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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.

For assistance, or if you have suggestions or comments, please contact uwlib-a11y@uw.edu

Retrieval & Borrowing

Request Online & Pick Up

Library users with a current account can use their UW NetID to request items from the stacks to be ready for pickup in the UW library of their choice

Ask for Retrieval Help

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.

UW Article Scanning Service

UW Article Scanning Service is a free service to obtain PDF scans of print journal articles owned by the UW Libraries without retrieving or scanning the item yourself.

Courier Pick Up

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

Technology

Software

All Windows computers in Odegaard Undergraduate Library and most in Suzzallo Library have Zoomtext (screen enlargement) software installed. Other specific stations at Suzzallo, Odegaard, Health Sciences libraries, and other locations run more extensive access software suites.

Scanners

Scanners have accessibility features including the options to scan as searchable PDF file (OCR) and scan text to mp3 audio file.

Audio/Visual Equipment

The Media Arcade (Allen Library North 3rd floor), has video playback equipment capable of displaying closed captioning and one wheelchair accessible VHS/DVD player.

Adaptive Equipment

The Access Technology Center is in Mary Gates Hall, suite 064. It serves users with disabilities, allowing full use of campus computing resources. ATC hardware and software provides braille, alternate document formatting and magnification for blind/low-vision users, keyboard/mouse alternatives, speech-input software, and more. ATC staff provides accessibility consultations and instructs users in accessible hardware and software basics.

Facilities

    See Library Building Accessibility

    Wheelchair Accessibility

    Accessible study carrels and electronic work stations are available throughout the Libraries.

    Dedicated Study Spaces

    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.

    Plan Ahead

    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.

     

    Print Accommodations

    HathiTrust

    The UW is a member of the HathiTrust Print Disabilities Access Service. Through this service, UW affiliated users who have print disabilities can request copies of in-copyright materials in the HathiTrust Digital Library Collection. Send requests to Library Account Services.

    Document Conversion Service

    Document Conversion Service is a quick and easy way for students, faculty, and staff at the University of Washington to obtain alternative, accessible versions of inaccessible documents. Students requesting alternate materials as an accommodation should contact Disability Resources for Students.

     

    Other Campus Resources