Queen’s University Library offers services, assistive technology and accessible spaces for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities.
Alternate format
As a student you may request course textbooks, readings and library materials in alternate format if you are registered with Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) and your advisor has made a referral because of a documented print disability for alternate format as an accommodation.
Requesting and finding captioned videos
The library is committed to ensuring its media resources are accessible to persons who require captioning. The library will arrange closed captioning for videos in our collection.
The Adaptive Technology Centre (ATC)
Many of these resources are provided by the Adaptive Technology Centre (ATC), located in Stauffer Library, room 120. ATC staff are here to assist you with all your accessibility needs – just ask us – in person or online.
Adaptive Technology Lab, Stauffer Library
The Adaptive Technology Lab, located in the Adaptive Technology Centre, is for use of students with disabilities and their assistants. It provides specialized software, assistive devices, height adjustable computer workstations, study carrels, and laptop workspaces. To obtain access to the Adaptive Technology Lab, students must first be registered at the Queen's Student Accessibility Services Office. Students may obtain an access card from the office of the Adaptive Technologist for use during the academic year.
Office of the Adaptive Technologist
The office of the Adaptive Technologist is located in the ATC. The Technologist is available by appointment or on a drop-in basis to assess your AT needs; demonstrate and provide training on AT devices, software and applications; customize your computer; or advise on the purchase of AT products.
Specialized software and assistive devices
The Adaptive Technology Lab provides six workstations with specialized hardware and software, including:
- Voice recognition software: Dragon Naturally Speaking
- Screen magnification software: ZoomText Magnifier/Reader
- Screen reading software: JAWS
- Text to speech software: Kurzweil 3000
- Reading/writing software: Read&Write
- OPTELEC Clearview CCTV
- Large screen monitors
- Height adjustable computer tables
- Scanners
All computers are networked to the ATC public colour printer. Students can print, copy, and scan from any of the ATC Lab workstations using a current Queen’s student card with loaded Tri-ColourCash funds. Scanning to a USB is free. Note that all workstations have the standard Library computer image.
- Hardware and software available in the Adaptive Technology Centre
- Guidelines for Using the Adaptive Technology Lab
Other library services
Quiet study spaces
Located within the Adaptive Technology Centre are two private study rooms with computer workstations, adaptive technology, a whiteboard, and height adjustable tables.
Study space can be booked by emailing the Adaptive Technology Centre (adaptive.technology.centre@queensu.ca). Bookings must be submitted before 4 pm (Monday through Friday), at least one business day prior to your need.
Lockers
There are a limited number of lockers located in the Adaptive Technology Centre. Students interested in using ATC locker space should speak to the Adaptive Technologist at the beginning of each semester.
Extended loans
There are several options for renewing books, both online and in person. Requests for extended loan periods for books or reserve items are made through the Coordinator.
Retrieving library materials
For those who require assistance, Library Accessibility Services staff or Information Services staff will retrieve library materials from the library shelves upon request. Students must supply a list of titles with call numbers. Depending on timing and staff availability, retrieval may be immediate, or take up to 24 hours.
Library locations & accessibility
Adaptive technology (AT) is available in many library locations. Please consult each location for information about accessible facilities:
- Accessibility at Stauffer Library
- Accessibility at Douglas Library
- Accessibility at Bracken Health Sciences Library
- Accessibility at Education Library
- Accessibility at Lederman Law Library
- Accessibility at University Archives
Accessibility feedback
The Library recognizes that feedback is critical to the process of identifying and removing barriers to participation as well as improving how we deliver our services and provide facilities to persons with disabilities. Please email us at adaptive.technology.centre@queensu.ca with any feedback. Thank you for taking the time to let us know how we are doing. Your feedback helps us to better identify barriers to accessibility.
Accessibility statement
Queen's University Library is committed to an inclusive library community with accessible goods, services and facilities that respect the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.