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Disabled Student Services (DSS) Library Assistance


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Procedures for Providing Assistance to Students with Disabilities

In order to assure "reasonable accommodation" of users with disabilities, Pollak Library has collaborated with the Office of Disabled Student Services (DSS) to develop the following procedures:

Reference Services 

  • Cal State Fullerton students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the general public with disabilities in need of research services may use the Office of Disabled Student Services’ Library Access Center (LAC), located in room 106 of the North Wing of the Pollak Library. The LAC is equipped with screen readers, screen magnification and large displays, computer-based reading machines, and closed circuit television magnification systems. 

  • To gain access to the LAC, all users must have received training and authorization from DSS.  A letter of accommodation from DSS, granting authorization to use the LAC, will be provided to the librarian on duty at the reference desk in order to gain entry.  If the library user wishes, a copy of this letter can be kept on file at the reference desk. For more information on obtaining an accommodation letter, please contact DSS, located in University Hall 101.  Phone (714) 278-3112.   

  • The librarian will open the door to room 106, make sure the equipment is turned on, and make sure the room is locked when the user is finished.  Library staff is not available or trained to assist users in operating the equipment, although librarians will provide reference assistance with finding and evaluating information.

  • Currently enrolled students, faculty members, and staff have first priority use of the LAC.  If the LAC equipment is in use, alumni and members of the general public may use may use the disabled accessible workstation in the reference department, located north of the reference desk and in front of the business tables. 

  • All persons using the LAC must adhere to the Library Code of Conduct.  Any user found to be in violation of the code may be prohibited from using the LAC. 

  • Any additional physical assistance, beyond the accommodation hardware and software already installed in the LAC, shall be provided by the user or by prior arrangement with DSS.

  • Library orientations for students with disabilities are held each fall or as needed. In addition, students should be ncouraged to attend Electronic Resource Workshops provided by the Library.

  • Members of the general public and students, faculty, and staff without authorization to use the LAC may use the disabled accessible workstation in the reference department, located north of the reference desk and in front of the business tables, without prior authorization.  Users of this workstation must know how to operate the equipment.   Library staff is not available or trained to assist users in operating the equipment, although librarians will provide reference assistance with finding and evaluating information. 

Circulation and Access Services  

  • Students with disabilities in need of services such as photocopying, retrieving books, etc., will be provided with assistance at the Circulation Desk (first floor, south wing), provided staffing is available. If the Circulation Desk is not adequately staffed, students will be asked to leave the list of items they wished retrieved and the Supervisor on Duty in Circulation will agree on a pick-up time.  Students may also make an appointment for services, in which case Circulation will guarantee that staff is available to assist.

  • For services that may take longer than 10 minutes or for more complicated assistance, students must first contact DSS or make prior arrangements with the circulation department of the library (1st Floor, South Wing 278-2721).

  • To receive services, students must bring an accommodation letter from DSS, describing the needed access accommodation(s).

  • All service requests will be recorded including student name, ID#, service provided,  and time spent.

  • Students shall pay for any services that require payment (photocopying, printing, etc.).

  • Students requiring assistance in research or using electronic resources shall be referred to the reference desk where a librarian will either work immediately with the student or set up a research appointment for a future time.

  • Library users with disabilities who arrive without an accommodation letter shall be accommodated reasonably. Those who need special assistance from circulation staff will be accommodated as time and staffing permits, and at the discretion of the on-duty head of the circulation department.

  • Any questions or problems that cannot be handled at the Circulation Desk or Reference Desk should be referred to Rob Sage, the Library Liaison to DSS, phone (714) 278-4057, email rsage@fullerton.edu, office PL-124.

Adopted January 2000
Date of last revision January 2006 


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