How do you make references accessible?

Question

Let's suppose I have this very basic example (I could have used superscript numbers as well)

Accessibility is great*

then whatever text or content, then

* Book of obvious things

Now, how do I make the asterisk accessible so that users can access the references?

The obvious answer seems to be to use an anchor with a "reference to yadda yadda yadda" title, but it seems too invasive and obviously interrupts the flow, acting as a dialogue.

In addition, although I could use superscript numbers, when I use only one or two calls, a sign is better and more expected, especially when this is just an attention call or clarification, but not an authorized reference.

Anyways, what is the best practice for this case?

Answer 1

Not sure of best practice, but I've always appreciated the way Wikipedia uses references. They use a combination of superscript numbers and tooltips. Here's a random article as an example - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fields_Medal

This has a couple of benefits:

1. Using tooltips, it doesn't interrupt the flow (i.e. the user won't be bounced to the bottom of the page). I can easily view the tooltip and click on the reference link while still reading the article

2. They also include a standard anchor link, taking me directly to the reference in the footer if that's what I prefer. I'd say this option is more appropriate from an accessibility standpoint too. If the tooltip hasn't been coded properly, it may not be accessible to people using assistive technologies

For me, the combination of the two has always worked well.