Services for Patrons with Disabilities

MISSION STATEMENT

The Health Sciences and Human Services Library is dedicated to furthering the University of Maryland, Baltimore mission by providing and supporting information resources, services, and infrastructure which facilitate the creation, use and management of information and knowledge.

SERVICE POLICY

The Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HS/HSL) provides assistance and instruction which enables users to conduct independent research. Though staff limitations make extensive individual assistance impossible, every effort will be made to assist users. Some services may require an appointment; please see the Library Services Available section of this document. If you would like an orientation or have other questions about library services and access, please get in touch with the Library Contact for people with disabilities at 410-706-8864.

University of Maryland, Baltimore students requiring extensive assistance should contact the Director of Student Services in the University Office of Student Affairs, Suite 237/238 Student Center at Pine Street, 222 N. Pine Street (voice 410-706-7117; TTY 410-706-7714). Support services include mobility assistants, photocopy assistants, and readers.

LIBRARY SERVICES AVAILABLE

REFERENCE SERVICES

For more information, call 410-706-7996 or e-mail hshsl@umaryland.edu

Reference staff will assist with the use of the HS/HSL Catalog, databases, and reference materials as time and staffing permit. If extensive use of resources is anticipated, University of Maryland, Baltimore students with visual impairments may also contact the Director of Student Services to arrange for a reader/assistant.

• CONSULTATIONS
  A consultation service is available for University of Maryland, Baltimore students, faculty, and staff who would like to schedule a meeting with an Information Specialist. It is suggested that before beginning in-depth research, University of Maryland, Baltimore students, faculty, and staff with disabilities contact Reference Services and make an appointment with an Information Specialist to ensure uninterrupted assistance. The Information Specialist can help refine a research topic and suggest varied information resources. Consultation fees are waived.
• MEDIATED SEARCH SERVICES
  Information Specialists will perform computerized searches of the literature. The library has access to over 500 databases in all academic disciplines, including business, patent, and news information sources. Regular search fees apply.

CIRCULATION SERVICES

For more information, call 410-706-7995

Circulation staff are available to assist with retrieval of library materials, and limited photocopying upon request. Extensive photocopying may be requested by contacting the Circulation Desk in advance. Deputy borrowing privileges may also be issued to an assistant to access library services for the disabled library user. To inquire about or request special services, contact Circulation Services.

• RETRIEVAL OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
  Upon request, the Circulation Department will retrieve books and journals from the library’s stacks. In order to insure adequate staff coverage, advance notice is preferred and is required for requests of more than three items. You may also contact the Director of Student Services to arrange for a mobility assistant.
• DEPUTY BORROWING PRIVILEGES
  University of Maryland, Baltimore students, faculty, and staff with disabilities can request that deputy borrowing privileges be issued to an assistant the library user designates. The privileges will allow the assistant to borrow books using the disabled library user’s borrowing card (University of Maryland, Baltimore identification badge with library barcode), and use other services for the library user. A student requesting this service needs to bring documentation of need from the Director of Student Services.
• PHOTOCOPYING
  HS/HSL Circulation staff will photocopy articles in the library’s collection for University of Maryland, Baltimore students, faculty, and staff with disabilities. Service charges are waived; people with disabilities pay only the cost of the photocopies. Up to three requests will be copied upon request. Please allow 48 hours for more than three requests to be processed. Articles can be mailed or faxed at no extra charge. The Director of Student Services may also be contacted to arrange for a photocopy assistant.

ACCESS TO AND WITHIN THE HS/HSL

• The HS/HSL is fully wheelchair accessible.
• Wheelchair accessible tables and computer workstations are available on all floors.
• Two wheelchair accessible, self-service photocopiers are located in the copier room on the first floor of the library.
• Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available on each floor next to the elevators.
• A wheelchair accessible public telephone is available in the hallway at HS/HSL's front entrance. There are campus telephones adjacent to the elevators on each floor.
• An outside book return, adjacent to the main entrance, is available when the library is closed.
• See the Reference or Commons Assistance Desk staff regarding the ability of our current Internet browser to enlarge the text of Web-based databases, or consult the Text Enlargement document for information on enhancing text.
• Braille number designations are posted on elevator panels and library signage.