Accessible and Alternate Formats of Library Materials
The Library provides services to improve the accessibility of Library collections. Please note that the Library remediates materials used for assignments and research; Accessible Learning deals with course readings and required course materials.
All services except SensusAccess require an ACE token.
SensusAccess: Online Self-Service OCR and Remediation
SensusAccess is a new AI-based web tool that will automatically do OCR, convert to Word, ePub, HTML or mp3, and tag pdfs. You upload a document and results are emailed to your Laurier email address, usually within minutes. It's available to anyone with a Laurier email address.
SensusAccess is not perfect and will produce errors. If you need better accuracy for Library materials you are converting, please see our remediation services below, or contact libaccessibility@wlu.ca.
Electronic Books and Download Limits
Many of the library's books are available in electronic format. For help in locating ebooks see Finding ebooks.
If our electronic book platforms are not accessible for you, request a more accessible format of an ebook.
If you run into problems with download limits, we can download books for you. We can also compile sections into one file, or split large files into sections, for easier use with your screen reading software.
Request both services using the Alternate Format Request Form on our web site, the Request Alternate Format For Print Disabled Users link in Omni, or email us at libaccessibility@wlu.ca.
Print Digitization
Books
The Library can scan print books that we own. For books we don't own we request scanning through ACE, a shared Ontario university library book digitization service.
An ACE token is required for ACE and other digitization services. Tokens are available to people with print or perceptual disabilities.
To request digitization, first search Omni. If you don't find what you need there, place a request through the Request Alternate Format For Print Disabled Users link in Omni, the Alternate Format Request Form on our web site, or email us at libaccessibility@wlu.ca. For instructions see
With your ACE token you can also search the ACE repository of digitized books from Ontario university libraries and download books you find there.
Book Chapters and Articles
The library will scan print journal articles and chapters of books in its collection. For more information and instructions see Scan on Demand.
Format of Digitized Books or Articles
Scans are done in PDF format with basic OCR. If you require Word, HTML or ePub formats, or additional accessibility features for chapters or articles, please request these in our Alternate Format Request Form, or contact libaccessibility@wlu.ca.
Format Conversion
The Library can convert PDF files to Word, HTML, or ePub formats or vice versa. We also add accessibility features as described below.
SensusAccess can convert to these and other formats, including Braille and Mp3.
To request format conversion, use the Alternate Format Request Form on our web site, the Request Alternate Format For Print Disabled Users link in Omni, or email us at libaccessibility@wlu.ca.
Adding Accessibility Features: File Remediation
Options
The Library offers remediation services to add accessibility features to Library materials. There are two options:
- For self-service and quick turnaround, but less accuracy, use SensusAccess.
- For more accuracy, contact libaccessibility@wlu.ca with your request.
Please note that we remediate materials needed for research and assignments; please contact Accessible Learning for required course materials.
What We Can Do: Articles and Book Chapters
For articles or book chapters, we can do OCR on PDF, and convert to Word, HTML, or ePub formats.
In addition, we can create headings, properly format lists, and do basic level tagging for simple tables. We are able to do this in Word, HTML or ePub (not in PDF).
What We Can Do: Books
For books, we can do OCR on PDF, and convert to Word, HTML, or ePub formats.
For all books we create chapter headings for navigation, and add bookmarks in PDF files.
We can also split files into chapter sections or compile sections into one larger file.
We are not able to remediate entire books, but we can add additional accessibility features for a specific chapter (please see above).
Requests
Please note your remediation needs in our Alternate Format Request Form on our web site, the Request Alternate Format For Print Disabled Users link in Omni, or email at libaccessibility@wlu.ca.
Page Number Lookup
If you use a screen reader and need help with identifying page numbers so you can cite, contact us at libaccessibility@wlu.ca and we can help.
How Long Does it Take?
Book scans take 2-3 business days if Laurier owns the book and it is available on the shelf, or 1-2 weeks if scanned by ACE or the book needs to be obtained from somewhere else.
Remediation takes 2-3 business days.
If you have a large volume of requests, we will work with you to prioritize them and determine a schedule.
Service Request Form
Use of our alternate format services requires an ACE token.
Once you have a token, to use our services you can:
- Fill out the Alternate Format Request Form, or
- Use the Request an Alternate Format For Print Disabled Users link in Omni, or
- Email libaccessibility@wlu.ca
We are happy to get requests in whatever way works best for you. Please include your token number in your service request.
Privacy and Confidentiality
The Library Library requires an ACE token to verify your eligibility for alternate format materials under copyright law.
Requesting alternate format services using your ACE token will identify you to Library Accessibility Staff so they can process your request. Your identity will not be shared for any other purpose.
Your token number is used only for service delivery. Your token information is not kept in any of our Library systems, or associated in any way with your Library or university accounts.
If you have questions or concerns about privacy please contact libaccessibility@wlu.ca.