Why is it important to have an accessible e-book service?

There are three main reasons why it is important for libraries to have an e-book service that is accessible to people with print disabilities.

Restricted choice

We estimate that fewer than 5% of books published are made available in alternative formats such as large print, so readers with sight problems or other print impairments (i.e. difficulties with reading printed text) have restricted choice.

In 2009, 133,224 new books were published in the UK. Charitable organizations such as RNIB convert books to alternative formats such as audio, braille and large print, but only have the capacity to transcribe a small proportion of books published.

Potential of e-books to improve access to books

Accessible e-book services have the power to transform access to books for people with sight problems or other print impairments, giving them access to the same book, at the same time as everyone else. Books in electronic format are inherently more accessible than print, as they have the potential to allow the user to adapt the content to their individual needs. The number of new and existing books being made available in e-book format is growing every day, dwarfing the number of titles available in alternative formats.

Legal position

Libraries have a statutory duty to promote equality of opportunity and not to discriminate against people with disabilities.

Any public library planning to deliver an e-book service should carry out an impact assessment under the Disability Equality Duty (DED) on the effect that such a service would have on blind and partially sighted people. They should then take steps to minimize any negative impact or to make alternative proposals.

If a library's existing e-book service is inaccessible to people with disabilities they would need to make alternative arrangements to fulfil the reasonable adjustments duty under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).