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Accessible Format Request service

Last updated on | September 30, 2025

On this page you can make a request for an accessible format of an eBook using one of two services. Use the Accessible Format Request service to request an accessible EPUB format, in line with the eligibility criteria detailed below. If an EPUB format does not meet your requirements, you may instead use the AccessText Network service to request an alternative electronic format (e.g. PDF) of a purchased paper book or eBook.

Our approach

New titles

Elsevier ensures that all new eBooks are published in an accessible EPUB format, in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standard.

Published (backlist) titles

We have invested in the remediation of approximately 8,000 of our most current and widely used eBooks on our largest content platforms. Enhancements include fully accessible EPUB, video captions, alt text for content images, and accessibility metadata. For other titles not in this group, the Accessible Format Request service provides the option for individual requests to be made.

Making an Accessible Format Request

If you have purchased an eBook that has not yet been made available by Elsevier with accessibility enhancements, you can make a request for an accessible version.

If your request is accepted:

  • The eBook will be made available in EPUB (electronic publication) format, on all platforms where EPUB is supported, regardless of which platform the request originates from. The requestor will have access to the EPUB via their existing platform access (or via an individual link where a platform does not support EPUB).

  • Alt text (alternative text) will be added to book images and figures.

  • Any video content will be closed captioned.

  • Descriptive text will be made available for all video content​.

  • Content will be full-text and reflowable.

  • The eBook will be ‘remediated’ to standards that merit the Global Certified Accessibility badge, which includes WCAG 2.2 AA conformance and meets European Accessibility Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II compliance.

Depending upon the complexity and density of the book, the remediation process can take 2 – 4 weeks.

We will endeavour to fulfil all requests we receive. However, there will be some exceptional cases where either the costs of making the book accessible will be disproportionately high, or would result in a change to the fundamental nature of the book. Instead, or if you require a different format than EPUB, the AccessText Network (outlined below) may be an option to make a disability-related request for an alternative electronic format of the book title.

Eligibility

Individual customers who have already purchased or are entitled to an eBook (for example, through an institution) on any Elsevier platform may use this request service. Entitlement will be verified using the email address included on the request.

Note: if a request is made for remediation on a platform where EPUB is not supported, the requestor will instead be given individual access to the EPUB on another platform. Due to requests being processed individually in this way, bulk requests (for example, a librarian on behalf of a group) are not supported.

Proceed to the Accessible Format Request form (EPUB remediation service).

The AccessText Network / Alternative Format Requests for eBook accommodations

Elsevier participates in the AccessText Network (ATN) as a member-publisher to help facilitate eBook accommodations for students with print disabilities. Disability Services Officers (DSOs) at educational institutions in the US & Canada can make a request through AccessText for an alternative format on behalf of students who have a verified book purchase. DSOs will receive a PDF (or other available format) within 24-48 hours.

Note: some very old book titles are not available in PDF. Additionally, the alternative format files received via an ATN request may not have the same accessibility enhancements as outlined above as part of the Accessible Format Request service.

Read more about the AccessText Network process.

If customers are not affiliated with an institution that participates in the AccessText Network, they may make a request directly to Elsevier via the Alternative Format Request Form.