Collections that users are unable to access, such as hard-to-find books, are available by request. Items can be picked up at the Neilson Library ground floor Central Service Point once you receive the notification email.

Electronic resources are made available to all current Smith students, faculty, and staff with their Smith password. See also:

• Off-Campus Access to Databases
• Screen Reader Instructions for Databases

The Learning Commons provides a number of student support services, including writing assistance, research support, tutoring, the Assistive Technology Lab and more.

The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) serves as a central point of information and coordination to ensure equal access and full participation for students, faculty, staff and visitors with disabilities in all programs and activities at Smith College. The Accessibility Resource Center's graduate interns are available in the Learning Commons to answer questions about ARC and to provide support for disability-related learning and access needs. 

The Assistive Technology Lab (ATL) in the Learning Commons contains both Mac and Windows machines and has specialized software such as Dragon, Kurzweil, and Big Keys. The ATL also offers a whiteboard and TV screen that can be used as a computer monitor or Zoom room. Students are welcome to use the programs to make PDFs readable through optical character recognition (OCR), text-to-speech, dictation etc. The lab also has two adjustable tables for increased accessibility and comfort. 

To request Lab support or schedule a time to use the Lab, please email ithelp@smith.edu . If interested in learning more about a specific program please email arc@smith.edu .

All library buildings and collections are wheelchair accessible. Other accommodations include:

• Entrance ramps
• Elevators
• Accessible rest rooms
• Self-checkout machines and app

Assistive Technology

Smith College is committed to providing equal opportunity to persons with disabilities, including equal access to participate in and benefit from college programs, services and activities provided through electronic and information technology (EIT). Learn more about technology accessibility at Smith.

The Assistive Technology Lab is managed by ITS and is located in the Neilson Library Learning Commons in Neilson 108H. It is open for student use during regular library hours. The lab contains both Mac and Windows machines and has specialized software such as Dragon, Kurzweil, and Big Keys. Reserve the Assistive Technology Lab.

• Technology for Learning: If you would like to learn more about how these technologies could be applied to your learning needs, contact the Office of Disability Services at ods@smith.edu.
• Software Training: If you need information or assistance learning about the software available in the lab or how to use the accessibility features of your computer or laptop, please contact Joanne Cannon at jcannon@smith.edu.
• Exam accommodations: Students needing computer access for exams should get approval through disability services and then contact Joanne Cannon (jcannon@smith.edu) at least one week in advance to make arrangements.

Quiet Study & Private Spaces

All library buildings offer individual and quiet spaces; the Neilson Library also offers a Reflection Room for silent prayer and meditation. See Study Spaces.

Furniture

All library buildings offer a range of soft seating, hard chairs, seats without rolling casters, seats for all body types, and seats without armrests.

Equipment

Borrow headphones and chargers at the Neilson Library Central Service Point. See Equipment Loans for more information.

Special Collections

Special Collections is committed to ensuring equal access for all visitors. See Reading Room Accessibility for more information.

For information about disability services in the Libraries, please contact Dominique Tremblay, Access Services Librarian at dtremblay@smith.edu, 413-585-4163.