UW Libraries is committed to providing equal access to library collections, services, and facilities for all library users. It is a priority for the UW Libraries to select and acquire, whenever possible, resources and technologies that are accessible to all and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations and timely access to users with disabilities and follow UW IT Accessibility Guidelines.
For accessibility information about other UW Libraries, please visit Library Building Accessibility. Track the UW Libraries' progress in promoting a culture of accessibility for resources and technology.
Building Accessibility
Entrance:
Exterior doors have paddles and ramp access. Entry doors open during open hours.
Note: The Magnusson Health Sciences Building is limited to users with Valid Husky Cards, and doors remain closed during open hours. Please call the Information Desk at 206-543-3390 for assistance with entry upon arrival.
Accessible Bathroom:
Available on HSL 3rd floor. Accessible bathrooms are also available on the 2nd floor in the hallway outside the HSL entrance.
Barriers:
Narrow spaces in some stacks and study areas.
Assistive Technology:
Available on Student Computers (require UW NetID) and Guest Research Workstations. Screen readers and screen magnification tools (JAWS and Zoomtext) on all Windows PCs. Wheelchair-height or adjustable height tables are available for all printers and scan-to-print stations, most Student Computers, and at various study areas on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
Campus Location, Directions, & Maps | Accessible Parking | UW Access Guide
Accessibility Toolkits
HSL offers accessibility kits with tools for students, staff, faculty and borrowers who have need of visual, hearing, dexterity or fine motor skills assistance in completing their work. These accessibility kits, available at the information desk, were created through generous funding from the Friends of the Libraries awards. Items within the kit are library use only.
Items that need to be checked out in the kit include:
- High contrast, large-type keyboard
- Lapboard
- Pocket hearing loop
- Trackball mouse
Items that do not need to be checked out in the kit include:
- Disposable noise-reducing earplugs
- Magnifier bars
Resources
Accessible Text Request Service
The UW is a member of the HathiTrust Accessible Text Request Service. Through this service, UW affiliated users who have print disabilities can request copies of in-copyright materials in the HathiTrust Digital Library Collection. Send requests to the Libraries Accessibility Coordinator uwliba11y@uw.edu.
Document Conversion Service
Document Conversion Service is a quick and easy way for students, faculty, and staff at the University of Washington to obtain alternative, accessible versions of inaccessible documents. Students requesting alternate materials as an accommodation should contact Disability Resources for Students.
Request Online & Pick Up
Library users with a current account can use their UW NetID to request items from the stacks to be ready for pickup in the UW library of their choice. UW faculty and staff with a current UW campus box number can request a departmental delivery.
Retrieval Help
Upon request, HSL Information Desk staff can assist with the retrieval of books and with the use of electronic and other bibliographic resources. Time needed for retrieval will vary depending on staff availability. Please call the Information Desk at 206-543-3390 for assistance.
UW Article Scanning Service
UW Article Scanning Service is a free service to obtain PDF scans of print journal articles owned by the UW Libraries without retrieving or scanning the item yourself.
Courier Pick Up
Students, staff and faculty who are registered with Disability Resources for Students (DRS) or Disability Services Office (DSO) and may have need for another person to pick up their library items should contact Library Account Services. Courier cards may be issued for this reason, and will extend through the time the accommodation is needed.