Submitted by libwww on Fri, 07/16/2021 - 16:24

General Policy

The University Libraries provide facilities and services to individuals with permanent and temporary disabilities. The overall goal is to provide users with all-inclusive, fair and equitable access to services, resources and facilities. A guiding principle is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act (Public Law 110- 325). In addition, the Libraries adhere to the guidelines provided by New York State (https://ag.ny.gov/civil-rights/disability-rights) and local laws, SUNY Libraries Accessibility Guidelines and the University at Albany Disability Resource Center’s reasonable accommodation policy.

Eligibility for library services

  1. All current University at Albany students, faculty, and staff are eligible for services.

  2. Faculty, staff, and students may designate a proxy borrower, who may check out or pick up materials on their behalf.

  3. Individuals who are not current UAlbany students, faculty, or staff but who request special services are served on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of service supervisors or the University Library Coordinator of services to persons with disabilities. Priority for services is given to current University at Albany students, faculty, and staff.

Services to persons with disabilities

Most library services that are established for students, faculty and staff, who are permanently or temporarily disabled, are available to all UAlbany patrons. Information on these services may be listed on the webpage about services for persons with disabilities. Disability Service Coordinators are available to organize services and spaces for persons with disabilities.

Adaptive technology is available in all three libraries. Software is available on-site only and listed on the web.

Accessibility to the Information Commons workstations, including software, is the responsibility of University ITS.

Restrooms, elevators and doors are accessible for wheelchair patrons throughout the Libraries and are labeled as such.

Library Coordinators for services to persons with disabilities

A staff person will be appointed as coordinator of services to persons with disabilities for each library. Names and contact information of coordinators are listed on the web: https://library.albany.edu/services/persons-with-disabilities. The role of the Coordinator is to assist patrons in accessing library resources and services. Coordinators

  • Are familiar with the technology in the Libraries;

  • Serve as a liaison to the Disability Resource Center;

  • Arrange for training in use of assistive equipment and software in the Libraries;

  • Arrange or provide orientations;

  • Coordinate requests for services with individual library departments;

  • Advocate for users in overcoming barriers encountered in the Libraries;

  • Recommend services and facilities improvements to meet the needs of users with disabilities.

Library Materials

With advance notice, University Library publications may be made available in other formats, including Braille, spoken word, accessible PDF and large print.

Adaptive equipment and technology, software and computer-related devices, may be purchased to meet demonstrated user needs. Purchases are limited to making library resources and services accessible and are not purchased for individual ownership. Users should contact the University Library Disability Services Coordinator to request purchases for individuals.

Policy Last Updated
Policy Revision Notes

Rev. 9/2002; 7/2021