In this guide, you will find information on various tools that enable you to listen to the text on your screen. You will also find tips to make reading and listening to Savonia Library e-books and e-articles easier.
This guide is partially based on the Accessibility guide that was made as a collaboration of six university libraries in 2024.
You can listen to many texts by using your browser or its Reader view extension. Microsoft Edge has a built-in function for listening. To learn more, see the following links:
Mobiles have both native text-to-speech features and gesture-based screen readers, which require plenty of practice. The reading aids can generally be found under settings. Paths and options depend on the mobile device version and manufacturer. Follow the links to learn more:
Some service interfaces have a built-in feature that allows you to listen to the written content. EBSCOhost is one example. It requires only one click for the audio version of the text. You will find more information on the accessibility features of different library e-resources by following the links Listen to e-books and Listen to e-journals and e-articles.
There are also specialised screen reader programmes, like NVDA and Jaws. These are intended for the visually impaired. Their use is based on gestures and need practice as the gesture commands differ.
Read more about screen readers on Axess Lab homepage.
You can also listen to files and e-mail messages. To learn more, follow the links below.
Datero’s Smart Tools Instructions
Video by Oulu University Library. CC-BY-SA 4.0. (Video 3:21 min, opens on YouTube. English subtitles available.)
We all have preferences when it comes to browsers or programmes. The range of devices is huge. Computers and devices have accessibility features, but they differ. It is important to explore the options in your own devices, where and how to improve your reading experience. You can often find built-in accessibility features under settings, then ease of access, accessibility features, or accessibility. Check how to:
Online dictionaries and translation tools can be helpful. While translations may not be perfect, they can aid your understanding.
If a web page is written with a language you don’t know, you can use your browser’s translation tool. Note that the tool in your browser might send information to third parties. Don’t login to browsers or their translation tool unless it’s ok for you to share information about you outside Europe.
Here are instructions for translation tools in browsers:
Chrome – You can limit the information shared by Google in settings. It’s not clear what information is shared with the translation tool.
Firefox – Translating is possible in version 118 and newer versions. The translation happens on your device, not externally, so information is not sent to third parties.
Edge – The browser saves the text to Microsoft Translator. In addition, use and user information is being saved to the service.
Safari – The browser sends the webpage's content including full text to Apple's servers for translation. The only saved information is the web address. More information on Safari Privacy.
Other translation tools: