Brookens Library is committed to providing all members of the university community with equitable access to library resources and services. The library provides a range of services for individuals with disabilities who may require assistance in order to access and use our resources.

Brookens Library is accessible via electrical doors and wide-gate access on its main level and has elevator access for every level. The library has a computer workstation on the main level that has screen-reading software and an image magnification system for visually impaired users. Computers and wi-fi are accessible on additional floors for accessing the library catalog, databases and electronic resources. The library works to ensure that the materials it purchases meet or exceed accessibility guidelines. This includes working with vendors of electronic resources to provide accessible materials, such as captioned films/videos and text-to-speech options. In addition, library staff:

  • Partner with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) on a departmental library card so students can check out books from Brookens Library and through interlibrary loan. ODS will scan them, return the borrowed items and provide the materials to the UIS student.
  • Send non-compliant resources, such as PDFs, to ODS to convert for the student.
  • Refer students to the ODS lab for access to assistive technology, including tools such as JAWS, Read & Write Gold, ZoomText, and Dragon Naturally Speaking.
  • Assist with retrieving items from shelves when materials are not physically accessible for any reason. Students can also request items through the online catalog to be pulled for the hold shelf and checked out at the Information Desk on the main level.
  • Provide research and electronic resources assistance, although we suggest making an appointment whenever possible.