This accessibility statement applies to all of the platforms and vendors that Library & Cultural Services subscribe to.
These websites are run by external providers in conjunction with Library & Cultural Services. We want as many people as possible to be able to use these websites. For example, that means you should be able to:
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
Due to the large number of providers we purchase our content from, we can't guarantee how accessible each provider is. This is due to the large number of providers and our access rights to them, and also each providers' response to the expectations set out on WCAG 2.1. Below are some of the common issues may run into when trying to access content.
If you need information on our providers in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read or audio recording:
We’ll consider your request and get back to you within 3 working days.
We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of these websites. If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, contact: libline@essex.ac.uk with the specific issues you are having and the Digital Systems and Services team will respond to your report.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘Accessibility Regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
The University of Essex Library & Cultural Services is committed to making its websites and content accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018).
These websites are partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1 in conformance with the AA standard, due to the non-compliances and exemptions. You can also see the full list of the WCAG 2.1 on the W3 website.
Due to the wide range of providers and platforms we subscribe to, we cannot test all of them, we cannot test them on a regular basis, and we cannot create statements for each one.
However, we are working in conjunction with searchBOX. This platform allows searching for specific providers and view their accessible content and accessibility statements. If you need to find an accessibility statement for one of our providers, please use searchBOX to look for it.
In this way, we are providing information on which elements are not compliant, fall under disproportionate burden, and also elements that fall outside the scope of accessibility regulations.
If you find that a statement does not exist or does not meet that standards expected by the WCAG 2.1 AA standard, you can get in touch with the library services team as stated above.
Also, if you find e-resources that aren't accessible or don't fit your needs, you can Request an Accessible Copy.
Library & Cultural Services are committed to ensuring that web content is as accessible as possible for as many people as possible. Part of this is working with our providers to ensure that they reach the WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
We also suggest looking at our Accessibility page for help on the library's accessible services, requesting accessible copies, and SensusAccess document conversion.
Accessibility starts with our processes and procedures. When procuring digital content, accessibility will be part of the process in choosing which provider to purchase the material from.
We will be prioritising content that fall under the Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations part of the statement, followed by Content that's not within the scope of the accessibility regulations.
If you find content within either of these headings, we will prioritise where possible and try to get content that works for you.
This statement was prepared on 07/07/2020. It was last reviewed on 12/07/2023.
Testing is conducted when new resources are requested, and they are tested by Adam Cowlin of the University of Essex Library Services Team.
When testing, we chose a sample of pages to cover a broad range of content and built our samples on the following principles:
