Any long page of content with distinct and well marked up content can benefit from a table to contents. A table of contents provides a quick way to jump down the page to the desired section. Of course you can create a table of contents manually, but it may be smart to build it dynamically on-the-fly with JavaScript. This is true for several reasons:

• It's easier - write the JavaScript once and it can create the Table on Contents on every page you need it.
• It's more reliable - the JavaScript isn't subject to authoring errors.
• It's still accessible - A table of contents is good for the general concept of accessibility, but it is a bonus (not having it doesn't ruin the page) and nearly all screen readers run JavaScript.

This kind of thing has been done many times and many ways. But this time is ours! Plus it makes for a good tutorial.

Full Post: Automatic Table of Contents