Digital Rights Management (DRM)
All publisher content that is delivered through the VitalSource Bookshelf® online reader and mobile applications employs Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection. Files can only be opened in Bookshelf.
Reading Options
Both PDF and EPUB files can be read in Bookshelf. EPUB files read in the platform reflow (unless they are fixed layout), and PDF files do not reflow. Both file types can be read with a screen reader such as, but not limited to, JAWS and NVDA. Readers can also resize text using our content controls located at the bottom of the screen or change the zoom percentage of the entire page.
Image Descriptions
If a publisher has added alt text image descriptions to their file and the reader is utilising a screen reader software, the alt text will be picked up by the screen reader and displayed in line with the text when provided.
Navigation
VitalSource ingests publisher files so they can be read within our Bookshelf platform. Bookshelf supports navigational tagging (heading levels, hyperlinks) and reading order, but we cannot guarantee that files received from a publisher will be tagged in this way. Given this variance in the nature of files supplied, VitalSource will begin badging books on their accessibility features in our online store, which will allow users to make informed decisions before purchasing.
Text to Speech
VitalSource Bookshelf Online has an inbuilt text-to-speech function that is currently being trialled in our labs feature. Readers can rewind, play, pause, and fast forward, as well as alter the pitch and choose from a selection of voices. The text that is being read out is also highlighted on the page. Both PDF and EPUB file formats can be read in this way. Readers in the platform have the ability to vote on features and functionality as well as influence our product roadmap. We anticipate that the text-to-speech function will become an approved, permanent functionality within the next six to twelve months.
Magnification
Readers can magnify the content they are reading in the platform through the use of the zoom feature, which increases the magnification up to 300%. When readers magnify content, texts in the EPUB file format will reflow, but PDF file format texts will not (this is a limitation of the file format, not the platform).
Colours and Contrasts
VitalSource Bookshelf Online has an inbuilt function to alter the colour of the display that is currently being trialled in our labs feature. Readers can adjust the background colour using the “night mode” option and the background colour will adjust to sepia. Readers in the platform have the ability to vote on features and functionality as well as influence our product roadmap. We anticipate that this “night mode” functionality will become an approved, permanent functionality within the next six months. There is no current support for any other colour or contrast changes, but this is on our development roadmap and we anticipate this being available in the next six to twelve months. Readers using a Mac can change the colour on their computer—this functionality is called “Night Shift.”
Copying and Printing
There are limits, set by the publisher, on the amount of content that can be copied or printed from Bookshelf. Print limits start from two pages and up. The print dialogue box will advise readers on the print limit for their title. Limits on printing and copying vary, but are usually—although not always—approximately 10%.
Screen Readers
VitalSource Bookshelf is compatible with screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, and SuperNova.
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