HTML papers on arXiv -- why it is important, and how we made it happen

Abstract

In October 2023, arXiv made HTML formatted papers available to readers. This was the exciting outcome of over a year of accessibility research and development with the scientific community. Currently, only 2.4% of research outputs meet accessibility guidelines. Informed by scientists who rely on assistive technology, our analysis demonstrates that offering HTML is the most impactful step arXiv can take. Scientists need HTML now, and emphasize to not let perfect be the enemy of good enough. In this paper we share with you how arXiv is achieving HTML conversions from LaTeX now, and our plans for future improvements.