XHTML & Stylesheets

XHTML is an instance of XML. It's this relationship to XML that makes XHTML a powerful markup language.

XHTML documents can be processed by XML-enabled software. They are accessible to an increasing number of tools that take advantage of XML to read, re-write, and search documents.

XHTML can be used in conjunction with other instances of XML, like Mathematical Markup Language.

XHTML documents can be read by alternative platforms less powerful than desktop computers and less tolerant than computer-based browsers: the list already includes portals, voice readers & Braille printers, PDAs, & digital TVs.

Because they are accessible, XHTML documents help the Library comply with U.S. laws and accessibility guidelines.

Stylesheets allow us to manage documents in a way that separates appearance from content.

One stylesheet, downloaded once by a patron, can provide formatting for hundreds of pages. Meanwhile, the pages are leaner; as far as possible, they are stripped down to their content.

Increasingly styles & stylesheets allow us to control the look of our pages. (The fault lies not in our stylesheets, but in those outdated browsers.)

Stylesheet are exchangeable. Alternative stylesheets can be called to render documents for specific physical needs or platforms. The Library already has alternative stylesheets for larger font sizes and printing.

Because stylesheets strip away formatting from content, they support the accurate transfer of content from one platform to another.

XHTML and stylesheets look better, they work better, they are required by some of the Internet's most effective software, and they help us obey the law.