ProQuest is committed to providing all our users with a fully accessible experience for research, teaching and learning.
At ProQuest, we make every effort to ensure that our platforms – including Ebook Central – can be used by everyone. Ebook Central is continually designed and developed to meet Level AA of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act for features and functions.
Access the full Accessibility Conformance Report (VPAT 2.4 & WCAG) for Ebook Central.
The Ebook Central interface and ebook readers are designed to be accessible, giving users the ability to manage the following aspects of the site:
ProQuest style guides specify using colors that meet minimum contrast specifications. Adjusting these aspects can be changed in the browser settings. While a built-in solution is not available, browser extensions can be used to change the color and contrast settings, including Midnight Lizard which is available for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
Users can change the Ebook Central website typeface to OpenDyslexic in the Profile settings.
Users can zoom in up to 300% without text spilling off screen using inbuilt browser features (e.g., CTRL +/- for PCs and Command +/- for Macs). Browser extensions are also available, such as NoSquint for Firefox or Zoomy for Chrome.
Ebook Central can be navigated by keyboard only – the tab, enter, and arrow keys can:
Please see the ‘Non-Accessible Content’ section below for areas where keyboard navigation is not ideal.
Non-sighted or low-vision users using Ebook Central rely on elements that are not visible on the screen. These elements include hidden landmarks, labels, and other codes to support accessibility. Screenreaders detect these hidden elements and provide more information to non-sighted or low-vision users. Ebook Central’s approach is based on leading accessibility standards, so users can be comfortable working right away.
Ebook Central tests using the latest version of screen reader and browser combinations as follows:
Text-to-speech tools are used by dyslexic users, as well as users with different language backgrounds or users looking to multi-task. While Ebook Central does not offer an embedded text-to-speech tool, text-to-speech is:
For a brief demonstration of Ebook Central’s accessibility options, please view our video. If you have a disability and need to make your computer, tablet, or other device easier to use, My Computer My Way by AbilityNet is a recommended resource.
Ebook Central offers books in two formats: EPUB and PDF.
EPUB is an HTML-based format that supports reflowable text. When users resize the window or access the book on mobile or tablet devices, the text will automatically reflow to be perfected for your screen size. Users can also adjust the font size in the Display Options menu within the EPUB Reader.
PDF is an image-based format that keeps the look and feel of a printed book. The book has a set number of pages with a fixed width. These books may not display as well on smaller devices or different zoom levels. PDFs can be read using a screenreader by enabling Text Only Mode within the user Profile.
Ebook Central hosts millions of ebooks from thousands of publishers. We collaborate closely with publishers to ensure we have the highest quality, most accessible ebooks for all devices. Patrons can read anywhere on the go using their favorite device – a tablet, mobile phone, or laptop. Because Ebook Central’s online reading experience is designed and developed for accessibility, we recommend reading your book online for the best experience.
Books without download restrictions (DRM-free): Within the limits of daily usage, 99% of individual chapters – as well as hundreds of thousands of full titles – are available on Ebook Central without download, copy or print restrictions. This content can be easily downloaded to any device, including a laptop, tablet, or phone. The availability information for each book displays the DRM limits. If no limits are present, the availability will read, “There are no copy, print, or download restrictions on this title.”
Books with download restrictions (DRM): Some ebooks come with rights restrictions set by the publisher. In these cases, full-book access is available through Adobe Digital Editions.
Access to copying and printing functionality is available using assisted technology. Some titles have copy and print limitations set by the publisher. Most titles with restrictions allow for 20% of the text to be copied and 40% printed. Information about print and copy limits is available for each book within the Availability section of the book detail information.
Downloaded files can be used with a range of text-to-speech tools. Adobe Reader has built in text-to-speech, so users may have a better experience using a free tool like Balabolka, Orato, ATbar. Free tools and plugins can be helpful, but users should check reviews and download sites before installing. Commercial text-to-speech tools like ClaroRead, Read and Write Gold and others are also available.
Ebook Central supports alternative text and image descriptions. This includes:
Alt text on images: For downloaded PDFs and EPUB, assistive technology typically reads whatever metadata or alternative text is provided by the publisher and is tagged to be associated with the image or chart. We supply accessibility guidelines to our publishing partners to obtain the most accessible files possible and encourage them to use these types of features.
Long description: A textual representation of the essential information conveyed by complex images. Ebook Central supports long descriptions when provided by the publisher. When long descriptions are not provided by the publisher, additional assistance may be needed.
Not all parts of the Ebook Central site may be fully accessible. Attributes of documents that may not be accessible are as follows:
Ebook Central does support long descriptions and alternative text if provided by the publishers. Some ebooks have images without accessible descriptions and cannot be read by a screen reader.
Headings and labels within ebook files are not always provided by the publisher, making it difficult to navigate with assisted technology. If the user requires headings, EPUB is the better choice for online and offline reading.
