Table of Contents
Who to Contact
- The UW Library's contact person is Janet Wason, Co-ordinator, Library Services for Persons with Disabilities.
- She can be found in the Adaptive Technology Centre, on the Main floor of the Dana Porter Library.
- You may contact her at (519) 888-4567 x33012 or through e-mail at jewason@library.uwaterloo.ca
Using the Library Services
- To take advantage of all library resources and services available to patrons with disabilities:
1. You must be a University of Waterloo student and must be registered with the campus Office for Persons with Disabilities (888-4567 x35082, located in Needles Hall, Room 1132).
2.
Get a "Letter of Recommendation to the Library" from your advisor in the Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPD).
3.
Then, make an appointment with Janet Wason (the Coordinator, UW Library Services for Persons with Disabilities) to register for these services.
- You will also want to become familiar with building access and safety
- Faculty, staff, alumni and Friends of the Library, must be registered with the campus Office for Persons with Disabilities (888-4567 x35082) to be eligible for the available services.
- Community borrowers, who have a disability, are also eligible for many of the services described below and must also register with the OPD to take advantage of these services. For more information contact .
- Please note that priority for the use of these services will be given to students registered with the Office for Persons with Disabilities.
Adaptive Technology Centre
Though physically located in the Dana Porter Library, the Adaptive Technology Centre is available to all eligible users.
- Situated on the Main floor, it offers quiet study space and computer workstations equipped with adaptive software and internet access.
- The Centre is at the back of the library--when you enter, follow the contrasting path to the right of the Information Desk all the way to the door.
- The Centre is a fragance-free zone.
- The Adaptive Technology Centre is open during all Library hours.
Study Rooms and Workstations
- Study rooms and workstations are available on a drop-in basis.
- If you wish to book a favourite spot in the Adaptive Technology Centre, you may reserve a room or workstation in advance.
- New! Need a group study room (two or more people)? DC 1517 can be booked two days (or more) in advance. Contact Janet Wason at (519) 888-4567 x33012 or through e-mail at jewason@library.uwaterloo.ca
- The Library has more group and single study rooms that can be booked online.
Davis Centre Library
- A workstation with Internet access on an electronically adjustable table in the RBC Information Commons.
- A group-study room (two or more people), DC 1517, that can be booked two days in advance. Contact Janet Wason at (519) 888-4567 x33012 or through e-mail at jewason@library.uwaterloo.ca
- More group and single study rooms that can be booked online.
- An Optelec Clearview+ Video Magnifier(CCTV) in room 1522; use your WatCard to sign out the key from the Circulation Desk.
Research Assistance
- Janet Wason will provide individual assistance on using the Library's catalogue, research databases and other electronic resources by appointment or on a drop-in basis.
- If you require in-depth subject assistance, arrangements will be made with the subject-specialist librarian for further help.
- The Library's Ask A Librarian service offers reference assistance by e-mail, chat or telephone.
- We offer term-loan borrowing privileges. Please contact Janet Wason for more information.
Retrieving Library Materials
- Eligible users may take advantage of the Library's UW @ UW retrieval service. For more information, please contact Janet Wason.
- Janet Wason or staff at the Circulation Desk will retrieve one or two urgently needed items as soon as possible.
- Circulation Staff can retrieve up to 10 items by the next workday. Please provide them with a list of the titles and call numbers.
Campus Book Delivery
- Circulation Services staff will send circulating library materials (up to 5 items) to users on campus via interoffice mail.
- Titles and call numbers must be given to Circulation Services.
- You can do this in person, by phone at (519) 888-4883, or by e-mail to our Book Delivery Service
Alternative Format Materials
- Janet Wason will search for and order textbooks available in alternative formats, whether Braille, audio, large print or electronic files.
Sources for Alternative Formats (Electronic Texts, etc.)
Photocopying
- Students registered with the Office for Persons with Disabilities may be eligible for photocopying or print-enlarging services at Express Copy in the Dana Porter Library or at Davis Copy in the Davis Centre.
- Please check with your OPD Advisor to see whether you qualify.
About Library Services for Persons with Disabilities
- "The University of Waterloo Library endeavours to provide equitable access to library facilities and materials to all members of its community. In acknowledging the need for alternatives by some individuals to standard library services, and in modifying both the physical structure and policies within the library system, the library is working towards providing independent access by everyone to the library's resources."
- To this end, and in compliance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Library has published its first Accessibility Plan.
- As part of the plan, the Library surveyed the information and accessibility needs of students with disabilities. The survey was carried out in conjunction with the Office for Persons with Disabilities.
- In 2004, the Ross and Doris Dixon Charitable Foundation created
an Adaptive Technology Fund to assist with purchasing equipment and furnishings that enhance the Library's services to persons with disabilities. The inaugural purchase by the Library was a colour video magnifier to be used by patrons with low vision. We are grateful to the Foundation for their continuing support.
- In 2005, the Ontario Government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (or AODA).
Contact Information:
, Library Assistant/Coordinator,
Library Services for Persons with Disabilities
Adaptive Technology Centre
Dana Porter Library
University of Waterloo Library
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1
(519) 888-4567 x33012
Last Updated:
February 24, 2009
