Library Access Framework - Accessibility RA 2025

Scanning Print Materials into Accessible Formats

• The KIC book scanners in the library have optical character recognition (OCR), which means they can scan text and make it readable. 
• If your document is difficult to see, use the settings to adjust the brightness and contrast to make it easier to read.

Electronic Resources

• Not all library material is published in accessible formats, but many newer titles will have an electronic version of a text
• Search for electronic resources in platforms from EBSCO, Proquest, SAGE, Taylor & Francis, and others. These platforms have built in accessibility features like text-to-speech, text highlight, downloadable mp3s of full text articles, large text and more.
• If you need help finding electronic versions, ask a library staff member for help library@ecuad.ca. It’s possible that the resource is only published in print, but we can try to find an alternate format for you.

Modifications to eResource Formats for Accessibility

Different vendors have different contractual obligations. To request that an eResource be modified into an accessible formats, please reach out to library@ecuad.ca with these details:

• Student ID number
• Database/article/book/streaming video/platform name and URL
• Type of modification requested (e.g. larger print / a different audio file / described audio / closed captions)
• Is the disability documented? Y/N (not all vendors require this, but some do. We do not want to be in breach of contracts.)

Your request will be forwarded to the eResources Librarian, who will then check your request against the licence terms for that particular vendor and take the next steps. Do note that where vendor platforms already have accessibility accommodations, e.g. text-to-speech, your request might take longer to fulfil as we will have to argue that these functions do not sufficiently meet a student's needs.

In the fall 2021 semester we had a display of resources on accessibility in the ECU Library Reading Room, where we posted a white board for students to tell us their access needs for using the library. Thank you for your feedback and letting us know ways we can make the library more welcoming and accessible to you. Here are the compiles posts with our responses.

• Greeting me by name
  • Yes, we would love to get to know students and learn your names. Come chat with us and introduce yourself. 
• I need someone to help me proofread
  • The ECU Writing Centre has created an excellent selection of resources about editing and revising your writing: https://writingcentre.ecuad.ca/resources/#editing-and-revision. You can also use the library as a space to meet with peers to proofread each others’ work. This is a great way to learn from each other and gain experience with providing feedback. 
• Audio and video material in “reading lists”
  • Excellent suggestion! We will do a review of our electronic resources and research guides to look into ways that we can include more AV material.
• I need soft lighting | Moderate lighting
  • We agree! Right now, the lighting in the bookable study rooms can be adjusted. In the future we would like to get more desk lamps so lighting can be adjusted better for each patron. 
• I wish we could have portable CD players, cassette players, etc. available to borrow
  • Media Resources has cassette and CD players which students can borrow, but they are quite large and not very portable. We have a portable record player. Sorry - this is not the answer you are looking for.
• Somewhere to nap | I want to nap more | Nap room | Stronger lighting in darker areas of the library
  • The Student Wellness Department now has a nap room!!!!! The library offers some semi comfortable couches and we now have a hammock chair that is pretty good for napping. Also we have two slumpy beanbags.
• I need to talk ideas through with folks I trust
  • The research help desk is here to talk through your ideas with you! We have staff at the desk from 11:30-1:30 and 3-5, Monday - Friday. You can also make an appointment by emailing library@ecuad.ca
• Silent work areas | Quiet space
  • We have a designated quiet study area on the north side of the lower level. You can also book a study room here: https://ecuad.mywconline.com/ 
  • We welcome group work, socializing, and independent noise making in areas outside of the designated quiet zones.
• Someone to show/walk me through how to do things
  • We are happy to work with you to navigate how to use the library. You can ask us in person at the Service Desk or Research Help Desk, stop by our offices on the lower level, or get help online. We have a Library Chat Service that you can access https://www.ecuad.ca/library/research/help and we can meet with you in Zoom. Email us to set up an appointment library@ecuad.ca 
• Water fountain downstairs 
  • We have asked for an estimate on how much it would cost us to install a water fountain on the lower level and the estimate came in at approximately $18000. At this time, we do not have the funds. 
• More plants
  • We love plants! We are trying to propagate and grow more plants. Do you know about the seed library? Take some seeds to grow plants at your home too
• Friends
  • There are often events happening around the University that provide opportunities to meet people. You can find events here: https://www.ecuad.ca/events 
• More free food
  • We look forward to being able to share food again. 
• More hand sanitizing stations 
  • During the height of the pandemic we had hand sanitizer on almost every table in the library. But then we ended up with so much waste. We are hoping that we now have enough out so that you can feel clean while offering you 3 bathrooms to wash your hand if necessary. 
• More garbage cans
  • We have recently added two recycling stations in the library: one on the lower level just east of the stairs and one on the upper level in the sustainability area. 
• More comfortable seating | back support and tables | The couches and chairs are uncomfortable | More hammocks or bean bag chairs downstairs. I want more hammocks and surfer furniture too!
  • We will keep trying to find money in the budget.