Services for Users with Disabilities
Policy No: 016
Approval Date: 3/3/04
Historical Notes: Revised 11/29/05
Policy:
The NMSU Library strives to provide equitable access to information for all members of the University community. Library staff will make good faith efforts to accommodate reasonable requests for assistance in obtaining and using library resources and services. In the event that requests exceed what the Library can accommodate, users may be referred to other campus offices for additional support.
Services:
Services are contingent upon but not limited to such factors as number of staff, time of day, competing demands from other users, timeliness of requests, and legal limitations concerning photocopying and other forms of reproduction.
Library Instruction
The Library Instruction Program will strive to make appropriate accommodations for users with disabilities in the Library's classrooms. Requesters should notify the Library Instruction Program well in advance of the class or instruction session to discuss needs and determine arrangements.
Research Assistance
Library reference staff are available to assist users in finding information needed to support research project or other class assignments. Library users may request basic assistance with using the Online Catalog, searching databases, reading aloud from reference materials, or writing/printing brief lists of call numbers and citations. Users may also schedule appointments with library subject specialists to discuss resources in a particular subject area or for an in-depth research project.
Retrieval and Reproduction of Library Materials
Library staff will retrieve materials from the stacks or other areas of the Library upon the request of users with disabilities. Requests may be made at circulation desks and materials will be held at the circulation desks. During busy times, it may be necessary to wait for retrieval service until staff members are able to leave the desk. Requestors should supply a list of needed materials, including titles, call numbers, and other pertinent information such as journal volume and issue. Proxies (assistants, friends, family members) may be appointed to check out library materials for any users with disabilities who request such assistance.
Library photocopiers and printers are self-service and require a copy/printing card (printers/copiers) or cash (copiers only). Users with disabilities may request help from the Copy Center, Periodicals Room staff, or Circulation staff during regular business hours.
Assistive Technology and Access to Electronic Resources:
The Library provides several pieces of adaptive equipment. Library staff can offer basic assistance in using this equipment. In-depth training in the use of software and/or equipment should be arranged with Services for Students with Disabilities.
The Wagner Workstation is located in the reference area of Zuhl Library. This workstation features an oversized monitor. It is connected to a scanner as well as a dedicated inkjet printer. Headphones are also provided. The following software is available: Kurzweil, JAWS, Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator.
A VTEK Magnifier is located on the first floor of Branson Library. Magnifying glasses are available at the Branson and Zuhl circulation desks.
Both Branson and Zuhl circulation desks have TDD phones. Those numbers are: 575/646-7864 for the Branson Desk and 575/646-7817 for the Zuhl Desk.
Access to Library Facilities:
Physical Access
Both Branson and Zuhl offer ground-floor access and power-assisted front doors. Accessible parking spaces with ramp access have been designated in the parking lots close to both buildings. Both library buildings feature elevators labeled with Braille close to the main lobbies. Library restrooms include wheelchair-accessible stalls.
See Also: Library Policy 010 - Emergency Action Plan
Back to Policies and Procedures Home
| Email us your questions or comments |