Library Access for Users with Disabilities

It is Northwestern University's policy to ensure that no qualified student with a disability is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in any University program or activity. In response to a request made by a qualified student with a disability, the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) will arrange for reasonable accommodations to enable the student to obtain equal access to courses, programs, services, or activities.

The Northwestern University Library's policy is to make all of its collections and services accessible to users with disabilities. N.U. students, faculty and staff with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Public Services Office at (847) 491-7632 before coming to the Library for information on access and special services available to them. General services include:

University Library and Deering Library

The closest designated parking spaces for people with mobility impairment are in the parking lot behind Locy Hall. There are 2 spaces in the northwest corner and 3 near the southeast corner of the lot.

Automatic sliding doors, activated by an electronic eye for entry and a push-button for exit, are located on the south side of the Lantern Entrance, which is the Library's main entrance. A lift provides access to and from the lobby area. All levels of the University Library are accessible by public and staff elevators. The Library is a large carpeted building that requires traveling some distance between departments. A wheelchair, stored in the Circulation Services Department, is available for use within the University Library. Wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains for users of the University Library and of the adjacent Deering Library are located on all levels of the University Library.

Elevator access to or from Level 2 and Level 3 of Deering Library is available with staff assistance. Ask staff at any service desk to page Library Security for immediate assistance.

The Circulation Services Department pages books for users with disabilities during all of the hours the Circulation Services Department is open. Requests for paging also may be made by telephone, (847) 491-7633, or by mail. The latter requests should include the date and time the user will come in to use or check out the books.

An accessible public telephone with receiver volume control is located at the west end of Level 1.

An accessible electronic typewriter is available in the Periodicals and Newspapers Reading Room on Level 1.

Call the Public Services Office, (847) 491-7632 to arrange for general library orientation, special library cards for research assistants, or for other services you may need.

Library/AT Adaptive Technology Lab

Located on the Lower Level of the University Library, the Adaptive Technology Lab contains an array of hardware and software for use by individuals with disabilities. Click here for a complete description of the Lab's available hardware and here for a description of its software. The University's Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) facilitates general access to assistive computer equipment as well as individual accommodations.

Science and Engineering Library (SEL)

Entry can be made through the Technological Institute or from the loading dock area of the Seeley G. Mudd Science and Engineering Library on North Campus Drive (between the two buildings). A ramp leads from the designated parking spaces (at the south end of the loading dock) to the first floor doorway. An intercom must be used to call for assistance. Elevator access is available to all three floors. Accessible restrooms are available on each floor. Restrooms near the connecting walkway in the Tech. Institute are also accessible. Book paging is available upon request at the Circulation Desk. For questions about access to SEL, call the User Services/Life Sciences Librarian at (847) 491-2906.

Mathematics Library

A ramp at the back of Lunt Hall leads to the first floor where the Math Library is located. There is a wheelchair accessible restroom on the same floor. Book paging is available upon request at the Circulation Desk. Call the Math Library at (847) 491-7627 weekdays for additional information.

Geology Library

The Geology Library in Locy Hall is not directly accessible by individuals with mobility impairment. Contact the SEL Head of Public Services at (847) 491-2910 or 491-5525 for assistance.

Schaffner Library (Chicago Campus)

The Joseph Schaffner Library is located on the second floor of Wieboldt Hall, 339 East Chicago Avenue, on Northwestern University's Chicago Campus. Parking for people with mobility impairment is available at several downtown campus parking facilities. NU students can have their parking stubs validated at Wieboldt Hall for the Huron/Superior/St. Clair parking facility, Monday-Friday from 4 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Entry can be made through automatic doors located on the south side of Wieboldt Hall at 340 E. Superior. Wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are on the first floor of Wieboldt Hall. The library is on the second floor, with elevator access via the Chicago Avenue elevator banks. A wheelchair accessible workstation is located in the Electronic Resources area of the library. Book paging is available upon request at the Schaffner Circulation or Reference Desks. Call 312-503-8422 for additional information.

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