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Library Services for Students with Disabilities

Introduction

The University Library strives to provide access to resources and services for students with disabilities. Access and Enquiry Services staff are available at each campus library and via the Flexible Information Service (FIS) to provide support and assistance. Students may contact the Library at the beginning of their program to discuss their particular needs.

The Library provides rooms equipped with adaptive technology to improve access to the University's online environment. In addition Multi access suites are available to members of the University community and provide a private and appropriate space that supports the needs of parents, breastfeeding mothers, and people with disabilities or with medical conditions who need an area to rest or attend to a disability related or medical condition. These rooms are available at each metropolitan campus library.

To facilitate access to library services students with a disability should first contact the Disability Adviser in the Learning Connection Office at your home campus. You can see a Disability Adviser at a Drop-in Session on campus, by contacting Learning Connection or by sending a contact email to the Disability Service.

Access

Additional information on access and use of the Library's resources and facilities can be found on the Library's Home page.

Assistance

Library staff can assist with the following:

The Flexible Information Service provides support and assistance to students unable to visit the Library and who are registered with the Learning Connection Disability Service in the following ways:

Adaptive Technology Suites

The Adaptive Technology Suites (ATS) in each metropolitan campus library are designed to provide equitable access to computing facilities for students with disabilities who cannot use existing computing labs and pools.

Each has a PC with hardware (large monitor, scanner, A4/A3 printer), software (Dragon Naturally Speaking, Read and Write, ZoomText) and furniture (adjustable table) to assist students with a range of disabilities.

These suites are available for use by students registered with the Learning Connection Disability Service. If you are registered to use the Adaptive Technology Suites then your details will have been forwarded to the Library and to Information Strategy and Technology Services (ISTS) for implementation. Reservations for these suites may be made in advance at the Service Desk or online via the student Study room bookings pages for each campus Library. Once you select your campus, be sure to select the AT Suite booking page.

Contact staff

Library Coordinator for Disability Services Glenys Letcher, Campus Librarian
City East Glenys Letcher, Campus Librarian
City West Anthony Stevens, Campus Librarian
Magill Don DiMatteo, Campus Librarian
Mawson Lakes Pauline Bradford, Campus Librarian
Whyalla Pauline Bradford, Campus Librarian

Extended loans

A double loan period is available if specified in your Access plan by your Disability Adviser. If the item is not requested by another borrower, you may have up to four standard renewals. Please contact your Disability Adviser for advice about your eligibility for this service. The Library will be notified and your record updated. To utilise this service please come to the Library Service Desk to borrow as the Self Service Loan facilities do not support a double loan period. You may renew your loans online using My record.

Students registered to use the Flexible Information Service are granted a double loan period automatically. Please contact you Disability Adviser for advice about your eligibility to use this service.

Magnification facilities

Machines for enlarging print

Each metropolitan campus library has a machine which is used to enlarge or magnify images of book pages, newspapers, microform or other small images such as illustrations which is particularly useful for sight impaired students. For location, please ask Service Desk staff.

Enlarging UniSA Library web pages

UniSA web pages have a text enlargement facility in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. The default is set at 100%. The small plus sign will increase size in 25% increments after each click or you can use the arrow to select the required enlargement.

Photocopiers (Multi-Function Devices)

Copying machines (MFDs) providing A4, A3, black & white transparencies and colour copies are available in the Library. These machines also have the ability to make enlargements. Student ID cards are used as copying cards and copies are made by swiping the card in the swipe card readers on each machine. For further information refer to the Library's web page on Printing and Photocopying.

Multi- Access Suites

There is a Multi-Access Suite located at each metropolitan campus Library. Refer to the UniSA Library virtual tour for locations.

Each suite provides:

If you are interested in using the multi access suites please fill in an application form (word document, opens in new window) and forward it to: HR Services, Human Resources Unit, 101 Currie Street, ADELAIDE SA 5000

Priority Access computer workstations

Each campus library including Whyalla has one or more priority access computer workstations equipped with a swing arm screen. These are labelled "Priority access" and are provided to support students with disabilities. The PCs are available for use by all students but, except for class bookings, students with a disability are entitled to priority use. Please ask Service Desk staff if you are unable to locate one in your campus library.

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