Accessibility
All public sector websites need to meet accessibility standards and publish an accessibility statement. This page provides accessibility statements for web-based library systems.
Accessibility statements for library websites
- Library website
- Library search (Summon)
- 360Link (Ex Libris)
- E-journal A-Z (Ex Libris)
- Springshare (Libapps)
- Reading Lists (Kortext)
- Hull History Centre website
- Hull History Centre online catalogue
Accessibility statements for library databases
The library subscribes to electronic content (mostly eBooks and eJournals) from hundreds of different providers. You can find links to each provider's accessibility statement by browsing the database entries in the database A-Z / by subject webpages.
Accessibility statements for related websites
AccessAble
We’ve partnered with AccessAble to offer detailed accessibility guides for many of our campus buildings, including accommodation, teaching spaces, the students’ union, and student services. Guides include:
- Step-free access information
- Accessible entranWeces and facilities
- Photos to help you plan your route
Find guides on the AccessAble website and app. You may also find it useful to view our virtual tour.
Alternative and accessible formats
If you are not able to read standard print you may need books and other learning resources in an accessible format. If the publisher has not created a commercially-available accessible version, you may need it converted to an alternative format.
Accessible formats
Many of the Library’s online resources, including eBooks and eJournals, offer flexible accessibility features such as adjustable text size, font and background colours, and compatibility with screen readers and text-to-speech software. Accessibility statements and help guides for each provider are available via the Library’s Database page, making it easier to find and use formats that suit your needs.
Accessible eBooks
The Library has an extensive collection of eBooks for all subjects.
We only buy eBooks from suppliers who score highly in Aspire's national eBook accessibility audit. However, some of our older eBooks may not conform to current standards. If this is the case, let us know and we will check to see if a more accessible version is available.
Finding eBooks
You can access eBooks through your module reading list on Reading Lists at Hull or via your module’s Canvas site. Just look for the View online button. Alternatively, use the Library search and filter results by selecting Available online to quickly find digital resources.
Accessible reading lists
- All essential reading list resources must be available via the University Library in both digital and print formats.
- Recommended resources should be available via the University Library in both digital and print formats.
What if titles are not in accessible formats?
If items are not in accessible formats, please try one of the following:
Contact the Library
We’ll check if a more accessible version is available, and can create an accessible scan of a book chapter or journal article if it's not online.
If the item is on a reading list
Speak to your module leader as they may be able to suggest alternative titles that are accessible
Not in the Library?
You can suggest a purchase
Alternative Formats Service
You may be eligible to use this service to gain support in accessing the resources you need
Note to staff
Please submit digitisation requests via the reading lists system
Alternative Formats Service
The service provides support, access to software, and other tools, to help you use learning resources in accessible formats.
For example, books and journal articles that are provided in an alternative format are usually PDF files that can be viewed on a computer screen and read aloud using screen reading technology. You can also change the format, for example by changing the font's colour, size, and style.
A Learning Support Officer can show you how to use specialist software, such as JAWS or Read and Write, to ensure your access requirements are met. The Learning Support Officer can also show you how to scan, make audio files, and use the features within PDF files so you can use the reading materials in a more flexible way to suit your needs.
Am I eligible to use the Alternative Formats service?
The Disability Advisers in Student Services will assess your needs for the Alternative Formats Service as part of your Assessment of Needs or Reasonable Adjustment Plan.
If you have not been referred for this service but feel you would benefit from it, contact your Disability Adviser.
How do I get something in an alternative format?
There are two main sources of alternative formats, SensusAccess and RNIB bookshare, both of which are explained below.
SensusAccess
SensusAccess is self-service, and you do not need to register to use it.
SensusAccess automates the conversion of documents into a range of alternative formats including digital Braille, MP3, DAISY and eBooks. It can make accessible otherwise inaccessible documents such as image-only PDF files or scanned images.
Teaching staff can use SensusAccess to convert lecture notes and other educational material into accessible formats. SensusAccess is powered by the award-winning RoboBraille service and supports many languages not just English. To convert a document, go to the SensusAccess form.
RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) Bookshare service
The RNIB Bookshare UK education collection is a free service that allows teachers and students to download learning materials in a range of formats to suit the personal needs of print-disabled learners. The collection covers all stages of study, from early years to higher education. You need to be assessed by Disability Support to gain access to the RNIB Bookshare service. Contact Disability Support. Disability Support will then contact the Library so that a username and password are created for you to log in to the RNIB Bookshare service. You can be given access to RNIB bookshare if you are a student with:
- Visual impairment: blind and partially sighted
- Specific Learning Difficulty: Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD
- Physical disability: if it significantly affects use of printed material