Accessibility Statement For Library Research Support Website


The Open University is committed to making its websites and mobile applications accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This accessibility statement applies to the Library Research Support https://university.open.ac.uk/library-research-support/

We want as many people as possible to be able to use our websites and mobile apps, and accessibility is an essential part of our mission. On our Accessibility hub, you'll find everything you need to answer any questions you have about accessibility, whether you're a student or a member of staff.

To adapt the content to your needs or preferences you should be able to:

  • Change colours, contrasts levels and fonts.
  • Resize text up to 200% without impact on the functionality of the website.
  • Zoom in up to 400% without loss of information or functionality. 
  • Navigate the website using just a keyboard.
    • tab to ‘Skip to content’ links at the top of the page to jump over repetitive information to the main content.
    • tab through the content; the current location will be indicated by a clear visual change.
    • control the embedded media player to play audio and video materials.
  • Use a screen reader (e.g. JAWs, NVDA) to:
    • listen to the content of web pages and use any functionality on the page.
    • list the headings and subheadings in the page and then jump to their location on the page.
    • bring up a list of meaningful links on the page.
  • Use transcripts or closed captions with most audio and video materials.
  • Download learning materials in alternative formats (e.g. Word document, PDF, ePub).

If you have a print disability we provide SensusAccess to students, which is an automated service that converts files from one format to another, for example, PDF to text, audio, Word or Braille.

AbilityNet also provides advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

Compliance status

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons:

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

Information and relationships

The footer menu on all pages does not have the correct code roles. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.1: Info and Relationships (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of July 2026.

Reflow

When zoomed to 400% some functionality requires the user to scroll left to right as well as up and down. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.4.10: Reflow (Level AA) and will be resolved by the end of July 2026.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 3 October 2019. 

This statement was last reviewed on 10 July 2025.

This website was last tested on 25 February 2025.

A full audit was undertaken by the Library’s Digital Services team, focusing on the following sample pages:

  • Checklists for new researchers
  • How to publish Open Access
  • Copyright and licences
  • How to import an item to ORO
  • Open University Research Data Management policy
  • FAQ on including RDM costs in UKRI grant applications
  • UKRI access to data requirements
  • Training
  • Data Day-to-Day (event)
  • Contact the Research Support Team

These pages were chosen based on their usage and their importance to our Library service provision.

The following methods and tools were used:

  • Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE)
  • Colour contrast analyser
  • Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA)
  • Deque Axe-core DevTools
  • Manual zoom check
  • Manual keyboard navigation check

Feedback and contact information

If you find that a certain section of our website is not accessible and you can’t get access to the information that you need please use the Open University Accessibility Feedback Form to request support and we will ensure that you are provided with the information you require. You will need to provide your contact details and Personal Identifier if you are a student so we can get back to you. You should expect to hear back from us within 5 working days. 

The OU is very experienced in meeting accessibility needs for our students. In many cases we are able to provide module and other study support materials in alternative formats for students who indicate a need for this when completing a Disability Support Form.

In addition, some module materials are available in different formats and can be downloaded from module websites. Students can contact their Student Support Team for advice.

If you are a student, or someone who has had contact with the University before, and have a complaint about the accessibility of our websites, you should raise a complaint via the complaints and appeals process. 

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’).

If you are based in the UK, and you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

 


We will respond to your feedback within twenty working days. If you have an urgent library enquiry please contact the library helpdesk separately.

We appreciate that you have provided us with personal information, we will never sell on your data to anyone else and data is for the use of The Open University only. If you would like to find out more, please visit our privacy policy using the following link : www.open.ac.uk/privacy.