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Accessibility: E-books

E-books are easy to carry and they have many features that make reading easier. This guide will introduce you to e-books in general and Ebook Central in particular.

E-book basics

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.

Image with a stack of books and a mobile with headphonesThere 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. When you download an e-book, select the EPUB format. Always use the reader programme recommended by the service.  Adobe Digital Editions and Thorium Reader are the most common choices. The programmes support digital rights management (DRM) technology, which prevents sharing e-books with others.

Image: Adobe Stock

Ebook Central

  • 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

Listening to ebooks on the Proquest Ebook Central platform using a text to speech app

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

Easy to Read Health Library

Tip

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?

Need help?

Laurea-kirjasto | Saavutettavuusseloste | Laurea Library | Accessibility statement