Library

Accessibility

We strive to support all patrons in accessing library materials and services. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the library, your subject librarian, or your personal librarian. We value your feedback.

Retrieval of Library Materials

Reed Item Requests can be made using the library catalog. After you’ve found the book or other item you want, select "Get It", then "Reed Item Request", then select your preferred pickup location (PARC, IMC, or main circulation desk). Requests take about 24 hours to process, and an email notification (or opt-in text) will let you know when it is available.

The Thesis Tower and the 3rd and 4th floors of the library stacks are only accessible by stairs. Materials from the Thesis Tower can be requested via the library catalog (see Reed Item Requests above) or at the circulation desk. Materials from the 3rd and 4th floors do not circulate, and so should be requested at the circulation desk.

Note: Classrooms and faculty offices in the library building, including on the 3rd and 4th floor, are accessible via both stairs and elevator.

Accessible ebooks, journals, and databases

Many of the library's ebooks, journal archives, and database platforms offer additional support or 'accessibility modes' on request. Some may be enabled directly with a screen reader. To enable these without a screen reader, please send a request to the library, your subject librarian, or your personal librarian with the name of the platform (or link). This service is available to students who are eligible for alternative format materials, as determined by Reed Disability and Accessibility Resources (DAR).

Special instructions for ProQuest Ebook Central:

To request "accessibility mode" for ProQuest Ebook Central, please include your Ebook Central encrypted username in your request email. To find this from the Ebook Central platform, go to Settings, then Profile. Copy and paste the string of characters next to Email/Username.

Accessible Texts

Library e-reserve and PDFs delivered via Inter-Library Loan (ILL) have undergone an automated optical character recognition (OCR) process. If you require additional formatting, please contact Reed Disability and Accessibility Resources.

All library computers are installed with Adobe Acrobat, which can be used to generate automated OCR for PDFs.

Photocopiers can be used to scan and are available on Level 1, Level 2, and Lower Level 1. Scanners are also available in the IMC.

Accessible Document Converter

Go to the accesible document converter. SensusAccess converts documents into a range of alternate and accessible formats including digital Braille, MP3, DAISY and e-books. The service can also be used to convert inaccessible documents such as image-only PDF files, images, and PowerPoint presentations into more accessible formats.

Reserves Books extended checkout

Standard checkout is 3 hours. If you require longer checkout periods, please contact Reed Disability and Accessibility Resources.

Thesis Desks

Thesis desks are assigned to qualified seniors through a lottery. For questions regarding thesis desks, please contact Brian Kelley.

Building tours

The library can be a maze! Individualized building tours may be arranged by contacting the library.

Service animals

Services animals are exempt from the library’s animal policy and are welcome in the library.

Campus Resources

Disability and Accessibility Resources works with students with disabilities who seek academic, housing, or other accommodations for disability-related needs.

Reed’s Accessibility Committee is charged to review institutional priorities, educate the community, and to address current and future concerns related to accessibility issues across the campus.