Users with Disabilities

The MSU Library is committed to providing services to meet the needs of disabled students, staff and faculty in support of the academic mission of the University. The University's policy and federal law call for reasonable accommodations to be made for patrons with disabilities on an individualized and flexible basis. It is, however, incumbent upon the individual to seek assistance and make his/her needs known.

 Library staff works closely with the campus Office of Disability Services, located in the lower level of the Library.

Ease of access in the Library:

• Accessible entrances and restrooms
• Elevator access to all levels
• Accessible study tables and work stations
• A large monitor wheelchair-accessible work station in the reference area, equpped with OpenBook Scanning and Reading software and JAWS voice synthesizer software to enlarge and read text.
• An accessible work station in the Library classroom for bibliographic instruction
• Study rooms with equipment for listening to recorded materials
• A ClearView video text magnifier in the third floor computer area

These additional services are available upon request:

Retrieval service is available to any user who has physical restrictions which limit access to materials contained within the Library. This service is dependent upon having available staff at a given time. While the Library will attempt to respond to requests as they occur, it is most efficient for the requesting patron to call ahead with the retrieval request.

Directional assistance, including escorting a patron to a particular area, is available as necessary. A staff member will give directions to a specific part of the Library, offer the user a map or, if requested, accompany the requesting user to a designated part of the Library, as staff availability permits.

 

Additional Resources for Research Support

• The Learning Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato
• MSU's Affirmative Action Office
• Learning Ally (audio books)
• National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped