Accessibility: the figures, not the intentions
The interfaces of Lyngsoe Central Management and the Lyngsoe Sorter Controller have been assessed against the international edition of the VPAT, covering WCAG, Revised Section 508 and EN 301 549. This page publishes the manufacturer's results as stated, including the criteria that are not met. These are the figures to quote in your evaluation.
We publish them because a public buyer needs the actual position rather than a declaration of intent. A supplier who says « compliant » without a table is not helping you complete your file.
Conformance after release
| WCAG | Level A | Level AA | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supports | 21 | 18 | 39 |
| Partially supports | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Does not support | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Not applicable | 6 | 2 | 8 |
| Assessed | 27 of 32 | 20 of 24 | 47 of 56 |
| EN 301 549 | Clause 4 | Clause 5 | Clause 11 | Clause 12 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supports | 8 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 13 |
| Does not support | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Not applicable | 0 | 28 | 20 | 0 | 48 |
| Total | 8 of 11 | 30 of 30 | 20 of 20 | 3 of 3 | 61 of 64 |
| Revised Section 508 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supports | 6 | 0 | 4 | 10 |
| Does not support | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Not applicable | 0 | 25 | 0 | 25 |
| Total | 6 of 9 | 25 of 25 | 4 of 4 | 35 of 38 |
Source: Lyngsoe Systems Library Solutions, « Accessibility, Lyngsoe library systems », French edition v2, distributed by CIPAM. Figures as published by the manufacturer following release of the assessed version.
Same references, slightly better results
| WCAG | Level A | Level AA | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supports | 25 | 18 | 43 |
| Partially supports | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Does not support | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Not applicable | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| Assessed | 30 of 32 | 20 of 24 | 50 of 56 |
On EN 301 549 and Section 508 the Sorter Controller returns the same totals as Central Management, 61 of 64 and 35 of 38. The difference between the two products shows on WCAG, where the Sorter Controller received reflow and text resize, which Central Management did not in the assessed version.
What is missing, and it needs saying
The manufacturer states that accessibility work was split across two releases for resourcing reasons. In the assessed version, therefore:
- Screen reader integration is not included, for either Central Management or the Sorter Controller.
- Reflow is not included for Central Management, although the Sorter Controller has it.
- Seven WCAG criteria are not supported on Central Management, four of them at Level A.
If a member of your staff uses a screen reader, neither console will be accessible to them as it stands. That is something you need before writing your specification, not at acceptance.
What we suggest putting in the specification: the current VPAT to be supplied with the tender response, a dated commitment on the release that will add screen reader support, and the right to verify both during the warranty period.
And the physical accessibility of the equipment ?
That follows a different logic. The points that matter are the height of the deposit surface, the clear space to approach in a wheelchair, contrast and character size, and audio guidance.
Two models in the range carry a height adjustment stated as ADA and DDA compliant: the LibDeco F20, from 590 to 1,090 mm, and the wall-mounted LibDeco W20. The LibRid software offers two font sizes and several contrast levels.
For French public procurement there is an additional reference, the RGAA, which is derived from WCAG but has its own criteria and test method. A good WCAG score is a favourable indicator, not an RGAA declaration. If your tender requires RGAA, ask for a declaration established under that method specifically.
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What is a VPAT ?
The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is a standardised document in which a vendor states, criterion by criterion, how their product conforms to accessibility references. Its international edition covers WCAG, Revised Section 508 and EN 301 549. It is a supplier declaration, not an independent audit.
Do these figures cover the public-facing kiosks ?
No. The figures here relate to two staff administration applications, Central Management and Sorter Controller. Kiosk interface accessibility is a property of the LibRid software and needs verifying on the version deployed in your library.
Can you provide the source document ?
Yes, with its version date. We will also tell you if a newer version has appeared, since the manufacturer has announced a second implementation stage.
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