COLGATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES SERVICES TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

In accordance with the mission statement, Case Library and Geyer Center for Information Technology and Cooley Science Library in McGregory Hall are committed to assisting all library users in finding information, developing strategies for conducting effective library research, and learning how to use the Libraries and their resources. The Libraries serve all persons equally regardless of race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran or military status (including special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran, or recently separated veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law. Users are encouraged to make their needs known as early as possible, and, as with all library transactions, requests for assistance are addressed on a case-by-case basis and are confidential.

Students requiring special services in the libraries should consult with Evelyn Lester, Director of Disability Services, 315-228-7375, or elester@colgate.edu, who will arrange with the libraries adjustments to services and policies, as appropriate.

 

Borrowing Services (Circulation, Reserves, Borrowing from Other Libraries)

Examples of special services may include the following:

  1. Extended loan periods.
  2. Delivery of materials to a dormitory or office as appropriate.  
  3. Assistance in retrieving circulating materials.
  4. Renewal of materials by phone or online.
  5. Reserve materials may be accessible electronically.
  6. Checkout of equipment (noise-canceling headphones, high-quality microphone, SAD/Happy lamps, USB drive with screen-reader program).

Alternative Formats

An institutional membership to Learning Ally (formerly Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic) as well as a 3Play Media account for transcription/subtitling is maintained by the Director of Disability Services. Students must work with the Director to obtain materials in alternative formats (such as digital texts or transcriptions). Direct requests from students cannot be handled by the Libraries.

  • Students are required to purchase all texts as stated on the syllabus, before alternative formats can be pursued.
  • Evelyn Lester will determine the level of need and the proper processes for obtaining alternative formats.
  • When materials cannot be located or otherwise accessed in a timely manner through the publisher, the Libraries' borrowing services unit is available to digitize print materials.
    • Evelyn Lester uses the Alternative Formats request form to submit the request.
    • The request form goes to the Head of Borrowing Services, the E-Reserves Coordinator, and the disability services coordinator for the library.
    • Requests should include chapter due dates so that books can be processed in parts as needed.
    • At least 3 business days should be budgeted for initial digitization.
    • Once digitized, materials should be run through ABBYY FineReader for advanced OCR processing.
    • Students may request multiple electronic formats as outlined on the request form.

Reference

Research librarians are available to assist users with identifying and making full use of the resources available in both libraries. Patrons can pose questions by telephone, SMS/text, chat, or email through the Ask a Librarian page, or in person at the Cooley and Case-Geyer Borrowing Services desk. Patrons are highly encouraged to make an appointment for extended reference help by filling out a Reference Appointment Request form. Call the Case Library Circulation desk at 228-7300, or the Cooley Reference desk at 228-7402.

 

Special Collections & University Archives

Special Collections & University Archives, located on Level 2 of Case-Geyer, can be reached for appointment by mail, by phone, by fax, email, or via the Internet. Material open for use is available only within the Department during regular hours. Some materials are available to be digitized and delivered via email to a researcher, as outlined in the Reproduction Policy. Call the University Archivist at 228-7305 for more information or to make an appointment.

 

Website and Electronic Resources

To increase the accessibility of its website, the Libraries use common web coding languages (HTML and CSS) and require content creators to develop web-based versions of pages before creating PDF or other restricted formats of pages. In the case of electronic resources purchased by the Libraries, the formatting of materials is under the control of the content owners and not the Libraries. Whenever possible, accessibility of materials is considered in the selection of electronic resources.

For questions or concerns about the website, please contact the Web Librarian at 228-7304 or email at this web form. For questions about Electronic Resources, please contact the Head of Collection Management at 228-7025.

 

Accessible Technology Workroom

Adaptive technology is available in Case-Geyer in room 555D on Level 5. A key to the room is available by request at the Level 3 Borrowing Services desk. The room can be reserved ahead of time through EMS. Bose noise-canceling headphones and high-quality microphones can be checked out at the Borrowing Services desk on Level 3, as well as a USB screen-reader.

For updated information on the technology, please consult the Accessibility Services page.

Facilities

Building Access

  • The main accessible entrance to Case-Geyer is on Level 3 near the parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities in the East-side parking lot, facing the J.B. Colgate building (Admissions). The West-side parking lot (near the J.B. Colgate building and Little Hall) also has reserved parking; however, there is a steep ramp to reach the Level 3 entrance on that side.
  • Access to the 24/7 Flex Room space and Café on Case-Geyer Level 5 is available after hours via the Level 3 entrance on the East-side. After the library is closed, you can enter the building through the Level 3 East-side entrance. A side door (accessible with a card-swipe mechanism) is on the right side and will lead to the East-side Elevator. After arriving on Level 5, turn left out of the elevator, then turn left again to follow the hallway. You will need to swipe your card again at the fire door on the right side at the end of the hall to access the flex room. For further instructions and maps, please read the after hours access page.
  • People with physical disabilities can gain access to the Cooley Science Library from the west entrances into McGregory Hall off of Academic Drive. The elevator can be accessed from either the southwest entrance to the building or by going through the southwest door in Cooley.
  • Floor plans of the libraries’ spaces are available online, as well as in directories throughout the building, and paper fliers are available at the service desks.

 

Bathrooms

  • Every floor in Case-Geyer has a fully compliant ADA accessible stall in the men’s and women’s bathrooms, located on the West side of the building. Level 4 also has a gender-neutral single-stall bathroom with locking door and extra space for mobility. It is located directly across from the West-side elevator on Level 4.
  • Cooley Science Library has a fully compliant ADA stall in the bathrooms outside of the library entrance in the basement of McGregory.

 

Carrels, Study Spaces, and Lockers

Originally approved 12/15/10

Policy updated and approved 2/24/17