Most library materials can be provided in accessible formats, with the exception of items too fragile for scanning.
How to request:
Search for your title in the Library Catalogue.
In the item record, click the “Request Alternate Format for Print Disabled User” link, located under Get It > More Options.
Complete the request form. Some fields will auto-fill. You will need to provide:
Your name
Email address
Your ACE token (sent via the LAS Info email each academic year)
Once submitted, the LAS team will process your request and notify you when the accessible version is ready.
Additional notes:
If you’ve lost your ACE token, email us and we’ll send a new one.
Faculty and staff with a print disability—as defined in Section 32.02 of the Copyright Act—may also request a token.
If a required item isn’t in the catalogue, you can submit a separate Accessible Format Request Form.
ACE is a shared repository of accessible texts managed by the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), with contributions from 21 member institutions. When you request alternate format materials, you're helping grow this valuable collection.
Key features:
Access to a growing collection of accessible texts used in Ontario post-secondary institutions.
Supported formats include PDF, Black & White PDF, DAISY, TXT, and ePub.
You may browse and download any available titles directly—your ACE token is your access key.
When you request a book through the "Request Alternate Format for Print Disabled User" link in the Library Catalogue, the title is added to the ACE repository, helping expand access for others.
Requests for alternate formats not listed can also be submitted.
To request a title or get support, contact Library Accessibility Services (LAS).
HathiTrust is a partnership of academic and research institutions offering a collection of millions of titles digitized from libraries around the world. As a member, McMaster University provides its community with access to this vast digital library.
Key features:
Extensive Collection: Over 18 million volumes, including books, journals, and other published materials.
Accessible Formats: Materials can be provided in accessible formats upon request.
Research Support: Offers tools for text and data mining through the HathiTrust Research Center.
Collaborative Preservation: Ensures the long-term preservation of digitized content.
To request an accessible version of a HathiTrust item, please contact the Library Accessibility Services (LAS).
We participate in a pilot project with the Internet Archive, a nonprofit digital library that offers free access to millions of digitized resources. As part of this initiative, we can help provide accessible versions of books in their collection.
Key details:
Offers access to over 5 million digitized titles, including books, films, audio, and archival web content.
Especially valuable for older, rare, or out-of-print materials.
Accessible formats are available upon request for users with print disabilities.
Turnaround time for access may vary depending on the title and format.
Supported by a partnership aimed at expanding equitable access to digital resources.
For more information or to request an accessible version of a title, please contact Library Accessibility Services (LAS).
SensusAccess is an online document conversion tool available to all McMaster students, staff, and faculty. It allows you to convert a wide range of file types into accessible formats independently and on demand.
Key features:
Converts documents into alternative formats such as MP3 audio, Braille, e-text, and structured PDFs.
Accepts a variety of input formats, including image-based PDFs and scanned documents.
Simple web-based interface—just upload your file and choose your preferred output format.
Ideal for making course materials, readings, or personal documents more accessible.
You can access SensusAccess through the McMaster Accessibility Hub.