At the library, we are actively partnering with publishers and vendors to enhance the accessibility of our digital collections—ensuring that every user can engage with content in ways that best support their needs. Accessible design not only supports individuals with disabilities, but also benefits all users by enabling mobile access, flexible reading experiences, and personalized learning.
As digital accessibility becomes increasingly important worldwide, several key standards and laws now guide how websites, eBooks, and online platforms must be designed to be inclusive. At the core is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, a globally recognized framework that defines how to create digital content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.
These guidelines are reinforced by regional legislation, including:
European Accessibility Act (EAA): Requires that digital products and services—such as eBooks, e-readers, and online platforms—sold in the EU meet specific accessibility criteria by June 2025.
Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act: Mandates that federally funded institutions, including libraries and universities, ensure equal access to digital information and technology.
Together, these standards support users who rely on:
Screen readers
Keyboard-only navigation
Braille displays and screen magnifiers
Captions, transcripts, and alternate text formats
Our work aligns with these requirements to ensure our collections are accessible, equitable, and ready to support a diverse community of learners. As vendors like ProQuest and EBSCO continue to update their platforms in response to these laws, we remain committed to monitoring developments and advocating for accessibility improvements that make a meaningful difference.
Beginning in June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will enforce mandatory accessibility standards for a wide range of digital content and services, including eBooks. The EAA is designed to ensure inclusive access to digital materials for all users, especially individuals with disabilities.
Major vendors such as ProQuest and EBSCO are actively updating their eBook platforms to meet these requirements. This includes enhancements to navigation, screen reader compatibility, text reflow, and keyboard accessibility. Both platforms have shared timelines and documentation outlining their compliance efforts, which will be reflected in platform updates throughout the year.
PDF to EPUB
Starting May 1, 2025, Ebook Central will shift the default online reading format from PDF to EPUB (Electronic Publication) to improve accessibility and enhance compatibility with assistive technologies. This "EPUB Preferred" initiative aims to make ebooks easier to read on a broader range of devices and provide users with a more accessible reading experience that adapts to screen readers, without needing to turn on Text-Only mode.
New Ebook Central Reader App – TBD
The new Ebook Central Reader App will replace Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) for full-book downloads. Users can continue to read online, download chapters, and manage their bookshelf as usual in the Ebook Central online reader.
EBSCO is committed to ensuring that its research platforms comply with current and upcoming accessibility regulations. Their approach includes a wide range of proactive measures designed to meet—and exceed—accessibility standards.
As part of their ongoing efforts, EBSCO plans to roll out the following features by June 2025:
Text-to-Speech Functionality for PDF and EPUB eBooks
Customizable Spacing Controls for improved readability in EBSCO eBooks
Temporary Suspension of Full eBook Downloads in the European Union while accessibility improvements are completed. This does not apply to chapter downloads and DRM-Free content.
Temporary Suspension of Full eBook Downloads and Online Reading in the EBSCO Mobile App (applies to all users) while accessibility improvements are completed. This does not apply to chapter downloads and DRM-Free content.
Alternative Format Request Workflow: Users who encounter content that does not meet their accessibility needs will be able to request an alternative format directly from the platform
To support all readers, especially those using assistive technologies, accessible ebooks include the following features:
