Alternate format services

The University of Toronto Libraries is committed to providing equitable access to our collections for persons with disabilities. If the format of items in the UTL collections creates barriers, we will work with you to make those materials available in a format that meets your accessibility needs. In some cases, we may also be able to make course-related books and textbooks available in an alternate format.

Alternate format materials for print disabilities: If you have a print disability that makes it difficult or impossible to use print reading materials, such as books in the UTL collection or your assigned course textbook, we can help. Upon request, we will provide your required materials in an alternate format. To access this service, please see the procedures for requesting accommodation.
Once you've identified the material and preferred format, we’ll begin the conversion process. Turnaround times can vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the format, so the earlier you submit your request, the better.

Accessible Content E-Portal (ACE)

The Accessible Content E-Portal (ACE) is a platform providing registered users access to more than 24,000 digitized books in multiple accessible formats.

A unique token is required to browse and download from the ACE platform. To request a token, please see the procedures for requesting accommodation.

HathiTrust Accessible Text Request Service

The HathiTrust Digital Library is a collection of more than 17 million digitized books, many of which with "limited (search-only)" access due to copyright restrictions.

The University of Toronto Libraries is able to provide access to nearly every item in the HathiTrust Digital Library to users who are blind or print disabled, including books in copyright, via the HathiTrust Accessible Text Request Service.

To request titles from the HathiTrust Digital Library in screen-readable PDF format, please see the procedures for requesting accommodation.

Captioning

The library's audiovisual collection may pose challenges to users. If not already available, we will make available captioning, described video, or transcription for all audiovisual material contained in our collection, as needed and upon request. This applies to both physical collections (e.g. DVD or Blu-ray) and online (e.g. streaming video).

While we will work to ensure that library audiovisual collections are accessible, we encourage instructors to consider whether their personal course materials account for these considerations, as instructors are also required to address the need for captioning upon request. If you are an instructor requiring assistance with obtaining or producing captioning or transcription for your audiovisual teaching materials, please feel free to contact us for guidance.

Online accessibility: If any available content hosted on the library website poses an accessibility challenge or barrier to you, we will work to provide a suitable alternate format. Anyone using our website can let us know what website content is inaccessible and what format is preferred. More information on the University of Toronto Libraries' commitment to web accessibility is available here.

Assistive technology

The University of Toronto Libraries strives to integrate assistive technology on all library workstations, but there may be times when more specialized technology is made available exclusively to users registered with Library Accessibility Services.

Integrated assistive technology

All computer workstations at central UTL libraries are equipped with:

ZoomText Fusion (ZoomText + JAWS)
Kurzweil 3000 screen reading software

Some computers are equipped with tabletop flatbed scanners. Many University of Toronto Libraries offer technology loans, such as phone and laptop chargers, headphones, voice recorders, and other common accessories.

CCTV electronic magnifiers are available on the 3rd floor of Robarts Library, on the ground floor of the OISE Library, and at the University of Toronto Scarborough Library, to change the brightness, contrast, and magnification of print-based reading materials.

Computers, photocopiers and printers at the Robarts Library are maintained by the Information Commons. If you encounter any physical barriers preventing access or would like to produce large print copies, please visit the Information Commons Help Desk on the ground floor of the Robarts Library.

Dedicated assistive technology

The Library Accessibility Office provides laptops for 72-hour loan, but longer loan periods can be provided based on need.

Laptops are equipped with ZoomText, Kurzweil 3000, and Microsoft Office software.

Due to limited availability, only students registered with accessibility services are eligible to borrow these laptops from us. However, you may be eligible to borrow technology from other libraries.

Alternative formats and assistive technology

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