Accessibility: E-books

Availability

Libraries provide access to e-books through various online services. Some e-books are available only online, while others can be downloaded to a reader programme. You can often adjust the browser view or use the accessibility features of the reader programme. Additionally, you can listen to the text of your e-book.

There are many ways to browse and read an e-book:

• Move from page to page
• Use the links in the table of contents
• Use the links in the index at the back of the book
• Use the e-book search function.

Formats

Most e-books today are in EPUB format, though some older ones may be available as PDFs. Downloadable e-books must be opened in Adobe Digital Editions or another reader programme. These programmes support digital rights management (DRM) technology, which prevents sharing e-books with others.

Image: Adobe Stock

• Ebook Central offers e-books in English from various publishers, primarily in EPUB format.
• You can read e-books online or download them to your device. The recommended reader programs are Adobe Digital Editions and Thorium Reader (for DRM-free e-books only).
• To use the “Read Aloud” function in your browser to listen to e-books online, first activate the Ebook Central Accessibility mode (Settings > Profile).
• Images and tables may be hidden in Accessibility mode.

 For all accessibility features, see Ebook Central Accessibility Statement

Video: University of Worcester Library Services (4:51 min., opens on YouTube. English subtitles available.)

Check from you own device:

• Do you have the latest browser version?
• How do you listen to text?
• How do you enlarge fonts?
• How do you change background colour?

Check from your e-book service:

• Which format is your e-book in (EPUB, PDF, other)?
• Do you need a reader programme to access your e-book?
• Which accessibility features are available?

Contact Laurea Library:
Campus library contact information and opening hours