What Is Archived Web Content?

Archived web content is content that is no longer actively used and is kept only for reference or recordkeeping. It must be stored in a clearly labeled archive and left unchanged after being archived.

If content is still being used — for example, to share information, provide services, or support University activities — it is not archived and must be accessible, even if it is old.

When Content Can Be Considered Archived

To qualify as archived web content, all of the following must be true:

  • The content was created before the ADA Title II compliance date of April 26, 2027 (or copied from older paper or physical materials)
  • It is kept only for reference, research, or recordkeeping
  • It has not been updated or changed since it was archived
    • Minor edits, such as removing personal information, are allowed
  • It is stored in a clearly identified archived section of a website or platform

If any of these conditions are not met, the content must be made accessible or removed, unless a different ADA exception applies.

Examples of Archived Content

  • Old meeting minutes saved for recordkeeping and stored in an archived section of a website
  • Older videos that are no longer used and placed in a clearly labeled archived playlist

Major Changes Disqualify Content as Archival

Making major updates right before archiving content does not qualify it as archived. In those cases, the content should be made accessible or removed if it is no longer needed.

Requests for Accessible Versions

Even if content qualifies as archived, the University must still provide an accessible version upon request.

Units that maintain archived content must:

  • Clearly explain how users can request an accessible version
  • Have a process in place to respond to requests promptly
  • Provide content in a format that meets the requestor’s accessibility needs

To Add an Alert Banner to your Archived Content

Use the snippet below to display a standardized archive notice at the top of your page. Update the bracketed placeholders with your page’s specific details before publishing.

<archive-alert>
 <h2>Archived Content</h2>
 <p>This page was created before April 26, 2027 and archived on [Date]. 
It is available online for reference, research, or recordkeeping. It is not updated and may not meet current accessibility standards. 
 For assistance or to request an accessible format, contact [Phone] or [Email]. View our current website: [Link].</p>
</archive-alert>
<script src="https://aux.tamu.edu/archive.js"></script>

Instructions for Adding Banner

The banner notification should be added to the top of every archived web page and document.

  1. Copy the HTML and JavaScript tag for the alert banner to your website or web application. Place the banner HTML immediately after the <body> tag in the website template or the header include file.
  2. Replace the [text and brackets] in the HTML.

Contact the IT Accessibility team for questions about accessibility compliance or if you are unsure whether your content qualifies as archived web content.