Accessibility Services in the Library
Policy
The Cardinal Carter Library undertakes to be compliant with the Customer Service Standard and the Information and Communications Standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Library staff are available to assist all patrons with the use of materials and equipment and are guided by the Customer Service Policy in the provision of a positive experience for all users.
Click on the tabs above for information about library accessibility services, the availability of library materials in accessible formats, and about accessible features of the library building and equipment.
Contact Information
Patrons with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Service Desk to make arrangements for assistance with Cardinal Carter Library resources.
Accessibility, Counselling and Student Development
Wemple Hall, Room 151
519-433-3491 ext. 4321
King's: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Library Accessibility (Western Libraries)
Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities (Transition to Post-Secondary Education)
Accessible Campus (Council of Ontario Universities)
Services
Patrons with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Service Desk to make arrangements for assistance with:
- using the Shared Library Catalogue, databases and other research tools
- using library equipment including copiers, printers, microfilm reader/printer, etc.
- retrieving materials from high shelves and other inaccessible areas
- extending loan periods and renewing materials by telephone
- making arrangements for a designated person to sign out materials on your behalf
- holding materials at the Service Desk for pick up
- contacting other library locations to avoid unnecessary trips
For assistance with the retrieval and copying of material, a call number and page numbers are required for each book excerpt requested. In the case of journal articles, volume, issue and page numbers are required. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for the completion of your request.
Students who are registered with Accessibility Services should first contact an Accessibility Counsellor to request the aide of a volunteer. If volunteers are not available, students may present their requirements at the Service Desk.
Alternative format text (e.g. digital versions of print material) is available to students, staff and faculty who have difficulty working with print material for disability related reasons.
Faculty can find useful information on policies and procedures, improving accessibility in courses, understanding disabilities, teaching tips, and accommodation and exam processes in the SSD Faculty Handbook.
Accessibility Services coordinates the provision of course textbooks, course packs and other required material in alternate formats. Requests should be made to Accessibility Services as soon as possible after courses have been selected.
Students who require library material in an alternate format should request a token (a unique password) from Services for Students with Disabilities. This token will allow them to search the Accessible Content E-Portal (ACE Portal). ACE Portal is a repository of library books that have been digitized and made available in accessible formats. Find more information about ACE Portal here.
If material found by searching the Shared Library Catalogue or a library database is not available in the ACE Portal, students may submit an online request form for an accessible version of the material. A printable PDF version of the form is also available and may be submitted to any library Service Desk.
To meet the requirements of the AODA Information and Communication Standards for digital and multimedia resources by January 1, 2020, films purchased for the Cardinal Carter Library collection are either captioned or captionable and/or include audio descriptions. Material purchased prior to January 2014 may not meet accessibility standards but, upon request, the library will endeavor to acquire an accessible copy.
Required readings and course textbooks can be found on Reserve at the Service Desk and may be borrowed for periods of 2 hours, 1 day, 3 days, or 7 days. For assistance locating Reserve material, please provide the Service Desk staff with your instructor’s name, course name and number and, if possible, the titles of the readings you require.
Reserve material can be made available electronically and in accessible PDF format. Please contact Reserve Services for more information.
Access Labs
The library co-operates with Accessibility Services in the provision three Access Labs, one on each floor of the library and one in the King Centre. Equipped by SSD, these labs are available for use by students whose Western ONECards bear a current SSD sticker. After receiving training in the use of the specialized software and equipment in the access labs, students may make reservations and check out keys at the Service Desk on the main floor of the library.
Accessibility staff will occasionally need to use the access labs for exams. Please check at the Service Desk to confirm their availability.
Library Facilties & Equipment
Most areas in the library are wheelchair accessible. An elevator provides access from the library’s first floor to its second.
Wheelchair accessible internet and word processing workstations are located on the main floor and study tables on both floors will readily accommodate wheelchairs.
Accessible washrooms are available on the main floor and a barrier-free washroom, accessed through group study room "H" on the second floor, is available upon request at the Service Desk.
Those who have visual difficulties may borrow a digital magnifier from the Service Desk
Patrons with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Service Desk at kuclibcirc@uwo.ca to make arrangements for assistance with Cardinal Carter Library facilities and equipment.