Library Services for People with Disabilities

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Gallaudet University Library staff seeks to provide all patrons with equal access to library resources and services. The Gallaudet University Library staff is available to provide accommodations in services for people with disabilities. Provisions are available for the patrons to receive appropriate accommodations while maintaining their right to confidentiality.

FACILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

• Automatic entrance doors and elevator
• Public telephones are wheelchair accessible with amplification and TTYs
• Videophone stations are wheelchair accessible

SERVICES

• Orientation about Library services and resources
• Appointment for reference assistance
• Book retrieval
• Help with renewals
• Photocopying

ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

• Photocopy machines with enlargement capabilities
• Captioned videotapes and DVDs
• Closed captioned televisions
• Separate room for watching video materials with sound headphones
• Zoom text Xtra screen magnifier on two PCs
• Large computer monitors
• CCTVs with magnifiers for reading print on paper
• Selection of large print materials

RETRIEVING MATERIALS

Staff will retrieve books and other materials as time and level of business permit. Particularly on evenings and weekends, retrievals may be limited to five items. Patrons who need large amounts of materials should leave requests at the Library Service Desk. Here is the Gallaudet University Library Disability Services Retrieval Request Form.

PHOTOCOPYING

All Library users must pay for their own copies with a copy card. Staff will assist with photocopying or make a limited number of copies as time allows. Items that cannot be copied immediately may be left for pickup within 24-48 hours. Users with large copying jobs should leave written requests at the Library Service Desk. Here is the Gallaudet University Library Disability Services Photocopying Request Form. Gallaudet University abides by all laws pertaining to U.S. copyright law; staff may not make photocopies that violate the U.S. copyright law. (See Gallaudet University Copyright Policies and Information.)

REFERENCE SERVICES

Users who need in-depth, uninterrupted help doing research should contact the Library liaison for persons with disabilities. A librarian will be assigned to recommend search strategies and information sources. Users who need help reading citations, abstracts, and other materials must provide their own readers.

TO ARRANGE FOR ACCOMMODATIONS

Students

Students should register with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSWD) and obtain an OSWD identification card. Students should then make an appointment with the Library liaison, who will determine the appropriate accommodations for library services needed.

• Waiver

The Library follows Gallaudet University confidentiality rules. (See OSWD, Confidentiality in Higher Education) Under these policies, only the Library liaison for people with disabilities has information about a student's needs. However, a student may sign a waiver that permits the liaison to release the student's name and information about accommodation needs to other Library staff members. This allows more staff members to help the student and provide service more quickly and conveniently. Here is the Gallaudet University Library Disability Services Permission to Release Information Form (waiver).

Faculty and Staff

See contact information below.

Visitors

See contact information below.

LIBRARY CONTACT

David Bills
Merrill Learning Center, 1301
202-651-5218 (V, TTY, VP)
E-mail: david.bills@gallaudet.edu

FOR GENERAL LIBRARY INFORMATION

202-651-5212 (TTY)
202-651-5217 (voice)
202-651-5217 (VP)

E-mail: library.help@gallaudet.edu

Prepared by Diana Gates
Reference and Instruction Librarian
July, 2004

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Edited by Sarah Hamrick
Director, Library Public Services
August, 2008