NNELS invites authors and publishers to contribute their books to our collection, ensuring individuals with print disabilities have equitable access to literature.
All content is intended for personal use, and we ensure accessibility by not implementing DRM (digital rights management), as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
Will NNELS purchase ebook and audiobook content?
NNELS works directly with publisher associations and distributors to negotiate bulk purchases of ebook or audiobook content for perpetual, unlimited distribution to perceptually or print disabled persons as defined by the Copyright Act of Canada.
Many publishers also choose to deposit their books with NNELS for free to be made available to people with print disabilities in Canada. If you are interested in depositing your files with us, see File Delivery Requirements.
How does NNELS distribute content?
In compliance with the Copyright Act of Canada, an accessible version of the publisher's content may be shared with other accessible format providers in Canada, or with similar organizations in Marrakesh Treaty member countries. One goal of our network is to facilitate efficient sharing of accessible format materials.
How will NNELS ensure content is limited to patrons with print disabilities?
The NNELS interface relies on the authorization work done at local libraries. Library staff ensure (sometimes by requesting medical confirmation) that patrons have a print disability so that readers with print disabilities have fair and timely access to library materials, and that unauthorized users do not have access to copyright-protected content. A library user who has a print disability is then assigned a specific "patron type" in our database in order to access NNELS.
How does NNELS store the digital files?
NNELS files are stored on Canadian servers using open source object storage technology. The current repository is housed with the BC Libraries Cooperative in Vancouver on the BCNET infrastructure.
What about audiobooks that already exist on CD or for digital download?
If we receive a request for an audiobook that already exists on CD, we refer readers to those materials. If it is available in digital format through one of our partners, we may purchase the title for the NNELS collection. We do not reproduce items that are commercially available in audiobook format so long as the existing format meets the user's needs and the individual title is available for purchase or available through their local library.
How does a publisher or an author participate in NNELS?
There are several ways for publishers and authors to submit content to NNELS: please start by reading File Delivery Requirements.
What formats does NNELS want to receive from publishers or authors?
NNELS generally provides books in DAISY, MP3, and EPUB formats which are the formats that we prefer to receive. We appreciate any electronic files for distribution to readers with print disabilities; these files help us build the collections of accessible books in Canada. More information on NNELS production is available on our About Productions page. For information about the formats we produce see our Formats page.
How can I create a Braille edition of my book?
If you want to sell Braille files and Braille copies of your books, and own the transcription, you will need to get your book transcribed by an agency. Contact braille@nnels.ca to request a list of Canadian transcription agencies.
How can I work with NNELS to create and share Braille editions of my books through public libraries?
If you are interested in making a braille copy of your book available through public libraries, and having the ability to sell braille copies, NNELS may be able to work with you. Please contact braille@nnels.ca for more information.