The OU Library wants to make sure that everyone can use its services and resources without difficulty. This article will take you through the range of facilities and support that the Library provides to ensure that everyone gets what they need from us – from supported literature searching and alternative formats, to online training sessions and accessibility testing of Library resources.
Optimising Library content for screen reader technology
During your studies, you are likely to come across some essential reading in your module via the OU Library. These materials might be journal articles, book chapters, or other types of content – some of which may not be accessible to screen reader users. In cases where materials are deemed essential and part of the core reading, screen reader friendly formats should be available on your module website’s ‘Resources/Downloads’ section within ‘Library resources: accessible versions’.
Convert files with SensusAccess
Although we try to ensure that content is provided in an accessible format, you might come across some materials that are not accessible to screen reader users. In such cases, you can try using SensusAccess, an automated conversion service to convert material into a more accessible format. You can convert material into different formats such as PDF to text, audio, Word or Braille. You can find more information about the service and access the conversion form at Convert a file with SensusAccess. If you experience any issues or need further support, contact the Library Helpdesk.
Referencing accessible formats
If you have a disability, you may find that the format or software you use for studying means you are unable to exactly follow a given referencing style required by your module. For example, it can be very difficult to locate page numbers in a PDF using a screen reader. The Library provides guidance on referencing accessible formats, including material converted by yourself and material printed by the OU, as well as specific advice on referencing where page numbers are unavailable or difficult to locate.
It is important to have an early conversation with your tutor about what referencing adjustments need to be made to ensure that they work for both of you.
Supported literature searching
We encourage students to do their own literature searching, however, we understand that there are occasions where this may not be possible. If you have difficulties searching Library databases, our supported literature searching service can provide help with finding references for assignments, including journal and newspaper articles, statistics and company information. Where a database provides the abstract of an article, we can check whether the Library subscribes to the full text online and forward it, if it is in a suitable format.
Online training sessions
Each month, the Library runs a programme of online training sessions open to students and staff, providing live, interactive training on library research and digital literacy skills. The sessions are 30 to 60 minutes long and are delivered in Adobe Connect. To help you know what to expect, our librarians created a short video explaining everything you need to feel confident and ready to dive into one of these sessions. You may also find our Accessibility Statement for Adobe Connect useful in understanding how to modify Adobe Connect for your needs.
The Improving your experience accessing online resources session is particularly relevant to those who may experience difficulties in reading some full-text formats. This session is 1-hour long and will help you learn about the different available file formats, and some of the tools you can use to improve their accessibility. Plus, you’ll have live access to a friendly and knowledgeable librarian! A student who attended this session previously commented:
“As someone who can often have difficulty with written text, learning about Sensus Access and its ability to convert PDFs into audio will definitely be a feature that will help my learning.”
If you’re unable to make a live session, you don’t need to worry, as a recording is available to watch any time. Check out our training offerings to see what is on now and to find links to recorded sessions.
Accessibility in the Library building
Although the majority of our Library resources are online, you may be interested in visiting the Library building at the Walton Hall campus in Milton Keynes for borrowing and renewing items, or for making use of the study space. The Visiting the Library building page on our website details assistive equipment that is available, or for more detailed information, email us at library-help@open.ac.uk with the subject line: ‘Request for Accessibility in the Library building leaflet from the E&I team‘. You can also take a look at our virtual video tour of the OU Library building, which takes you through each floor of the building and showcases the facilities that are available, so you know what to expect when visiting us.
Further help
We want to do everything we can to ensure our Library services are accessible for all our users and want to provide you with the best experience possible. If you ever need any additional support or would like more information on the services we provide, please do get in touch with our Library Helpdesk, which offers online help through a 24-hour chat service available 7 days a week.
The resources mentioned within this article are repeated below, along with some additional resources that you may find useful.
Useful links
Getting started with the online library
Databases with accessibility issues
Library website and resources – accessibility
Referencing accessible formats
Convert a file with SensusAccess
Virtual tour of the Library building
Disability support at The Open University
The Library Services website is your gateway to a wide range of online information resources. You can use it to find out more about the Library, search our extensive online collection of Library resources (including eBooks, journals, databases and more), and explore our programme of live online training sessions that are available to all OU students and staff. Or indeed, come and speak with us at the Library Helpdesk: we look forward to it. And keep up to date with us by liking us on Facebook, following us on Bluesky, and subscribing to our YouTube channel.
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