NNELS is an online public library of books, owned and sustained by Canadian public libraries, for people with print disabilities, which include vision, mobility, and comprehension impairments that prevent someone from being able to read a traditional book. Formats include audiobook, DAISY, PDF, EPUB, e-text, electronic Braille, etc. NNELS works with international partners, libraries, readers, and publishers (particularly Canadian ones) to make these materials available to eligible users in Canada.
Most books are currently in English for all age groups. Books in French may be requested, and other languages will be available in the future. There may be some text books or other educational resources, but the majority of books would fall under the category of leisure reading. You may request a title from NNELS (must be logged in), or contact the Tramble Centre for Accessible Learning to find out about other options.
Content is selected based on requests from readers with print disabilities directly or through their library.
Titles are selected on demand and come from material produced, migrated, contributed and exchanged by NNELS partners. While the majority of titles are copyright restricted, the NNELS collection also contains open content available to all users.
Visit https://nnels.ca for more information.
Library registration is required before accessing the NNELS catalogue. All StFX students have their library account set up automatically after enrollment. Faculty and staff should use the link above to request a library account if they don't already have one. Community borrowers not affiliated with StFX are not eligible to access NNELS through the Angus L. Macdonald Library and are encouraged to visit the public library for assistance with this service.
Prior to using NNELS, all patrons seeking to use this service must first inform the library that they are an eligible user and require access, at which point staff will make a required note on their library account. Eligible users include individuals with print disabilities or people acting on their behalf. Print disabilities include vision, mobility, and comprehension impairments that prevent individuals from being able to read a print book. Approximately 10% of Canadians qualify for access to NNELS.
Please be advised that users may be asked to provide proof of their eligibility to NNELS or content providers/publishers. This is not required to register, however publishers may request such information if they notice abnormal or non-typical usage patterns.
StFX students, faculty or staff needing help with NNELS can contact:
Tyson Ball
Accessibility Resource Advisor
108 Angus L. Macdonald Library
902-867-3882
tball@stfx.ca
Heather Myers
Accessibility Resource Advisor
108 Angus L. Macdonald Library
902-867-3634
hmyers@stfx.ca
