Services for Users With Disabilities

The University Library is committed to providing effective accommodations for students with disabilities. The following information is provided to help users with disabilities make the most efficient use of library facilities, materials and services.

The University Library System is large and decentralized, with over 35 libraries located in many buildings campus-wide. Students who need extensive assistance are encouraged to contact the library. Library hours, locations, and telephone numbers can be found on printed schedules available throughout the library, or at the following web page: http://www.library.illinois.edu/services/find.php.

 

Maps

Campus accessibility maps for all buildings. Includes building details such as parking and accessible entries.

Software available on public workstations

Available on all library public workstations:

Large Screen Monitors and Adjustable Tables

The following library locations have large screen monitors and adjustable tables:

TTY Phones

Text telephones are available in the following locations:

TTY users who need to make extensive use of a library not listed above may arrange with the library unit head to have a portable TTY placed in the library. The portable unit is stored in 230 Library.

711 Illinois Relay

For deaf and speech impaired communication over the telephone, use the 711 Illinois Telephone Relay Service to contact the library. To learn how 711 Illinois works, see: http://www.illinoisrelay711.com/content.htm.

Ask a Librarian

For general Library information, including reference help, contact the Info Desk at 217-333-2290 (V) or 217-244-8635 (TTY).

For help via email, chat, and instant message, please visit our Ask a Librarian service at http://www.library.illinois.edu/askus/.

Central Access Services

For help finding books or other materials in the online catalog, renewing materials, placing requests, troubleshooting connection problems, or using the MyAccount function in the catalog, call Central Access Services at 217-333-8400, or email them at circlib@illinois.edu.

Library Gateway

The University Library Gateway provides access to a wide variety of electronic resources including the online catalog, article databases, full-text journals and reference sources. It can be accessed outside the library on a computer with an internet or modem connection. The Library's main site is http://www.library.illinois.edu/

Increasingly, libraries are also offering reserve materials electronically. Access to these readings is through the library's online catalog. To search electronic reserves by instructor or course, visit https://i-share.carli.illinois.edu/uiu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&PAGE=rbSearch.

Photocopy Services

Fee-based copy services are available from Illinois Printing Services. Their phone number is 217-333-7475. Library staff can provide assistance at the self-service copiers located throughout the library.

Library staff can also assist with placing a request via Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery's Illinois DocExpress service. This service obtains copies of journal articles, book tables of contents, and book chapters for materials located in any of the Illinois campus libraries, with electronic delivery of documents within 48 hours (within 72 hours for microfiche or film). Delivery of hard copy by other means may take longer. The fee for this service may be waived upon request for students with disabilities; however, a verification of eligibility from the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services may be required. Please visit http://www.library.illinois.edu/irrc/. 

Requesting Library Materials

Library staff can assist in retrieving materials from bookshelves. If materials are needed immediately, please ask a library staff person for assistance. Requests can also be placed through the  online catalog to have materials retrieved from any library location and sent to a convenient library or delivered to Beckwith Hall, if eligible. It may take several days for this service; an email notice is sent when the materials are ready for pick-up.

Other Help and Research Assistance

A wide variety of research assistance is available throughout the Illinois Library. There are many ways to learn more about the library, from tours and workshops to online tutorials, handouts, and one-on-one assistance. For more information about these opportunities, please visit http://www.library.illinois.edu/libraryhelp.html.

Illinois Library Contact

Scott Walter, Associate University Librarian for Services
Email: swalter@illinois.edu
Phone: 217-333-2293

Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center (http://www.mitbc.org)

The MITBC provides free library service for anyone unable to read regular print because of a visual or physical disability. They offer books and magazines on tape with playback equipment, and also books in Braille. Books and magazines are mailed free to and from library patrons, wherever they reside. There is no charge to the patron. Currently, they serve approximately 5,000 active readers. Their office is open 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday. The Center's website has information on their program, links to other disability sites, and news of interest to readers. Please visit http://www.mitbc.org.

The Center is also part of a state network administered by the Illinois State Library and a national network administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), a division of the Library of Congress. For more information, email the Center at info@mitbc.org or call them at 1-800-426-0709.