Principles overview

Principles help people make informed decisions. Awareness of these foundational principles may help to implement additional solutions not in the design system.

These core principles are relevant for designing responsible content and online experiences, and we encourage others to adopt them.

Who should use this guide

All people who develop, design, and write for the University Libraries.

If you create or maintain any web assets, you are a designer of experiences. It is in your hands to take on the responsibility that carries.

What services are within scope

All places with a University Libraries presence including but not limited to: the main website, HSL website, LibGuides, and websites where Libraries is a primary partner or host.

Further reading

The Web must be accessible to provide equal access and equal opportunity to people with diverse abilities. Indeed, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes access to information and communications technologies, including the Web, as a basic human right.

W3C

The University of Minnesota (University), founded in the belief that ALL people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Access provides opportunities for everyone in the community to obtain library resources and services with minimal disruption. Library workers create systems that ensure members of their community can freely access the information they need for learning, growth, and empowerment regardless of technology, format, or delivery methods.