Library Accessibility
Where infrastructure, technology, or service restricts access of any kind, do not hesitate to contact us. Staff will make their best effort to accommodate users, and we are eager to receive suggestions for improvement.
On this page:
Emergencies: During a fire alarm, do not use the elevator. Take refuge on an emergency exit stairwell landing. If you have a mobile phone, dial 204.786.6666 to speak to campus Security Services to let them know your location and situation.
Finding a Place to Study
Physical Accessibility and What to Expect
The Library entrance is on the fourth floor of Centennial Hall, 515 Portage Avenue. Elevators to the fourth floor are available on the street level. The 4th floor is a busy, loud, and collaborative lab area where most public service staff access points are located. Accessible workstations, print stations, and study rooms are all located on the 4th floor. Staff are happy to help you locate and use these accommodations.
The 5th floor is where the main stacks, quiet, and silent study spaces are located; access is available via an elevator on the 4th floor. While the majority of the 5th floor is accessible for persons using a wheelchair, some stacks will be too narrow, and tables/carrels on this floor are not height-adjustable. In addition, much of our quiet space is located in 5th floor mezzanine levels with stair-only access.
We have equipped an Accessible Quiet Study Room (see below) on the 4th floor for those who cannot access the 5th floor quiet areas. Staff can help you locate this room when you arrive.
Accessible Quiet Study Room
The purpose of this room is to provide equitable quiet study space in the library for students who are unable to utilize the quiet space on the 5th floor. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and students are not required to be registered with accessibility services in order to use it. Please study room policy prior to using the room.
Workstations, Printing, and Adaptive Equipment
Please see the Accessible Equipment section below.
Getting Access to Resources
Scanning Services
Students, staff, and faculty may request scanned excerpts of print materials in the library's collection. View the Scan on Demand page for more information.
Print Retrieval
We are happy to retrieve books for persons who are unable to access certain areas. Phone 204.786.9808 or contact the accessibility librarian. Depending on timing and staff availability, print retrieval may be immediate or take up to several hours. For best results, please have ready a list of titles when you contact us.
Library materials can also be requested through the Pickup Service and retrieved from the Smart Lockers located on the main floor of Centennial Hall. Patrons can select the "Centennial Hall Accessible Pickup" option when placing their hold and provide details in the notes box about any accommodations needed, including placing items in a locker at a specific height, or arranging for an alternative in-person pickup.
Photocopying
Assistance with photocopying is available - just see public service staff when you arrive. You may also contact University's Accessibility Services.
Alternative Formats
The University has a service for alternative format requests. For more information on getting course content in an accessible format, please contact University Accessibility Services.
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters
Students requiring an ASL-English interpreter when visiting the Library or for an appointment with a librarian may contact Tessa Rogowski or text 204.228.0187 to make arrangements.
Requesting Assistance
Research Assistance and Equity Concerns
Contact the accessibility librarian to arrange research assistance by appointment, and to discuss any questions, concerns, or comments you may have.
Alternative Formats
Our frontline public service staff can help with most day-to-day requests for assistance; contact the University's Accessibility Services department for alternative format services.
In Case of Emergency
During a fire alarm, do not use the elevator. Take refuge on an emergency exit stairwell landing. If you have a mobile phone, dial 204.786.6666 to speak to campus Security Services to let them know your location and situation.
Students experiencing unusual levels of stress or anxiety, or who have concerns regarding mental health issues are advised to contact Student Wellness.
Accessible Equipment
Computer Workstations
For quick catalogue access and printing, an accessible workstation is located adjacent to the Circulation desk. Two dedicated accessibility workstations are also available in the open computer lab.
Photocopying and Printing
Assistance with photocopying is available; please contact the circulation desk or the University’s Accessibility Services. An accessible printing station is available near the circulation desk on the 4th floor; staff can assist with printing needs.
Group Study Rooms
There are two group study rooms available on the fourth floor which may be booked for two hours at a time. Please visit our study spaces and technology page for more information.
Washrooms
One accessible washroom is available just outside the library on the 4th floor of Centennial Hall; two sets of accessible washrooms are available on the fifth floor inside the library proper.