Library Accessibility Services

Classroom Content 

We provide support through alternate format textbooks, custom courseware, lecture material, class readings, video captioning, audio transcripts and Echo 360 lecture capture captions.  

• Providing captions for video content 
  • We will provide captions for any pre-recorded video content shown in class, upon request 
• Providing transcripts for audio content 
  • We will provide transcripts for any sound recordings used in class, upon request 
• Converting class readings 
  • We will continue to convert Avenue readings, journal articles, or reserve readings into the format that you require (for students with accommodations) 
• Obtain and convert textbooks & research material 
  • We will continue to obtain and convert textbooks, and custom courseware into the format that you require (for students with accommodations)

Research Support: 

We provide support for alternate format research help and alternative formats of research materials.  

• Ask a Librarian 
  • we will continue to provide our online chat service – Ask a Librarian, direct access to library staff to assist you with your research questions 
• Research Help
  • book a research help session
• Enhanced access to ACE (Accessible Content e-Portal)  
  • additional material is added regularly by Ontario Universities 
• Hathi Trust      
  • Hathi Trust is a great resource for research material.  If you would like content in an alternate format, please contact LAS 
• Internet Archive 
  • the Internet Archive continues to be a resource for accessible content.  Please contact LAS if you would like to create an account to obtain alternate format content from the Internet Archive 
• FeedBooks 
  • in addition to their paid content, Feedbooks also has a reasonably large section of free content; however, this content does contain DRM locks 
• Librivox 
  • a collection of public domain audiobooks that is available to anyone 
• Gutenberg 
  • this collection consists of over 60,000 eBooks that are available at no cost. 
• Open Library 
  • the Open Library is a subsidiary of the Internet Archive; however, this platform is designed for public library resources.  However, the content here contains DRM locks. If you would like content from this site and need it without DRM, please contact LAS, and we can try to obtain a copy for you 
• Oxford Text Archive 
  • this collection consists of primarily linguistic and literary resources from mainly England.  The collection spans time from the BCE period to today. 

Other Supports: 

We would typically provide an assistive technology lending library.  While this lending library is currently unavailable, here are a few alternatives.  

• SensusAccess is a program that the University subscribes to, which converts files into a variety of different formats 
• Remote Access - the library is providing remote access to the library computers
• Read & Write - Chrome Plugin, includes 30-day free trial
• Screen Reader – free screen reader plugin for Google Chrome
• Microsoft Immersive Reader – Similar to Kurzweil 
• Ghotit – Word prediction, spelling & grammar, re-wording (fee involved) 
• Math Talk – Voice to text program for math (fee required) 
• Math Solver – An app for your phone/tablet that solves a math problem, and shows you how to get to the answer 
• Google Lens - An app that solves STEM problems 
• Socratic - explains concepts for all fields
• Eduapps – an app similar to Read and Write Gold, and Inspiration Mind Mapper 
• Desmos – a free online accessible Graphing Calculator 
• Adaptech – free and inexpensive tech database 

We miss you in LAS and CATS. While we cannot be there in person, please feel free to reach out to us virtually to assist with your needs.  We are always an email away! 

Accessibility and Accommodation

Highlights:

• A wheelchair-accessible location
• Two private study booths, including automated height-adjustable tables with built-in digital memory controllers.
• In the common area, we offer four more automated height-adjustable tables. 
• Through our service desk, we are able to offer library book renewal
• Two sound-dampening couches for partial isolation
• A larger table for a study space
• Games, puzzles, knitting kits, and other de-stressors (If you knit, please see our current Squares 4 MacKids volunteer knitting/crocheting project in cooperation with Wellwood's Warm Hope Squares Program).

Technology

Also, from our service desk, we are able to loan within CATS the following items:

• BOOX Concussion monitor/tablet (low contrast, no-flicker viewing surface for those with migraines, ADHD, concussions, etc.) 
• A C-Pen Readerpen (pen text scanner/reader)
• Access to a desk scanner (users can scan documents and make them accessible with Kurzweil or Adobe Pro)
• A MAC laptop preloaded with Kurzweil 3000, Adobe Pro, JAWS, and Dragon Dictate
• A PC laptop preloaded with Kurzweil 3000, ZoomText 11, Adobe Pro, JAWS 18, as well as the standard complement of PC software found on Library Computers
• CCTV – used to magnify print documents which are displayed on a screen. The colour of the letters and the background can be adjusted to the user’s preference.
• Motorized Height-Adjustable tables with programmable height settings, all with HDMI cabled monitors. Two tables are included in the privacy booths.
• Scanner – users can scan documents and make them accessible with Kurzweil or Adobe Pro.
• Freestanding Snowball Microphone
• Headset with microphone
• Livescribe EchoPen
• Magnifying glasses, sheets, and bars
• DAISY player
• Various computer adaptors and accessories

Space Regulations

We ask that users of CATS be mindful that other users of the space may have auditory or isolation needs. As such, we ask that sound levels be kept to a minimum while you enjoy our area. We also ask that users refrain from inviting non-registered guests into CATS as we are limited in our space.  

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 at any time to register for your 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 TD Coordinator for LAS, Nancy Waite or phone to make an appointment at 905-525-9140 x26058.

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.

Booking Consultation Room (L213/G)

In addition to our Campus Accessible Tech Space, students using specific software may be referred for access to the Consultation Room.  This room offers:

• The primary use for our consultation room is for Dragon NaturallySpeaking: Speech is used instead of a keyboard to input text into a document. This is only available in Room L213/G in Mills Memorial Library.
• PC Computer with Kurzweil 3000, ZoomText 11, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, VoiceOver, and Dictation.
• Adjustable table
• Scanner - users can scan print documents and make them accessible with Kurzweil
• Powered speakers
• Headphone/microphone

First-time use of these rooms must coordinate through the Library Accessibility Office (LAS) by completing this application form. 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 or are already registered through LAS

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).

Library Access: Entrances

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

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.

Library Floor Plans

Floor plans for Mills and Thode. Accessible washrooms are located in each library.

Floor plans for Innis are included in the floor plans for Kenneth Taylor Hall (map). Accessible washrooms near Innis Library are located in either the basement of Kenneth Taylor Hall (map) or the main floor of Degroote School of Business (map).

Consultation Room

The consultation room 213/G is available in Mills Learning Commons for students requiring access to JAWS, Campus Accessible Tech Space is available for students using all other assistive technology.  Please view the Assistive Technology page to see the hardware and software that we offer. 213/G can be booked a maximum of two 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 Office (LAS) by completing this application form.  

Campus Accessible Tech Space

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.