Accessibility

All buildings that house Boston College libraries are accessible by wheelchair and most have ramps for easier access. O’Neill Library has several entrances, including one from 21 Campanella that can be used if access through the main entrance is not convenient. The Campanella entrance is controlled by authorized I.D. Entrance on the first floor level can be authorized for a short period of time for someone with a temporary mobility problem (i.e. on crutches due to broken leg) or for a longer period of time. Contact the Assistant Dean for Students with Disabilities (Phone: 617-552-3470 | TTY: 617-552-2548), for information on using the Campanella entrance.

Vision Resources

On Level 3 (main level) of the O'Neill Library there is an area to accommodate patrons with vision impairments. This area includes two work spaces. One holds a PC workstation; the other holds text magnifiers for patrons with low-vision.

PC dedicated to assistive reading and writing software:

• Windows XP / with headphones
• JAWS software (Job Access with Speech, version 9.0) for audible-reading of websites, text or Word documents, or text-based PDF documents.  (Note: scanned images of text saved as PDF files are not readable by JAWS. However, OpenBook can convert scanned images of text into plain text for reading.)
• Open Book software (version 6.0)
• Scanner connection
• Inkjet printer connection

PC dedicated to ZoomText (version 9.0) for magnification:

• Inkjet printer connection

Media Center staff are available to give orientations and training sessions to new students and others about using the vision resource services. For assistance with vision resource hardware or software, call the O'Neill Media Center at 617-552-4466 or email Media staff to set up an orientation appointment. No appointment is needed to use the equipment.

Book Retrieval, Photocopying, and Scanning

Staff in all libraries will provide physical assistance with retrieving books from the stacks, photocopying, scanning or accompany users to the shelves. Staff will retrieve journals, books or microforms from the shelves and/or assist in completing the online Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery form. While most retrieval requests can be accommodated on the spot, to request multiple items call the circulation desk of the library where the items are housed in advance so that staff can have the items ready for pick-up. Call Paul Bridden (paul.bridden@bc.edu) at 617-552-4186 for more information.

Students with visual impairments should work with the Assistant Dean for Students with Disabilities to obtain textbooks or course readings in a format that can be used on text readers such as JAWS. If they are not yet available in text-reader format, the conversion may be performed in the O'Neill Library Digitization Lab. However, students needing this service must first contact the Assistant Dean at 617-552-3470 in order to get the process started.

Reference Services

At the Reference Desk, patrons may be assisted in finding library resources. If in-depth assistance is needed, it is recommended that students make an appointment with a Subject Specialist.

Other Resources

For additional information about Boston College Disability Support Services, call the Assistant Dean for Students with Disabilities (Phone: 617-552-3470 | TTY: 617-552-2548).  A description of the services and support available to students can be found through the Disability Services Office located in 21 Campanella Way.

The Connors Family Learning Center provides special services and support for all students with learning disabilities and all who teach and/or advise students with learning disabilities.  For more information, call or email Kathy Duggan at (617) 552-8093 or dugganka@bc.edu.