--- obsoleteMessage: The glossary link type is obsolete. obsoleteSince: 20 ---

# Using the link element to link to a glossary

ID: H60

Technology: html

Type: Technique

## When to Use

HTML and XHTML

## Description

The objective of this technique is to provide a mechanism for locating a glossary. When terms in the content are defined on a separate glossary page, the glossary is referenced using a `link` element in the `head` element of the document that uses the glossary. The `rel` attribute of the `link` element is set to "glossary", and the `href` attribute contains the URI of the glossary page. User agents can then assist users in accessing the glossary quickly and easily.

## Examples

### The WCAG 2.0 Glossary.

     <link rel="glossary" href="https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/#glossary">

## Tests

### Procedure

For any set of words and their definitions that are meant to serve as a glossary:

1. Check that the `head` section of the Web page that contains words, phrases or abbreviations defined in a glossary contains a `link` element
2. Check that the `link` element has attribute `rel`="glossary"
3. Check that the `href` attribute of the `link` element refers to the glossary page.

### Expected Results

- All checks above are true.

Note: The definition of abbreviation used in WCAG is : "shortened form of a word, phrase, or name where the original expansion has not been rejected by the organization that it refers to and where the abbreviation has not become part of the language."

## Related Techniques

## Resources

- HTML 4.01 LINK element
- HTML 4.01 link types
- Use <link>s in your document from W3C's Quality Web Tips
- LINK - Document Relationship from Web Design Group