Using the Library: Accessibility

At the library, we have a number of resources that could be useful to you when studying. 

We have a selection of coloured overlays, for use when reading in the library. 

We have a range of coloured A4 paper for use when printing. 

We have oversize keyboards available to aid visually impaired students. 

We have book supports to hold some of those extra large textbooks! 

We even have a stash of fidget toys to help you regulate and to aid concentration.     

For more information or to use any of this equipment, please ask at the library desk. 

Different browsers have a range of extensions that offer accessibility support. 

Chrome extensions include voice reader, text to speech, Grammarly, read and write, open dyslexic font and many more. 

Microsoft Edge provides built-in accessibility features such as the option to enlarge text and to have the web pages read aloud. Extensions for Edge also include voice reader, text to speech, Grammarly and reading rulers. 

We provide our eBooks through different platforms which have different accessibility options. Below, there is a brief overview of the accessibility features for each of our main eBook providers, as well as links to find out more information. 

VLeBooks 

The VLeBook platform provides a range of accessibility options to make searching and navigating easier. These include

• Colour, contrast and font options with the ability to change the font style and colour, to switch background colour and to use a high contrast mode
• Adjustable line, character and word spacing 
• Use of a reading ruler
• A read online option, with the ability to adjust the speed of reading 

You will find more information about VLeBooks accessibility features here.

EBSCOhost

EBSCO host ebooks in EPUB are compatible with screen readers. The online reader allows magnification beyond 200% with text reflow in the EPUB format. EBSCO interfaces use fonts that are known to work well for dyslexic users, and their design standards include requirements for minimum colour contrast. 

For more information, read the EBSCO eBook accessibility user guide and FAQs found here. 

ProQuest Ebook Central

All eBooks provided by the Ebook Central platform are compatible with screen readers and magnifiers.  Users are able to zoom up to 300%. . The font of eBooks can be changed to Open Dyslexic and Ebook Central's use of colours meet the minimum contrast specifications. 

You will find the eBook Central accessibility statement here.