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JISC TechDis and E-books
Why are JISC TechDis working with e-books?
e-Books have the potential to improve access to books for a huge number of people. Currently less than 5% of published books are available in an alternative format; with the increased visibility and popularity of e-books this could increase to 100%.
As with most documents, an electronic version of a book could have many accessibility benefits:
- Users can customise the appearance of the text to suit their requirements. Depending on the hardware and software used to read the book the text size can be magnified, and font and background colours can be changed.
- e-Books may be used with text-to-speech software.
- For those with limited motor control, e-books may be accessible using a keyboard or switch, rather than manually turning pages.
JISC TechDis have created a range of guidance on e-books including:
What are the accessibility issues with e-books?
Making the most of e-books and alternative formats
Accessibility and usability of different platforms
See also the
JISC TechDis video on e-books used in the Right to Read alliance seminar on e-book accessibility at the London Bookfair in April 09.
For those involved in supporting disabled learners by making PDF copies of e-books more accessible,
JISC TechDis Accessibility Essentials 4: Making the Most of PDFs will also prove useful.
Who are JISC TechDis working with on e-books?
JISC TechDis are working with a number of key agencies and organisations to investigate and improve the accessibility of e-books, including:
Further Advice and Guidance
RNIB - see the
RNIB introduction to e-books and their
detailed review of eBook players, formats and service providers - Autumn 2008
University of Edinburgh (CALL service) -
Books for All website.
