Accessibility

Governors State University Library’s intent is to make our services and collections accessible to all users. 

Contact Sarah Wegley by email at swegley@govst.edu or Lydia Morrow Ruetten by phone at 708-534-4116 or by email at lruetten@govst.edu with any comments, concerns, or questions about library accessibility.

Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Access Services for Students with Disabilities, located in the Academic Resource Center Room B1215, for information on complete services available to them. See additional information at the bottom of this page.

University Library

• Audiobooks
  The library has a collection of audiobooks for entertainment in cassette and CD formats on shelving located by the reference office. Please ask at the Reference Desk if you need assistance.


• Captioned Videos/DVDs
  Video material with captions can be found by searching the phrases “Closed captions”, “Films for the hearing impaired” and/or “Video recordings for the hearing impaired” in the library catalog.


• Circulation Desk
  The circulation desk, where library users check out books and pick up reserved materials, has a low counter to accommodate our patrons with wheelchairs.


• Computer Modifications
  All Library computers run the Windows 7 operating system which allows users to make changes for their personal vision, hearing, and mobility needs. To access this service after logging in to a computer, click on Control Panel and choose Ease of Access Center to make adjustments.
  
  Please note that changes are temporary. Upon logging out of a session, the computer will revert to its standard mode. All users are instructed to log out when finished at a computer for security reasons.
  
  If the Windows 7 adjustments are not enough for your needs, additional options are available through Access Services for Students with Disabilities.


• Computer Workstations
  The workstation located closest to the Reference desk has a table which can be lowered or raised at the push of a button. Our patrons in wheelchairs have priority seating.


• Electronic library materials
  Many of our licensed databases, ejournals, and ebooks offer users the option of viewing full text in HTML or PDF format. HTML format is a text-only web page which can be read using any screen reader or universal access technology.
  
  PDF format is accessible 2 ways using Adobe Reader: 1) Open the PDF and go to File/Save as text. Once you have the text only version, you can alter the text size, color, and format. You can also use a screen reader to read the file. 2) Open the PDF and go to View/Read out loud. Adobe Reader will act as a screen reader and read the file out loud.


• Elevator
  The Library can be reached by using the elevator next to the Main Staircase in Building D. The Library is located on the 2nd floor very close to the elevator. The Library is contained within a single floor of the building.


• Entrance
  The front entrance is a double wide door which remains open during all hours of library operation.


• Headphones and Ear buds
  Upon request at the Reference Desk, free ear buds are available. For those patrons who wear hearing aids, headphones with foam ear pad cushions are available for in-library use only. These headphones must be returned to the desk after use.


• Library Office
  The doors to the administrative office area are kept shut even when unlocked. Ask at the Reference Desk if you need assistance entering them.


• Magnifying Tools
  Handheld magnifiers are available at the Reference Desk. A closed circuit television is available in the Academic Resource Center Room B1215.


• Photocopiers
  Staff at the Reference Desk will make photocopies for patrons needing physical assistance. These photocopies are not free and are charged at the standard rate of 10¢ per page. Staff may be unable to immediately copy materials if the Library is busy. Materials may be left and picked up at a later, agreed upon time in such instances. Patrons are encouraged to bring an assistant if large quantities of photocopying are needed.


• Reference Assistance
  Reference desk staff are willing to help you retrieve materials from the shelves upon request. Reference service is available by phone at 708-534-4111 and through email by completing this form. For research assistance, contact the appropriate Subject Specialist. 


• Restrooms
  The Library has two sets of men’s and women’s restrooms. The restrooms located in the book stacks are wheelchair accessible, but the ones in the serials stacks are not.


• Service Animals
  Service animals are welcome.

Disability Resource Center for Students 

Students with disabilities may access a variety of services or reasonable accommodations intended to reduce the effects that a disability may have on their performance in a traditional academic setting. Services do not lower course standards or alter degree requirements, but instead, provide students with an equal chance to demonstrate their academic abilities.

Any student may initiate a request for services by registering with Access Services for Students with Disabilities (ASSD). After providing information that documents the specific disability, students are provided assistance in selecting services that are an appropriate accommodation for their disability. To contact ASSD: call 708-235-3968 or email: assd@govst.edu .

updated 3/19/12