Last updated on 12 January 2026.
Our Accessibility Commitment
This accessibility statement applies to the BibliU website, platform, and mobile applications (“Platform”) through which digital content is accessed.
At BibliU, our mission is to make learning accessible to the widest possible audience. We are continually improving the quality and accessibility of our Platform to address the diverse needs of all learners. Our accessibility programme includes:
• Routine internal and third-party audits
• Automated and manual WCAG testing
• Continuous improvements aligned with WCAG 2.2 AA, Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended), and European accessibility standard EN 301 549
• Regular usability testing with assistive technologies
Our latest Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is available on request at accessibility@bibliu.com.
If you have any accessibility queries, please contact us through the in-app support channel or via our dedicated accessibility inbox: accessibility@bibliu.com. We aim to acknowledge all queries within 24 hours and typically fulfil accessible-format requests within 3–5 business days, depending on publisher response times.
1. Accessibility Compliance Status
Following internal and external audits, the BibliU Platform is partially compliant with the WCAG 2.2 AA standard. Most user journeys and reading interfaces meet or exceed AA requirements; however, some third-party publisher files and legacy content may not yet fully conform. These limitations are listed below under Non-accessible content.
BibliU is committed to achieving full compliance and maintaining ongoing alignment with current standards.
2. Using the Platform: Features That Support AccessibilityRequests for DRM-free content
Responsive Interface and Magnification
• Our interface is fully responsive and adapts to any screen size or device orientation.
• Users may zoom the entire UI using native browser controls without loss of functionality.
• Users may magnify content independently of the interface.
EPUB Content
EPUB content is reflowable* and works seamlessly with screen readers. To optimise your experience:
• Use keyboard navigation (Tab, Enter, Arrow keys) to move through content
• Access the Table of Contents via the navigation panel or press F6 to toggle between content and TOC
• Adjust text size, font, and colour settings via the Reading Settings menu (accessible via the gear icon or keyboard shortcut)
• Enable Text-to-Speech from the toolbar; use Play/Pause controls and adjust speed as needed
*To note, some publishers may in exceptional cases share fixed layout EPUB content, but this is rare.
PDF Content
PDF files are fixed-layout. To optimise your experience:
• Opens at full-screen width by default for optimal reading. You can use browser zoom (Ctrl/Cmd + or -) to magnify content; note that horizontal scrolling may be required at high zoom levels
• Additional magnification is supported, but may cause horizontal scrolling depending on PDF structure
Personalisation Options
Learners can customise reading experiences through:
• Text size and style adjustments
• Colour modes (Night, Flux, Custom)
• Background and text colour controls
• Reading modes optimised for low-vision and dyslexic users
Image Descriptions
• All UI images and icons include meaningful alt text or long descriptions.
• EPUB content supports alt text and long descriptions; we actively encourage publishers to follow WCAG AA.
• Some legacy or third-party publisher files may lack full descriptions (see Known Issues below).
Clear and Flexible Navigation
BibliU supports:
• Semantic heading structure
• Predictable keyboard navigation
• Jump-to-header navigation via screen readers
• Search, table of contents, and on-page navigation
• F6 shortcut for moving between text and the table of contents
Built-in Reading Support
• Text-to-Speech: Available in mobile, web and desktop apps; users can select text, play/pause, reset, and adjust words-per-minute.
• Speed-reader: Built-in features for fast sequential reading.
Compatibility with Assistive Technologies
Our platform is regularly tested with:
• JAWS
• NVDA
• VoiceOver (Mac and iOS)
• ChromeVox
• Microsoft Edge ReadAloud
Testing is conducted across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you use another tool and experience issues, please reach out so we can improve compatibility.
To support transparent decision-making for learners and disability support teams, we publish the compatibility status of common assistive technologies with the BibliU Platform. These combinations are tested as part of our regular accessibility audit cycle.
Browser and Device Support
We support the latest two versions of modern desktop browsers and offer native Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS 11 and above, and Android 8.0 and above applications.
General tips
• For the most consistent assistive technology experience, use the recommended browser/AT combinations listed in the compatibility table above
• Desktop applications provide the most stable offline experience with assistive technologies
3. User Scenarios & Recommended Features
Accessibility Scenarios & Suggested Features
To support learners with varying needs, the following scenarios outline recommended approaches to achieving the best reading experience on BibliU:
For readers with dyslexia or visual stress
• Use Flux Mode or Custom Colour Mode to apply softer background colours.
• Increase spacing and text size in EPUBs for reduced visual crowding.
For screen-reader users navigating PDFs
• If a PDF does not include semantic tagging or reads out of order, request the EPUB version where available or contact us to obtain an accessible alternate format.
For low-vision users requiring large text sizes
• Use browser zoom or EPUB content zoom for high magnification.
• EPUB files reflow at any zoom level without horizontal scrolling.
For users needing to read offline with assistive technology
• The desktop app provides the most stable offline AT performance.
• If offline PDF reading is required, we recommend requesting an accessible or DRM-free version if the publisher’s version is not usable.
For learners relying on text-to-speech
• Use built-in Text-to-Speech or Speed Reader modes for consistent pronunciation and pacing.
• If DRM restrictions limit external TTS tools, request an accessible alternative format via your institution.
These scenarios are informed by user research, accessibility testing, and feedback from disability support teams.
4. Digital Rights Management (DRM)
Most digital titles on BibliU include publisher-controlled DRM restrictions that determine:
• Copying limits (typically ~10%)
• Printing limits (typically ~10%)
• Whether the title can be downloaded for offline use
• Whether the file may be opened outside the BibliU app
If a publisher allows DRM-free access, this will be clearly signposted in the print/download options, enabling users to download a full PDF without DRM restrictions.
To note: At a technical level, content is DRM-free by default, until DRM settings are put in place which is operationalised as part of Publisher contracting and onboarding, prior to any access being granted to users.
5. Accessibility Metadata
Accessibility Metadata
BibliU supports the use of publisher accessibility metadata, including:
• Image descriptions (alt text, long descriptions)
• Logical reading order
• Page navigation markers
• Dyslexia-friendly text or layout features
BibliU actively collaborates with publishers to increase the availability and accuracy of this metadata across the catalogue.
6. Publisher Accessibility Expectations & Support
Publisher Accessibility Expectations
BibliU works closely with publishers to improve the accessibility of digital course materials. We encourage and support publishers to adopt the following practices:
• Provide EPUB 3 files as the preferred accessible format
• Include meaningful alt text or long descriptions for informative images
• Ensure semantic structure, including headings, lists, tables, and navigation landmarks
• Provide properly tagged PDF/UA-compliant PDFs where EPUB is not available
• Supply accurate accessibility metadata for discoverability
• Follow recognised best practices such as WCAG 2.2 AA, EPUB Accessibility 1.1, and the PAAG Accessible Publishing Charter
How BibliU supports publishers
BibliU supports Publishers with accessibility guidance on request. Content improvements are monitored and incorporated into future releases. This collaborative approach ensures accessibility improves not only within the platform but throughout the learning material supply chain.
7. Requesting DRM-Free or Accessible Copies
If a learner requires an accessible, DRM-free, or alternative-format version of a title not adequately supported by our Platform:
1. Learning providers may contact accessibility@bibliu.com.
2. We liaise directly with the publisher to obtain a compliant file or to agree appropriate DRM adjustments.
3. Typical fulfilment time is 3–5 business days, depending on publisher turnaround.
4. Only minimal information (student role/eligibility, title required) is requested; no sensitive medical data is required.
Accessible copies provided must be used in accordance with publisher licensing terms and for the sole use of the eligible learner.
8. Non-Accessible Content and Known Issues
While most BibliU features meet WCAG 2.2 AA, the following issues are known:
Publisher-Supplied Content
• Some PDFs may not include semantic tagging, reducing readability for screen readers.
• Some EPUBs may lack complete alt text for images.
• Some fixed-layout PDFs may not support reflow.
Third-Party or Legacy Files
• Certain older titles are outside our control and may not meet current accessibility standards.
• Full remediation will be prioritised based on frequency of use and publisher capability.
Technical Limitations
• Reading fixed-layout formats at very high zoom levels may introduce horizontal scrolling.
• Some assistive technologies may require specific browser/device combinations for optimal performance.
A detailed accessibility roadmap is available upon request by emailing us at accessibility@bibliu.com.
9. Disproportionate Burden Assessment
Certain improvements—such as full remediation of legacy third-party PDFs—may impose significant burdens where BibliU does not own or control the source files. However, we work actively with publishers toward long-term improvements and offer alternative formats when remediation is not currently feasible.
10. Out-of-Scope Content
A small proportion of content on BibliU falls outside the scope of current accessibility regulations. This includes:
• Archived or legacy PDFs (pre-September 2018) Under regulations such as the UK Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 and similar frameworks, documents published before September 2018 are exempt from accessibility requirements unless they are essential to actively delivered services. On BibliU, this applies to a limited number of older publisher files that are no longer in active course use or have been superseded by newer editions. Where older content remains in active use by learners, we prioritise remediation or work with publishers to obtain accessible alternatives.
For clarity: the vast majority of BibliU's catalogue consists of current, actively maintained content that falls within scope and is subject to our ongoing accessibility improvement programme.
11. Accessibility Partnerships & Services
BibliU works with customers to engage where appropriate with accessibility groups, assistive technology vendors, and publisher accessibility initiatives to continuously improve the accessibility of digital learning materials.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
BibliU welcomes feedback that helps improve our accessibility efforts. Please contact accessibility@bibliu.com with comments, issues, or suggestions.
This statement is reviewed annually and regularly updated.
