Making scholarly images more accessible: STM’s draft taxonomy now open for feedback

posted on Jan 21, 2026
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The STM Alt Text Task & Finish Group (TFG) has released a draft image-type taxonomy for scholarly images — and we’re inviting your feedback. 

This draft is the result of a collaborative effort by STM members to support accessible publishing, with a focus on helping authors and publishers write better image descriptions (alt text). Not only does it help prepare for the upcoming ADA Title II update (coming into effect April 2026), it also supports our shared goal of making scholarly content more inclusive and available to all. 

Why a taxonomy? Because alt text isn’t one-size-fits-all. Describing a chart requires different guidance than a medical scan, photograph, or diagram. The taxonomy provides 15 top-level categories — each with definitions, guidance, examples, and subcategories — to help identify image types and write effective descriptions. 

The TFG, formed in early 2025 through STM’s Standards & Technology Committee, includes accessibility experts and publishing professionals from across the US, UK, and Europe. The group has met monthly to build consensus and develop practical tools for our community. 

Download the draft taxonomy here

Explore the interactive tool that complements the taxonomy

 

 

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