Patrons with disabilities using the UNL Libraries should be able to access all services available to patrons without disabilities. Staff should be supportive, respond to specific requests for accommodations in a timely manner, and know whom they can contact if they have disability-related questions.

ADA Compliance in terms of entering and exiting buildings, using restrooms and elevators, and moving around the building is followed, or if compliance is not possible because of physical limitations of the building, appropriate assistance is offered.

Circulation services at the University Libraries provide material retrieval for disabled patrons who need help taking materials off the shelves. This service is extended only to those patrons with specific disabilities that render them unable to retrieve material and is available upon request at the Circulation desk of the appropriate library or by electronic request (see sidebar: Disabled Users Form).

Patrons requiring retrieval service should have all call numbers and citations on the list, whether submitted in person or electronically. We will attempt to have items ready for pick up 24 hours after submission of the request. Items not picked up after 48 hours will be returned to the shelf, unless other arrangements have been made (see sidebar: Authorized User’s Form)

Disabled persons who need extensive help using library resources and services are advised to have an aide to assist them. If an aide is not available, appointments for assistance are preferred, as immediate service cannot be guaranteed. Copying requests cannot be accommodated by library staff.

The University Libraries provide reference, interlibrary loan, document and microform service to disabled patrons on an equal basis. Appointments should be made with the librarian in your subject field (http://www.unl.edu/libr/liaison/) to discuss your library needs. When additional assistance is needed for Documents, Interlibrary Loan, or any of the branches, an appointment should be made 24 hours in advance with the appropriate unit.

Library staff should expect common courtesy from patrons, both with and without disabilities. Appropriate behavior should be practiced when working in the library. This includes working quietly keeping conversations low volume, if possible, coming to the closest service desk for assistance instead of gesturing or vocalizing to gain the attention of a staff member; writing legibly, if that is the preferred method of communication and understanding that not all information requests can be filled immediately or at all. In those cases, staff should provide patrons with what information they can, refer the patron to someone else who may be able to help or offer to research the question and get back to them in a timely fashion.

Library staff may not provide legal or medical advice, or assist patrons with writing letters, reports or correspondence of any kind beyond general parameters of how software works.

All of the University Libraries provide an accessible entrance. C. Y. Thompson Library's handicapped accessible entrance is on the west side of the building. Handicapped parking is on the east side of the building. Those with limited mobility wanting access to the building through the east service entrance may use the wall phone located inside the east service entrance to request assistance.

If you have any questions concerning your needs, please feel free to call.

• Love Library
  • Reference.................................(402) 472-2848
  • Circulation................................(402) 472-9568
  • TTY-Hearing Impaired................(402) 472-2561
  • Documents................................(402) 472-2562
  • Interlibrary Loan........................(402) 472-2522
  • Microforms................................(402) 472-6039
  • Special Collections.....................(402) 472-2531
• Architecture........................................(402) 472-1208
• C.Y. Thompson (East Campus).............(402) 472-4401
• Engineering........................................(402) 472-3411
• Geology.............................................(402) 472-2653
• Mathematics.......................................(402) 472-6900
• Music.................................................(402) 472-6300

• Magnifier for print: Periodicals Room, Love South, 1st floor
• JAWS 8.0 (audio of screen content): Love reference and CYT reference
• Zoom Text 8.1 (magnifies screen content): Love reference and CYT reference
• TDD (translates voice to text / text to voice): Love South Circulation Desk (2 machines)

• ADA compliant desk: Love Reference Desk and all libraries
• ADA restrooms: Love South, levels 1,2,3
• Wheelchair: available at Love South Circulation Desk

• Services for Students with Disabilities: ADMIN 132 (402) 472-3787

If you have questions, comments or suggestions about the Libraries' services for Disabled Patrons, contact Deb Pearson, Circulation Librarian, dpearson1@unl.edu or (402) 472-4260.