Services
Patrons with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Service Desk to make arrangements for assistance.
Research and Circulation Services
- Using the Shared Library Catalogue, databases and other research tools
- Using library equipment including copiers, printers, microfilm reader/printer, etc.
- Retrieving materials from high shelves and other inaccessible areas
- Extending loan periods and renewing materials by telephone
- Arranging for a designated person to sign out materials on your behalf
- Holding materials at the Service Desk for pick-up
- Contacting other library locations to avoid unnecessary trips
Retrieval and Photocopying Material
For assistance with retrieving and copying material, we need a call number and page numbers for each book excerpt requested. For journal articles, volume, issue and page numbers are required. Please allow a minimum of three hours for us to complete your request.
Students who are registered with Accessibility Services should first contact an Accessibility Counsellor to request the aid of a volunteer. If volunteers are not available, you can make your request at the Service Desk.
Alternative Format Texts
Alternative format text (e.g,. digital versions of print material) is available to students, staff and faculty who have difficulty working with print material for disability-related reasons.
Course textbooks and Course Packs
Accessibility Services coordinates the provision of course textbooks, course packs and other required material in alternative formats, i.e., versions of printed or electronic documents that have been converted to an accessible format for use by students with print or perceptual disabilities. Requests for these materials should be made to Accessibility Services as soon as possible after you've selected your courses.
Library Material
Students who require library material in an alternate format should email Services for Students with Disabilities to request a token (a unique password). This token will allow you to search the Accessible Content E-Portal (ACE Portal), a repository of library books that have been digitized and available in accessible formats. If material found in the Shared Library Catalogue or a library database is not available in the ACE Portal, students can submit an online request form for an accessible version of the material. You can also get a printable PDF version of the form and submit it to the library Service Desk.
Films
To meet the requirements of the AODA Information and Communication Standards for digital and multimedia resources by January 1, 2020, films purchased for the Cardinal Carter Library collection are either captioned or captionable and/or include audio descriptions. Material purchased before January 2014 may not meet accessibility standards but, upon request, the library will endeavour to acquire an accessible copy.
Reserve Material
Required readings and course textbooks can be found on reserve at the Service Desk and can be borrowed for periods of 2 hours, 1 day, 3 days, or 7 days. For assistance locating Reserve material, give the Service Desk staff your instructor’s name, course name and number and, if possible, the titles of the readings you require.
Reserve material can be made available electronically and in accessible PDF format. Email Reserve Services for more information.
Library Facilities & Equipment
Most areas in the library are wheelchair accessible. An elevator provides access from the library’s first floor to its second.
Wheelchair-accessible internet and word processing workstations are located on the main floor and study tables on both floors accommodate wheelchairs.
Accessible washrooms are on the main floor and a barrier-free washroom, accessed through group study room "H" on the second floor, is available upon request at the Service Desk.
Those who have visual difficulties can borrow a digital magnifier from the Service Desk
Patrons with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Service Desk at circulation@kings.uwo.ca to arrange for assistance with Cardinal Carter Library facilities and equipment.
Access Labs
The library works with Accessibility Services to offer three Access Labs, one on each floor of the library and one in the Student Life Centre. Equipped by SSD, these labs are available for use by students whose Western ONECards bear a current SSD sticker. These spaces each contain a computer with a variety of assistive technologies, including a text scanner, voice recognition and text-to-speech software (Dragon NS and Kurzweil), screen-magnification software (Zoom-Text) and internet access. Your Accessibility Counsellor can give you more information and access to the labs.
