Services to Library Users with Disabilities

LIBRARY ACCESS

The entrances to the Bio-Medical Library (2nd and 3rd floors) are equipped with automatic doors. Elevators are located in the lobby of Diehl Hall and within the Bio-Medical Library proper. Both are wheelchair accessible.

Several computer workstations in the library are at wheelchair-height and are marked with signs indicating priority for patrons in wheelchairs.

It may be possible to enlarge or enhance text for patrons with visual impairments. Please inquire at a public service desk for more information.

More detailed information about accessibility to the Bio-Medical Library and other libraries on campus, plus the location of specialized equipment in the Libraries, is available in the Disability Access Guide to University of Minnesota Libraries.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Patrons with disabilities may request assistance with locating, retrieving, using, and photocopying library materials. Inquire at a public service desk in the library for assistance. If your disability is not readily apparent, please identify yourself as having a disability when you seek assistance. You may wish to contact the library in advance of your visit to arrange for assistance; library staff will try to provide specialized assistance upon demand but may be limited due to staffing levels or workload.

Information about services available at other campus libraries is available in the guide to Services to Library Users with Disabilities. Library users may also contact Disability Services at the University of Minnesota to inquire about options for intensive or long-term library research assistance.

Retrieving and Photocopying Material from the Bio-Medical Library Collection

The Bio-Medical Library offers a paging service for patrons with disabilities who require library materials. Paging of items is free of charge. Patrons may then make photocopies on their own, or the library will make photocopies for the cost of self-service copying. All photocopies are made in accordance with federal copyright law. Library staff will make every effort to retrieve items for you at the time you seek assistance, but may be unable to retrieve more than a few items for you due to staffing and workload issues. For more than a few items, patrons may request a form for the Paging & Photocopying Service for Patrons with Disabilities. The form may be filled out in person or online; please ask for help if you need assistance with the form. Turnaround time depends on staffing levels and workload, but is generally:

1-5 items: Next working day, or while the patron waits if possible
6-10 items: Next working day
11+ items: 2+ working days (depending on size of order)

Patrons may choose to use the standard PhotoDelivery service (University of Minnesota students, staff, and faculty) or the Biomedical Information Service (non-University clients) for quicker service. A fee is charged for these services.

Retrieving and Photocopying Material from Other University Libraries Collections

Patrons with disabilities who are registered with Disability Services may use Libraries to U to retrieve library materials from other campus libraries. More information on this service (including eligibility and fees) is available here.

Proxy Cards

University students, staff, and faculty with disabilities may register with Disability Services to obtain a library proxy card to be used by an individual designated to obtain library material on their behalf. Forms are available at the Circulation Desk of most campus libraries, but must be returned to Disability Services for processing. More information on this service is available here.

OTHER RESOURCES FOR LIBRARY USERS WITH DISABILITIES

Library users with disabilities may also be interested in other resources and services for University of Minnesota students, staff, and guests. The following is a select list of relevant resources.

Adaptive Technology Labs (labs providing electronic reading and information-processing aids and designed for independent and quiet use by people with disabilities).

University of Minnesota Disability Services (resource for U of M - TC students, staff, and guests with disabilities).

University of Minnesota Computer Accommodations Program (U of M - TC resource for disability-related technology)

Minnesota Relay Service (provides telecommunications access for Minnesotans who have communications impairments, including operators who "translate" between people with TTY devices and people on regular voice phones).