Libraries provide access to e-books through various online services. Some e-books are available only online, while others can be downloaded to a reader programme. You can often adjust the browser view or use the accessibility features of the reader programme. Additionally, you can listen to the text of your e-book.
There are many ways to browse and read an e-book:
Most e-books today are in EPUB format, though some older ones may be available as PDFs. Downloadable e-books must be opened in Adobe Digital Editions or another reader programme. These programmes support digital rights management (DRM) technology, which prevents sharing e-books with others.
Ebook Central offers e-books in English from various publishers, primarily in EPUB format.
You can read e-books online or download them to your device. The recommended reader programs are Adobe Digital Editions and Thorium Reader (for DRM-free e-books only).
To use the “Read Aloud” function in your browser to listen to e-books online, first activate the Ebook Central Accessibility mode (Settings > Profile).
Images and tables may be hidden in Accessibility mode.
For all accessibility features, see Ebook Central Accessibility Statement.
Video: University of Worcester Library Services (4:51 min., opens on YouTube. English subtitles available.)
The VLeBooks platform supports PDF eBooks which are formatted to read online and support the accessibility functionality within the VLeBooks Reader. Read more aboout accessibility of VLE-books.