Streamlining Special Access for Patrons with Qualifying Print Disabilities

Streamlining Special Access for Patrons with Qualifying Print Disabilities

By
Mek
, Elizabeth Mays, & Ella Cuskelly
A core aspect of Open Library’s mission is making the published works of humankind accessible to all readers, regardless of age, ability, or location. In service of this goal, the Internet Archive participates in a special access program to serve patrons who have certified
print disabilities
that impact their ability to read standard printed text. Individuals certified by
qualifying authorities
can access materials in accessible formats through their web browser or via protected downloads. These affordances are offered in accordance with the
Marrakesh Treaty
, which exists to “facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled.”
The first hurdle individuals with print disabilities must clear before getting the access they require is discovering which organizations, like the Internet Archive, participate in special access programs. Previously, patrons would have to perform a google search or the Internet Archive’s help pages in order to learn about the special access offerings and the next steps for certification. The Internet Archive is excited to announce a new, streamlined process where patrons with qualifying print disabilities may apply for special access while registering for their free
OpenLibrary.org
account.
How to Request Special Print Disability Access
Starting May 15th, 2025, patrons who
register
for a free Internet Archive Open Library account will be presented with a checkbox option to “apply for
special print disability access
through a qualifying program.”
A screenshot showing the new checkbox on the registration page for patrons to request special print disability access.
Once this box is checked, the patron is prompted to select which
qualifying program
will certify the patron’s request for special access. This will be an organization like BARD, BookShare, ACE, or a participating university that has a relationship with the patron and can qualify their request.
A select box enables patrons to select the program through which they qualify for special print disability access.
Once the patron completes registration and logs in, they will receive an email with steps to either immediately apply their BARD or ACE credentials, or connect with their qualifying program to complete the certification process.
Once certified, print disabled patrons will have special access to a digital repository of more than 1.5 million accessible titles.
An example search result for “biology textbooks,” which shows blue Special Access buttons for patrons with certified print disabilities.
We hope these improvements will make our offerings more discoverable to those who need them and reduce unnecessary steps hindering access.
The Open Library team is committed to improving the enrollment process and accessibility offerings available to those with qualified print disabilitie…