CARL and CFLA Release New Guide on the Canadian Copyright Act for Accessible Content

September 15, 2025

The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA) released Accessible Content: A Guide to the Canadian Copyright Act on Searching for Accessible Formats and Producing and Distributing Alternate Formats.

The guide provides a clear, practical overview of the laws governing access to and use of copyrighted materials for people with perceptual disabilities in Canada.

CARL and CFLA Release New Guide on the Canadian Copyright Act for Accessible Content

September 15, 2025 – The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA) are pleased to announce the release of Accessible Content: A Guide to the Canadian Copyright Act on Searching for Accessible Formats and Producing and Distributing Alternate Formats. 

This guide provides a clear, practical overview of the laws governing access to and use of copyrighted materials for people with perceptual disabilities in Canada. It covers how these laws are applied, offers a checklist of requirements, shares best practices, and provides practical advice for everyday situations. The guide also includes recommendations on eliminating barriers to access and a glossary of relevant terms.

Designed for alternate format producers, libraries, archives, museums, galleries, educational institutions, and other organizations acting for the benefit of people with perceptual disabilities, the guide also serves as a valuable resource for rightsholders seeking to better understand the legislative framework.

“This is a monumental work that fills a critical gap for those of us working in alternate format production and will be an important point of reference for years to come.”
— Adam P. Wilton, Program Manager, Provincial Resource Center for the Visually Impaired and Accessible Resource Centre – British Columbia

“This Guide to the Marrakesh Treaty answers very direct questions from Canadian librarians. We wrote it in close consultation with publishing, library and educational colleagues, and it provides the essential information that Canadian practitioners in schools and libraries need to deliver books and information into the hands of print-disabled users. The implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty, through schools and libraries, may be one of the most significant developments in accessibility since the invention of braille. ”
— Victoria Owen, Information Policy, Scholar-Practitioner, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto

“This guide provides alternate format producers with clear, practical guidance to create and share accessible works, supporting equitable access to reading for people with print disabilities across Canada.”
— Daniella Levy-Pinto, Manager, National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS)

By building a shared understanding between alternate format producers and rightsholders, this guide supports the creation and distribution of accessible content, ensuring that all Canadians have equitable access to information and culture.

This is the first publication to be released in EPUB format by both CARL and CFLA, enhancing accessibility for a wider range of users.

Consult the guide (PDF)

Consult the guide (EPUB) – Coming soon!

(Via Canadian Federation of Library Associations)