Michael Schwartz Library at Cleveland State University is committed to the needs of the disabled university community and to provide them with access to the Library's materials, resources, and services. The Library staff assists students with special needs with the same priority as other patrons while making accommodations for access to information and materials.

Adaptive Technology Lab

An adaptive technology lab designed to serve students with special needs is in the Library, RT 103 (x2141). Some of the special equipment for the visually impaired includes software that will scan text, enlarge text and pictures, read the text back, allow editing and saving as Word files, and print in Braille or enlarged text. Those with physical impairment will find adaptive keyboards including a mini-keyboard for students with limited movement, enlarged keyboards, and screen-displayed, hands-free keyboards that can be controlled by head-mounted devices.The lab is also networked so those students have full access to all electronically available library resources.

This lab is a collaborative effort among the Library, the Office of Disability Services , and the Department of Occupational Therapy. Only students who have documented disabilities may use the Adaptive Technology Lab and must obtain a certification card from the Office of Services for Students with disabilities. The student must also provide a valid CSU Viking Card.

Cooperation with Office for Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services may provide an assistant to accompany a student to the Library. This arrangement is useful for extensive research projects and the retrieval of materials from the stacks. Appointments can be made with individual librarians for in-depth research assistance.

Assistance with basic reference materials is on a first-come first-served basis. If an assistant does not accompany a student, the Library staff may be available to assist in retrieving materials. If a Library staff member is not available at the service desks, the student should contact the User Services staff (216) 687-2478 who will telephone a stack management student to assist in retrieving the needed materials.

Photocopying Machines and Services

Photocopiers are located on the 1st and 4th floors. If a student is unable to use the photocopier, Document Delivery Plus (DD+) is available at (216) 687-2445. DD+ will deliver to the Office of Disability Services, photocopies of articles found in Library-owned periodicals and books.

Users unable to retrieve materials from the stacks may also use DD+ to retrieve books and have them delivered to the Office of Disability Services. Registered users must complete an authorization form available at either the Office of Disability Services or Interlibrary Loan (RT 324). Requests for needed material can be sent to the Interlibrary Loan Office or conveyed by telephone (216) 687-2445.

CCTV Viewer

The CCTV viewer, located near the reference desk in the Learning Commons (see floor plan for first floor), enlarges print by reading textbooks, class notes, and other printed materials.

Special Equipment and Facilities

A table in Multimedia Services (RT 301) is available for students with disabilities and a carrel (RT 313) provides for the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities students to record material for users. The carrel key is at the Multimedia Desk.

RT 304 in Multimedia Services provides equipment to students who wish to listen to music. The room is locked and students wishing to use it must ask at the Multimedia Desk to be let in. The Multimedia staff will provide assistance if requested.

Emergency Plan

A written evacuation plan is available upon request from the Reference Center, located on the first floor of the Library.