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Disability Services

Northwestern University Libraries' policy is to make all of its collections and services accessible to users with disabilities. Contact Chris Davidson, Campus & Community Engagement Librarian, at 847-491-4090 or c-davidson@northwestern.edu for more information on access and special services.

Services include:

Digital Accessibility

Northwestern University Libraries is committed to fostering a community of access, belonging and accountability for our users.  We strive to improve digital access and user experiences in accordance with the University’s Digital Accessibility Policy, and conformance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards. 

While NUsearch strives to adhere to this policy and improve accessibility, some patrons may have issues accessing parts of NUsearch, including their library account and the “virtual browse” function. If you experience any difficulty with NUsearch or want to report an issue, please contact us.

University Library and Deering Library

Parking

Five designated parking spaces for people with mobility impairment are in the McCormick Tribune Center parking lot (2 spaces in the northwest corner and 3 near the southeast corner).

Entrances and mobility

Automatic doors are located at the north and south sides of the main entrance. Elevators provide access to and from the lobby area, and all levels of the University Library. The Library is a large, carpeted building that requires traveling some distance between departments. 

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.

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.

Equipment

An accessible public telephone with receiver volume control is located at the west end of Level 1, outside of Deering room 100/101. An accessible electronic typewriter is available in the Periodicals and Newspapers Reading Room on Level 1.

Hardware and software

Located in the Information Commons on the first floor of University Library, the Adaptive Technology Lab contains hardware and software for use by individuals with disabilities. Learn about Software for Individuals with Disabilities on these and other library computers.

AccessibleNU facilitates general access to assistive computer equipment as well as individual accommodations.

Services

The Circulation Services Department pages books for visitors with disabilities during all of the hours the department is open. Requests for paging can be made online through your account, and can also be delivered to an office or home address.

Requests for paging also may be made by telephone, 847-491-7633, or by mail. Call-in and mail-in requests should include the date and time the user will come in to use or check out the books.

Mudd Library

Parking

Designated parking for people with mobility impairment can be found either in the North Campus Parking Garage or the faculty/staff lot next to Lakeside Field.

Entrances and mobility

Mudd Library is accessible by elevator from the north lobby on the first floor or the east side of the building next to Cook Hall. Occupying the second floor, the library has an automatic turnstile for easy entry and exit. Bathrooms and water fountains are accessible as are second floor bridges to Cook Hall on the southeast side of the building and the Technological Institute to the west. 

Services

The collections are self-service and wheelchair accessible, but staff are available to offer assistance. All individual workstations, classrooms and group study rooms are fully accessible and on the same floor. Call the Mudd Library information desk for additional information: 847-491-3361.

Math Library

Entrances and mobility 

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.

Services

Book paging is available to the University Library or Mudd Library circulation desks. Request books via the catalog by signing into your account. Requests for paging also may be made by telephone, 847-491-7633, or by mail. Call-in and mail-in requests should include the date and time the user will come in to use or check out the books

The Math Library is open without staff assistance. Call 847-491-7658 or email library@northwestern.edu  to request assistance.