Borrow Box app is an app used by local libraries in UK for e-books and e-audio-bookx.
In this audio demonstration I will show you how to borrow a book from Poole and Cristchurch Library.
Also, an overview of the main tabs in the menu will inform you what you can do in this app, as a blind user.
The app is 100% accessible with Voiceover screen reader in iPhone.
Eventually, the only step where a problem may aquire is the signup process. There is a barcode which must be scanned from your library card and a pin code required.
I remember, this first step, for me at list, has been done by a library emploee. I can’t remember if is possible to pair manually the app with your library card, avoiding that barcode scann.
Appearance
The first page when you open the app is My Loans, where you can see an overview of your borrowed/reserved books.
In the app you can borrow books, but also to rezerv books, if they are not available at the visit time. Some of the titles are limited in terms of licences offered to your local libraries. When that maximum is reached you have to wait in the queue untill that title is returned by others. The returns are made manually, or automaticaly, when the borrow term expire.
The second tab is e-audio-books where you can see a list of available books . A filter is available is well, if you wish to sort books after category, age target, etc.
Each title is followed by a date when is available for download, in case of all copyed owned by the local library are taken. If the title does not display any availability date, that mean that title is available for download straight on.
When a double tap with one finger is performed on book title you open the book details.
In this page are buttons available for preview, borrow, or rezerv.
The third tab is search.
With search box I was unsuccessful, probably because my search term was unusual. Probably if you search for a book title about you know for sure is available , the results are relevant.
For my trials the results were not relevant.
I have inserted the terms “learn social media” and “Living forward” which is a book title.
Also, the little popup with suggestions under the search box always suggested funny terms.
The forth tab is settings where you can adjust some details like downloading books on wi-fi only, account details with personal data, and few others.
All together I am pleased about Borrow Box accessibility for screen reader users.
Do you have a similar experience?
Let me know if you checked this app in Android or iPad.
Listen the audio demonstration in the podcast episode below.
For any questions leave a comment or drop me an e-mail using the contact form.
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