Accessibility Policies

The library is committed to ensuring that members of our user community with disabilities have equal access to our services and resources and that their dignity and independence is always respected.

We welcome feedback from all members of our community regarding any library services which may present a barrier. Please contact us to provide feedback online, over the phone, or in-person. Any communications between you and the library can accommodate your accessibility needs, upon request.  

For more information on the University of Guelph’s accessibility policies and resources, see the Office of Diversity and Human Rights’ Accessibility webpage.

Library accessible print resources policy

The library’s Library Resources Accessibility Policy is designed to support users with perceptual or physical disabilities by providing them with alternative-format copies of print materials either from the library collection or produced by library services.

Services for individuals registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Library Accessibility Services

Library Accessibility Services (LAS) provides space and technology-related services designed to help SAS-registered students with reading, writing, note-taking, and studying.

Student Accessibility Services Exam Centre

The SAS Exam Centre has a mix of private and small group rooms which can be booked by SAS-registered students to write their tests and exams.

Accessible computers and software in the public computer pools:

There are signed, wheelchair-accessible computers on motorized, height-adjustable tables available in the library computer pool on the main floor. 

All public computers in the library are equipped with the following adaptive software programs:

• Jaws Screen Reader
• Zoomtext Text Magnifier/Reader

Users also have access to the Ease of Access features available in the Windows operating system.

Helpful features in the library catalogue

Placing holds on library books

Library users can place hold on books from the University of Guelph Library and Omni partner libraries. Once requested, holds will be available for pick-up from the Ask Us Desk. Learn more about requesting items from Omni.  

Online renewal of library books

Library users can renew the borrowed items online.

To renew your books online:

1. Enter Omni from the library website.
2. Click on ‘Sign in’ in the upper right hand corner and choose one of the two sign-in options.
3. Click on ‘My Library Account’ in the upper right hand corner of Omni. You will see a list of items that are charged out to you. 
4. Either select ‘Renew All’ or click on the checkbox beside specific books and select ‘Renew Selected.’
5. Click on ‘Sign Out.’

Looking for captioned videos in the Omni catalogue?

Search for the video/film in Omni.  If the video is in Omni, click on ‘Details’ from the left hand menu.  If the video is captioned, look beside the "Subject or "Snippet for phrases like  ‘Films for the hearing impaired’ or ‘Motion pictures for the hearing impaired.’

Physical amenities within the library

Library entrance

The main library entrance is wheelchair-accessible and is equipped with automatic door openers.

Drinking fountain

An accessible-height drinking fountain/water bottle refilling station is located on the First floor of the library next to the women’s washroom.

Elevators

The main library elevators adjacent to the Starbucks Café as well as the elevator in the southeast corridor have accessible-height interior and exterior call buttons.  In addition, the main elevators announce direction and floor arrival using speech.

Washrooms

All the washrooms in the library are wheelchair-accessible and equipped with automatic door openers.  In addition to the Men’s and Women’s washrooms located on the Lower Level through to the Fifth floors, there are two Unisex washrooms on the First Floor: one is adjacent to the Starbucks Café and the other is located in the southeast elevator/stair corridor.

Website

We strive to ensure our web presence meets Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act legislation by complying to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 level AA.

Parking

The wheelchair-accessible visitor parking lots nearest to the library are P44, accessed via College Avenue, and P5, accessed from Trent Lane. See the Campus Parking Map for more information.