Accessibility statement for Primo (Library Search)
This accessibility statement applies to Primo the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Library Search service which was launched in 2017.
The Knowledge Network Library Search
This service is run by NHS Education for Scotland, using a third-party system provided by Ex Libris. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this library search system. For example, that means you should be able to:
- zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
- navigate most of the system using just a keyboard
- navigate most of the system using speech recognition software
- listen to most of the system using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver).
We’ve also tried to make the interface text as simple as possible to understand.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability: AbilityNet
How accessible this service is
Parts of Primo are not fully accessible. For example:
- Some buttons and links may not be clearly labelled for screen reader users
- Some elements cannot be reached or activated using a keyboard alone
- Some text and background colour combinations do not have sufficient contrast
- Dynamic updates (like auto-suggest search results) are not always announced to assistive technologies
- Some page headings and regions are missing or not properly structured.
Feedback and contact information
If you find any problems not listed on this page, or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, please contact the Knowledge Services Help Desk.
Please include:
- the web address (URL) of the page where you encountered the problem
- a description of the issue
- your name and email address
- the format you need the information in (if applicable).
If you need information from Primo in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille, please contact the Knowledge Services Help Desk.
We will aim to respond within 5 working days to let you know when we can provide the information. We will consider all requests but may not be able to provide an alternative format in every case.
Any personal data provided will be stored in line with our privacy notice.
Enforcement procedure
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the accessibility regulations. If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, you can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS):
- Equality Advisory and Support Service
- Call 0808 800 0082
Technical information about this service’s accessibility
NHS Education for Scotland is committed to making its digital services accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Compliance status
Primo is a third-party system and is not fully compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.2 AA standard. This is due to a combination of non-compliances and a temporary exemption under the disproportionate burden clause.
Non-accessible content
The content is non-accessible for the following reasons:
- Some interface components are not operable using only a keyboard (WCAG 2.2 SC 2.1.1)
- Some elements do not have clear or descriptive labels (WCAG 2.2 SC 1.3.1, 4.1.2)
- Colour contrast issues (WCAG 2.2 SC 1.4.3)
- Some dynamic content is not announced to assistive technologies (WCAG 2.2 SC 4.1.3)
Disproportionate burden
We’ve assessed the cost and resources required to address these accessibility issues in the current version of Primo. Due to the following reasons, we believe fixing them now would be a disproportionate burden under the accessibility regulations:
- Primo is a third-party system that NES does not have control over
- A replacement or significantly upgraded version of Primo is due to be implemented
- The cost and effort to retrofit fixes into the current version would be excessive, given the short remaining lifecycle of the system.
We will continue working with the supplier (Ex Libris) to monitor accessibility improvements in future updates.
Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations
Some third-party content and platforms that NES links to are outside the scope of the accessibility regulations. We do not have control over their code or accessibility.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
We are in regular contact with the supplier to raise known issues and encourage improvements.
As part of our long-term plan, we are moving towards a newer version of Primo that aligns better with accessibility standards. We will reassess the accessibility of the new system once it is in place.
Preparation of this accessibility statement
This statement was prepared on 3rd July 2025.
It was last reviewed on 3rd July 2025.