Loaning Alexa Devices at Libraries

A Brief Summary for Libraries

What patrons need

  1. CELA account
    • If they haven’t done so already, patrons will need to register for a CELA account. People with print disabilities living in Canada are eligible to use CELA.
  2. Amazon Canada account
    • Accessible Reading Canada will only connect to Amazon accounts created from the Amazon Canada website (www.amazon.ca). The skill is not compatible with accounts from other regions, such as Amazon.com.
  3. An Alexa smart speaker
    • Must be configured to use either English or French. The Accessible Reading Canada skill does not work with multilingual settings such as English/French. Patrons are responsible for setting up the device at home. Amazon has support pages to explain this process (see Resources section). 
  4. A wireless internet connection
    • You will need the Wi-Fi password to connect your Alexa smart speaker to the internet. Most of Alexa’s functions, including the Accessible Reading Canada skill, need a Wi-Fi internet connection to function.

Resetting the speaker between loans

After the Alexa speaker is returned, ensure that user data is cleared and the device is restored to default settings. The factory reset will remove the patron’s linked Amazon account from the device. See below for instructions:

Suggestions

Alexa speaker models

There are a variety of Alexa devices available for purchase. We suggest the Echo Dot smart speakers as they are lower cost, compact, and have few buttons. These Echo devices are designed for voice-first interaction and work well for people with print disabilities who benefit most from auditory and hands-free access.

Resources

Accessible Reading Canada Overview

CELA has a number of resources to help patrons and librarians with the Accessible Reading Canada service. See below for some options:

Smart Speaker Help

Users can find solutions with Amazon support.

  • Amazon Customer Service: 1-877-586-3230
  • Amazon Accessibility Help Page
  • Amazon Accessibility Email: accessibility@amazon.com
  • Amazon Accessibility Phone: 1-888-283-1678

Accessible Reading Canada Help

If users experience issues specific to the Accessible Reading Canada skill, they can report issues to CELA’s contact centre.

  • CELA Email: help@celalibrary.ca
  • CELA Phone: 1-855-655-2273

Detailed Instructions

Library Responsibilities

Before loan

  1. Train library staff: Ensure staff understand how to navigate Alexa smart speakers, support patrons with basic setup questions, and how to use the Accessible Reading Canada skill. Resources can be found on the Accessible Reading Canada help page. Librarians can attend a webinar or watch a recorded webinar to learn more.
  2. Create a “loan kit” for patrons: Include the device, return instructions, and links to the Alexa setup guide.
  3. Promote program: Announce device availability through newsletters, websites, social media, and in-branch posters.

After loan is returned

  1. Factory reset device: Ensure that user data is cleared and the device is restored to default settings. The factory reset will remove the patron’s linked Amazon account from the device. See below for instructions:
  2. Report Issues with device: If users report issues with the Alexa device, librarians can help patrons with finding help through Amazon. The contact info below could also be included with an instruction card for Alexa device loans.
  3. Direct skill issue reports to CELA: Direct patrons to CELA’s Contact Centre for reports about issues specific to the Accessible Reading Canada skill.
    • CELA Email: help@celalibrary.ca
    • CELA Phone: 1-855-655-2273

Patrons’ responsibilities

  1. Set up the device: Follow the instructions on Amazon.ca to complete the setup. You will need a Wi-Fi connection and an Amazon account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one on Amazon.ca
  2. Connect to CELA account on Alexa: Enable the Accessible Reading Canada skill on the Alexa device and connect CELA account to navigate the skill and listen to CELA audiobooks. Patrons can find instructions on the Accessible Reading Canada help page on CELA’s website.
  3. Log out of account: Before returning the device, users should remove personal information. To remove personal information, users can deregister the Alexa smart speaker from their Amazon account or reset the smart speaker.
  4. Return device with all accessories: Ensure all items (e.g., device, cables, guides) are returned.
  5. Report issues as needed
    • Find solutions through Amazon support: Users can find solutions with Amazon support.
    • Report issues with device to library: Users can report issues with the device that they were not able to resolve to their library.
    • Report issues with skill to CELA: If users experience issues specific to the Accessible Reading Canada skill, they can report issues to CELA’s Contact Centre.
      • CELA email: help@celalibrary.ca
      • CELA phone: 1-855-655-2273