Library Services for Individuals with Disabilities
The staff of UMW Libraries endeavors to make Library facilities and collections accessible to all members of the campus community.
Access to the Buildings
Simpson Library
Simpson Library’s main entrance is wheelchair accessible. Handicap parking spaces are located adjacent to Jepson Science Center. Access to all floors is available via the elevator at the north end of the building. The elevators’ floor numbers are printed in Braille for use by the visually impaired. Wheelchair accessible restrooms and water fountains are available on all floors.
The CGPS Stafford Library
The CGPS Stafford Library is located on the second floor of the CGPS Building. Entrance to the building is wheelchair accessible and access to the second floor is available via an elevator located directly behind the center stairwell. Handicap parking spaces are located in the main campus lot. Wheelchair accessible restrooms and water fountains are available on all floors.
Access to the Collections
Retrieving Materials From the Stacks
Library staff will retrieve requested items from the stacks for those patrons who require assistance. Individuals with disabilities who need assistance obtaining materials from the stacks should contact the library staff at the Checkout or Circulation Desks. At Simpson Library, the Checkout Desk is located on the first floor just inside the main entrance doors to the left. The Circulation Desk at the CGPS Stafford Library is located on the left just inside the entrance.
Every effort will be made to accommodate such requests as quickly as possible; however, staffing levels and other user requests may create short delays.
Photocopying Materials
Staff at the Checkout or Circulation Desks will help individuals with disabilities photocopy library materials. Relevant copyright restrictions and normal photocopy charges are observed.
Group Study Rooms
Rooms intended for group study are located on the second and third floors of Simpson Library and are available to everyone on a first-come basis. Individuals may ask for assistance in locating a vacant group study room at Simpson Library's Circulation or Information Desks.
Assistive Technology Resources
A computer equipped with the Kurzweil 3000 reader software is available at Simpson Library on the first floor in the microform area. The Kurzweil scans printed text and reads the digital text aloud through a synthetic voice. Information can be read from the Lirbaries' electronic resource collections and the World Wide Web. The Kurzweil’s text formatting capabilities also enable patrons to select font size and background color for preferred screen contrast. Export options allow files to be saved, printed or emailed. Patrons may bring their own earphones, or students may check out a set at Simpson Library's Checkout Desk.
An assistive reading computer is also available at the CGPS Stafford Library. Please contact Library staff at the Circulation Desk for assistance.
If you have questions regarding additional services available at the University of Mary Washington for students with disabilities, visit the Office of Disability Services’ website or contact them directly at 540-654-1010.