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services: disability services.

The library is committed to providing full access to library materials for all patrons. The library maintains a close relationship with UNO Disability Services and works closely with library patrons, University agencies and others in order to accommodate the needs of our disabled users. The library will strive to accommodate any patron who requests assistance because of disability or impairment and who is not adequately served by the existing access technologies or policies of the library.

Books and Periodical Stacks

Portions of the books and periodical stacks (shelves) may not be accessible to all mobility impaired or disabled patrons. Library staff will provide assistance to these patrons to obtain their materials through a retrieval service.

Patrons requiring the service should provide complete call numbers for the items needed to the Circulation Desk on the main floor of the library in person. Telephone requests will not be accepted. Staff will then pull the requested materials from the shelves as quickly as possible. Normally, requests require only a few minutes to fill. However, staff availability and work load can occasionally cause delays.

At times, patrons may wish to "browse" certain call number areas of the stacks. These requests may require some assistance and a longer response time. Please contact the Circulation Desk at 402-554-3206 to schedule browsing and to ensure correct materials are made available.

Omaha World-Herald Access for the Visually Impaired

The Nebraska Library Commission and the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired provide Newsline, a service that uses phone lines to access newspapers through synthetic speech. Qualifying individuals with touch-tone telephones can access Newsline through a toll-free number. Other newspapers are also available. To subscribe, contact the Talking Book and Braille Service at 402-471-4038 or 800-742-7691 or by e-mail at readadv@nlc.state.ne.us. The Nebraska Library Commission also makes available a talking book service.

Closed Circuit Display (CCD)

A closed circuit television display (CCD) system is available to all patrons on the first floor of the library. The CCD will enlarge and enhance any print material. It includes a writing surface. The CCD is easy to use and library staff will demonstrate its operation on request.

ZoomText

A computer screen enlargement and enhancement program (ZoomText) is available for all standard library applications. The ZoomText workstation is located in the Reference Area on the main floor of the Library. It is on a height-adjustable table. Reference personnel will provide training to library patrons unfamiliar with this technology on request. A trackball mouse is available for this station.

WYNN Wizard Software

Arkenstone's WYNN Wizard software is available on the library's scanning workstation. This scanning/reading program allows patrons to scan text materials into the computer with the program translating the text into a single column of type. Text can also be translated into sound with the software. Additional features include the ability to manipulate the size of the text, line spacing, text and background colors, and margin settings. Scanned text may be saved to disk and used in word processing programs such as Microsoft Word. The software is also available in the ITS computer labs across campus.

The scanning workstation is located in the main Reference area near the ZoomText workstation. Reference personnel will provide training to patrons upon request.

JAWS Software

JAWS screen reading software and headphones are available on a workstation located near the Reference Desk on the main floor. A scanner is available to scan text materials for use with JAWS.

Photocopy Equipment

A photocopy machine modified to assist patrons who are unable to use conventional height copiers is available on the main floor of the library near the Circulation Desk. Circulation staff will assist patrons upon request. Wheelchair accessible microform copier/readers are available in the first floor Copy Center.

Building Services

  • Restrooms and drinking fountains are accessible.
  • A passenger elevator is located on the east side of the library building.
  • Assisted entry and exit doors are located at the main entrance.
  • Large-print versions of the most commonly used library handouts, including those on remote computer access, are available at the Reference Desk. Additional handouts will be prepared in large-print format on request. These requests may take one or two working days to prepare. Please contact the Reference Department at 402-554-2661.
  • An assisted study room is available to patrons who require readers, note takers or other persons to assist them with study and research and who need a space that permits conversation.
  • Study tables with wheelchair cutouts are located in the main seating area on each floor.
  • A public TDD pay telephone is located in the lobby.

Disability Services Contacts

Library services, materials and equipment designed to serve disabled patrons are constantly changing. Please contact the library with any questions or if you become aware of access needs that are not addresssed by current services or technologies.

Library Administrative Office, Main Floor
Library liaison and contact for all accomodation requests, unmet service needs, information, problem resolution.
Telephone: (402) 554-2640

Reference Desk, Main Floor
Assistance or training in using Library adaptive technology equipment: print enlargement (CCD), computer screen enlargement (ZoomText).
Telephone: (402) 554-2661

Circulation Desk, Main Floor
In-person paging requests.
Telphone: (402) 554-3206

UNO Disability Services
Campus-wide information and assistance.
Eppley Administration Building, Room 117
Telephone: (402) 554-2409
Disability Services Home Page
http://www.unomaha.edu/disability/