University of South Carolina Press Increases Access to Publications with Accessible Ebooks

February 25, 2025 | by uscpress

University of South Carolina Press is pleased to announce it is now publishing accessible ebooks. In a step toward increasing accessibility in its publishing program, starting with the spring 2025 season, all forthcoming digital publications will have accessible EPUB editions.

Through collaborative efforts led by Editorial, Design, and Production Director Ana Bichanich, USC Press is creating accessible editions of ebooks to provide better experiences for users of assistive technology and people with disabilities. Over the past year, USC Press staff has focused on adjusting workflow and process for producing ebooks, specifically EPUBs, to meet EPUB Accessibility 1.1 and WCAG 2.1 AA standards and guidelines. By including features such as alternative text for visual elements, display transformability, and structural navigation, readers and users will be able to engage more fully with USC Press publications. Going forward, USC Press will remediate previously published ebooks for accessibility and continue to refine e-publications and procedures to maximize access and inclusive reading practices.

“This work is meaningful and a priority to us as a team, and that shows in the remarkable success of preparing a full season of accessible ebooks in such a short period of time,” said Ana Bichanich.

In addition to adjusting its publications, USC Press is committed to building accessibility into all facets of its work. In the year ahead, the press will update its website, social media accounts, and open access platform to meet accessibility standards and continue reviewing documents and procedures for opportunities to increase accessibility and inclusion for USC Press staff, authors, partners, and audiences.