Libby has been working hard to upgrade the accessibility features of the Libby app.We are pleased to announce the recent updates are successful. Libby is now used by more readers with a diverse range of visual, motor, and cognitive needs.
The following is a list of the upgraded features.
Screen reader support: Screen readers can be used by the blind or low-vision person to read eBooks, magazines, browse, listen to audiobooks and to borrow books using the Libby app. At this time, Libby was tested using screen readers for mobile app for iOS and Android. There are plans for testing desktop screen readers as well.
Read from here: Using a screen reader a person with vision disabilities can enter “Read From Here” mode. The screen reader will then begin to read the eBook or magazine aloud.
Navigation bar labels: In the in-app. menu, there is an option to add labels beneath each of the navigational bar icons. (This option is only available in the English language at this time.)
Adjustable text size: Libby can use the text settings of user’s device to resize the text. Users can increase text manually when reading eBooks.
Adjustable playback speed for audiobooks: 48 speeds to choose from. Users can select the speed that works best for them.
Keyboard shortcuts: The Keyboard navigation is supplemented by the shortcuts in Libby’s eBook reader and audiobook player.
Lighting options: Libby can use the user’s devices built-in lighting settings. User can set the app to display in light or dark mode. They can also choose a lighting option, such as light,dark, or sepia, in the eBook reader manually.
More accessible updates coming beginning in January 2022.
Screen reader and voice control improvements:
Labels and descriptions of interactive elements are being refined to make it easier for users to understand and interact with the app.
Keyboard focus indicators: Libby is making improvements which will allow users to navigate without a keyboard, or other assistive technology that does not have a point device.
New accessibility features ( under Settings>Accessibility Features):
Reduce color variation: By default, Libby’s colors are based on the colors of the book and the active library of the user. Users can reduce the changes, favoring neutral colors with good contrast by using a new toggle switch.
Reduce text variation: A variety of fonts styles are used, some to convey a meaning such as italics for important actions. Users can simply text style by adjusting this setting.
Reduce motion: Users can set the transitional motion in the interface.
Reduce haptics: Some devices support vibrations (called haptics). These are used my Libby to gather feedback on certain touch interactions. Users can turn this feature off.
Orientation locking: Libby by default selects the device orientation that is best suited for the content. WCAG guidelines recommend that users should be able to override this default feature. This can now be adjusted in the “Accessibility Features” menu.
Full screen menus: The sidebar in-app menu has been replaced by a full screen menu. This improves the keyboard and screen reader navigation features. All users benefit from this new menu and can concentrate easier on their menu task.
For more information about accessibility in Libby, visit Libby Help or OverDrive’s accessibility statement.