Accessibility at the Libraries

UW Libraries is committed to providing equal access to library collections, services, and facilities for all library users. It is a priority for the UW Libraries to select and acquire, whenever possible, resources and technologies that are accessible to all and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations and timely access to users with disabilities and follow UW IT Accessibility Guidelines.

• Upon request, library staff in all units will assist with the retrieval of books and with the use of electronic and other bibliographic resources. Time needed for retrieval will vary depending on staff availability.
• Wheelchair accessible study carrels and electronic work stations are available throughout the Libraries.

Technology

• All computers on the University of Washington campus come loaded with ZoomText screen magnification software. Other specific stations at Suzzallo, Odegaard, Health Sciences libraries, and other locations run more extensive access software suites.
• Scanners also have accessibility features including the options to scan as searchable PDF file (OCR) and scan text to mp3 audio file.
• The Media Arcade (Allen Library North 3rd floor), has video playback equipment capable of displaying closed captioning and one wheelchair accessible VHS/DVD player.
• The Access Technology Center is in Mary Gates Hall, suite 064. It is wheelchair accessible and offers adaptive equipment.

Facilities

Suzzallo Library has several rooms which are available for use by students who have obtained eligibility to use the room through Disability Resources for Students (DRS).

• DRS issues the key codes used to access these rooms.
• A DRS student ID card verifies eligibility to use these rooms. Library staff, DRS staff, Access Technology Lab staff, as well as other students needing to access these rooms, may request to see the DRS student ID card to verify eligibility to use the rooms. Students who do not have the DRS student ID card will be asked to vacate the room.

Many campus buildings do not meet all of the current ADA accessible standards and library units' hours vary, so it is wise to contact the unit directly to identify accessible routes and facilities and to confirm that assistance will be available during the time of your visit.

Borrowing Accommodations

Students, staff and faculty who are registered with Disability Resources for Students (DRS) or Disability Services Office (DSO) and may need another person to pick up their library items should contact Library Account Services.  Courier cards may be issued for this reason, and will extend only through the time the accommodation is needed.

HathiTrust Service for Users With Print Disabilities

The HathiTrust Print Disabilities service allows us to provide lawful access to in-copyright materials in HathiTrust to UW users with print disabilities. Send requests to Library Account Services.