It is the mission of the University of Iowa Libraries to provide access to resources for all members of the university community. Wherever possible, UI Libraries' staff will remove barriers that prevent equitable access for persons with disabilities.
Assistance with Library Resources
Staff in all the libraries are available to provide information and assistance as needed to library users. Hours and staff availability may vary.
Main Library Reference and Library Instruction Department:
- RLI staff will assist users when their disabilities prevent them from utilizing the library catalog or other library resources. Staff are available to help search for specific authors or titles--up to five separate items.
- For more extensive searches (more than five items) for specific authors or titles, a request may be left at the Main Library's Reference or Information desk with results to be verified and returned within 24 hours, provided such list is received by 5:00 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays. For retrieval of items, see Main Library Circulation Department.
- Users requiring assistance in complex or extensive searches with other resources are asked to arrange for a Research Consultation with a librarian. Appointments can be arranged at the Main Library Information Desk (335-5299) or online.
Main Library Circulation Department:
- When provided with five or fewer book call numbers or journal titles for items shelved in Main Library open stacks, staff will retrieve those volumes Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- Any number of Main Library books and journals can be retrieved at any mutually convenient time that the Main Library Circulation Department is open if an appointment is made at least 24 hours in advance. Under most circumstances, a list of Main Library book call numbers or journal titles can be retrieved within 24 hours if the list is submitted Sunday through Thursday.
- Books can be called in from our other libraries to be picked up at the Main Library. All inquiries should be directed to Circulation staff (335-5912), or visit our University Libraries Delivery Services page.
Branch Libraries
- Please consult with branch library staff when assistance is needed to locate or retrieve materials in those locations.
Building Access and Handicapped Parking
View campus building maps to locate accessible metered parking and building entrances.
Computers
The University of Iowa ITS Assistive Technology Support implements various technologies to enable members of the University community with disabilities. The Main Library ITC is one of these supported facilities. There are wheel-chair accessible computer workstations available on all floors of the Main Library building.
Any UI student, staff, or faculty may use and ask for help with the Kurzweil station located in Main Library Media Services (NOTE: the Information Arcade no longer provides this service). ITS is in charge of keeping software and hardware for the station up-to-date; Media Services staff can provide help with usage.
a. If the material belongs to the Libraries, they may request via InterLibrary Loan/Document Delivery services that the material be digitized into a PDF, which can then be read by the Kurzweil machine.
b. If the material (journal/book) is a personal copy, a student employee or other proxy employed by the faculty's department should use the Kurzweil machine (or, for large/color copies, any scanner on second or third floors of the Main Library) and request help if necessary.
Restrooms
Restroom accommodations in the Main Library for persons in wheelchairs are provided on the first floor and at the south end of floors two through five.
If you have questions about disabilities assistance in the Libraries, contact Kathy Magarrell, Reference and Library Instruction, phone 319-335-5299.
Other University of Iowa Resources