The Library Accessibility Services office provides assistance to students referred by Student Accessibility Services (SAS).
You can find the LAS office on the 2nd floor of Mills Library just outside of the Learning Commons, beside elevator #2.
Nancy Waite
Email: liblas@mcmaster.ca or waitenm@mcmaster.ca
Phone: (905) 525-9140 x26058
Fax: (905) 546-0625
**Please feel free to book an appointment using my Microsoft Bookings Page to find a time that works for you!
We are located at L212 on the second floor of Mills Library near to elevator two, left of the LAS office through the keycard-accessible door.
Accessibility and Accommodation
Highlights:
Technology
Also, from our service desk within CATS, we loan the following items:
Space Regulations
We ask that CATS patrons be mindful of other users' auditory or isolation needs by observing the following restrictions:
How to Register
Our CATS space is only available to students who have formally registered with SAS. Registered users of SAS may stop by the LAS office, L212/C, to register for their own keycard or fill out this form to request access (or use the tab on the side of this page). Otherwise, you may contact the Coordinator for LAS, Nancy Waite or phone to make an appointment at
About CATS
In the fall of 2018, Mills Library opened the doors to our new Assistive Technology Lab and was named our Campus Accessible Tech Space (or CATS) shortly after that through a student naming contest. We seek to provide equitable resources, facilities, and services to foster dignity and independence for members of McMaster University.
Entrances to all campus libraries are accessible for individuals using wheelchairs or scooters. Once in the library, some areas may not be fully accessible (e.g. stacks may be too narrow, or shelving may be too high), but retrieval service by library staff is available. If you are interested in this service, find the books that you would like in the catalogue, and then select the "Request Item" button. It will ask you to log in with either your MacID or your library account. Once the items have been retrieved you will receive an email notifying you of their availability at their respective services desk.
Emergency evacuation procedures are in place in each library. In the case of an emergency, users with mobility devices or users who cannot navigate the stairs (as the elevators would not be operating) should proceed to an open or central area of the floor, where a staff member can find them and move them to a designated location. Designated evacuation zones are marked on each floor, this can be found near a staircase, the main staircase in Thode, and the central staircase that serves all floors in Mills. Please speak with a staff member for more information or assistance in locating the evacuation zone for the floor that you are on.
Floor plans for Mills and Thode. Accessible washrooms are located in each library.
CATS is available to any student registered with SAS. The room offers both private and public study spaces. Please view the Assistive Technology page to see the hardware and software that we offer. CATS is open the same hours that the main library is open and is accessed by a keycard that is issued once a user has registered. Registration can be completed online through the CATS Registration Form or by visiting the Library Accessibility Services office at L212/C.
The consultation room 213/G is available in Mills Learning Commons for students requiring access to Dragon. The Campus Accessible Tech Space (CATS) is available for students using all other assistive technology. Please view the Assistive Technology page to see the hardware and software that we offer. For those who have been identified as needing access to 213/G, the room can be booked a maximum of four hours per day, from a half-hour after the library opens, to a half-hour before closing. First-time use of this room must be coordinated through the Library Accessibility Services Office (LAS).
LAS strives to provide services in a variety of new ways. If we can better provide resources or services to you, whether in-person or remotely, please reach out as we are always seeking innovative ways to accommodate your needs.
Below are some remote resources that you can take advantage of whether on campus or in the comfort of your home.
We provide support through alternate format textbooks, custom courseware, lecture material, class readings, video captioning, audio transcripts and Echo 360 lecture capture captions.
We provide support for alternate format research help and alternative formats of research materials.
We would typically provide an assistive technology lending library. While this lending library is currently unavailable, here are a few alternatives.
If you have any suggestions to add to the list, please let us know: Nancy Waite
In addition to our Campus Accessible Tech Space, students using specific software may be referred for access to the Consultation Room by Student Accessibility Services. This room offers:
First-time use of these rooms will be notified by Library Accessibility Services (LAS). Once registered, students must sign out the room key using their student ID card from the Library Services Desk (first floor of Mills Library).
Continue to booking page if you have been notified you have access
Have questions? Call 905-525-9140 x26058, send an email to liblas@mcmaster.ca or drop by the Library Accessibility Office (Mills L212/C, near elevator two).
