one that is accessible to all, and the industry is poised to continue its commitment to ensuring that every reader, regardless of ability, can participate in the literary world.
