The University of Manitoba Libraries provides access to library materials and services for users with disabilities, including those:

• who have visual disabilities
• who have learning disabilities
• with injury-related, medical, physical, psychological, or anxiety conditions
• with temporary disabilities, such as sprains and breaks

Students are encouraged to contact the Disability Services office on campus at 474-6213 for assistance with services on campus.

Access to Libraries | Assistance and Services | Adaptive Equipment | Emergency Procedures

 Access to the Libraries

The University of Manitoba campus maps show the locations of libraries, computer labs and parking.

To ensure the best possible service, library users with disabilities needing assistance are encouraged to check in advance before scheduling their library visits. Library hours may be obtained by calling 474-9770.

For specific information on barrier-free access, contact the individual library listed below or Disability Services at 474-6213.

 What assistance and services are available?

Staff will assist patrons by:

• retrieving material from the stacks for patrons with limited mobility, for patrons who use wheelchairs, and for patrons with print disabilities.
• assisting patrons by reading catalogue entries on the BISON screen, and writing down call numbers.
• accompanying patrons to exits or elevators. Users with disabilities that prevent them from carrying books, etc., may wish to bring someone with them to assist in the transfer of materials from library to study site.
• having material from other campus libraries brought by campus delivery to the library most frequently used by the patron with disabilities. Restrictions may apply to fragile material from the Archives & Special Collections department, high demand reference items and/or library use material.
• assisting with literature searches in periodical indexes, bibliographies, or related print/non-print material.
• assisting in compiling a short list of references on a particular topic.
• performing a computer search where more information is required. The user is responsible for any cost incurred.
• providing alternative ways to get library materials if a library user's disability makes it difficult to use material on library premises. Alternatives include:
  
  
  • making available for a limited time reference materials and current periodicals which normally do not circulate.
  • providing assistance in photocopying library materials, including items on reserve and microform. Users with disabilities may wish to bring someone with them to assist in the use of these materials in the library.
    
    Note:  Staff will not copy anything that will contravene copyright laws and regulations as specified in the Copyright Act and the UM Fair Dealing Guidelines. For more information about copyright, see the UM Copyright Guidelines. The charge for photocopying is identical to the self-service charge.
• providing, by appointment, library tours to users with disabilities.
• providing instruction to users with disabilities, individually or in groups, in the use of the library and in how to do library research on a particular subject.
• instructing the user's reader, research assistant or transcriber in the most efficient use of the library.

 What adaptive equipment is available in the libraries?

Adaptive Equipment for Visual Assistance

• VTEK readers enlarge print from paper copy. There are three readers located in the Elizabeth Dafoe Library on the ground level adjacent to the Microform area and one reader located in the Sciences and Technology Library.
• A VTEK reader which enlarges print from microfiche is located in the Elizabeth Dafoe Library on the ground level adjacent to the Microform area.
• A simple magnifying device which can enlarge print for easier reading is available for use within the Elizabeth Dafoe Library at the Circulation service counter.
• Some Braille items, large print books and other materials in alternative media may be available as indicated in BISON, the online catalogue.
• In the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, there is a public access computer adjacent to the printers on the ground level which magnifies the screen for reading for visually impaired patrons. It is labeled "Priority is given to people with visual disabilities."

 What to do in an emergency

The UM Libraries has a detailed emergency plan in place. During emergencies, employees are assigned to check all areas of the library for persons with disabilities.

In buildings where there are elevators, i.e.,

• Albert D. Cohen Management Library
• E.K. Williams Law Library
• Elizabeth Dafoe Library
• Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library
• St. John's College Library
• Sciences and Technology Library

Elevators should not be used in most emergency situations. Persons who cannot move to other floors without the use of an elevator should assemble in front of the building's elevator. The library staff in buildings with or without elevators are instructed to check the assembly area so that they can report to properly trained emergency personnel that persons require assistance in moving to the lower floors and/or exiting the building.