Purpose 

Content that has been published for historical, legal, or reference purposes could remain on the website, even if the content is not accessible. However, all criteria for archived web content exception must be followed for web content to be archived. 

Note: Content that qualifies as archivable, may still require an accessible version of the document upon request. A best practice is to create and publish accessible content when possible.

Archived Exception Criteria:

  1. Content was created before April, 24 2026
  2. The content is used for reference, research and historical purposes. 
  3. The content is in a separate area that is clearly labeled as archived content. 
  4. The content has not changed since it was archived.

Archived Content Examples

  1. Course catalogs that remain unchanged from 2016-2000.

The content can be archived because all criteria are met. 

  1. Archived Textbooks that are used for educational purposes.

The content can NOT be archived because the content is not used for historical or reference purposes.

How to Archive Content

The new accessibility requirements allows for flexibility of how content is stored. The DOJ defines archived content as “kept in a special area clearly labeled archived content” 

Requirements for archived content: 

  • Each webpage title should clearly be labeled “archived content”
  • Name the file [filename_Archived] 

Archive Options

1. Create a dedicated webpage title Archive

The archived webpage will store all archived content for administrative, faculty, or department websites. Example: uis.edu/web/archive and should be titled “Web Archive”. 

  1. Provide the following statement about the archival of content: 

    “The content for [insert department name] is available for historical records and is not accessible. You can request an accessible version by contacting the [insert department name] and [insert department email]”
  2. Add “archive” for the metadata title.

2. Store content in Box 

Create a descriptive link and box folder that is clearly labeled “ [department name] archived content”

  1. The folders, subfolders, and all files that are archived must clearly label [File or folder name archive]
  2. Add “archive’ for the metadata title. 

Questions

Please contact Web and Digital Strategy or Office of Digital Accessibility for support.