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Library Services for Users with Disabilities

Introduction

It is the policy of Boalt Hall Law Library to provide equal access to library resources and services for all of our primary patrons. In addition to the services described below, users are encouraged to become familiar with the core library services available to them as undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, visiting scholars or public patrons.

If you need special assistance, we urge you to make arrangements in advance. The library staff is committed to serving all patrons as effectively as possible and we may need some advance notice for service requests. To arrange your individual service needs, please contact the library’s ADA liaison, Doug Avila at (510) 642-2146, avilad@law.berkeley.edu.

Boalt Hall students with disabilities should also see the Law School's page regarding students with disabilities.

The other libraries on campus also provide services to users with physical and learning disabilities to facilitate their use of the Library and collections. If you have a disability that limits your independent use of a campus library, you will find a list of Library Contacts for Disabled Users.

For other related campus services, UC Berkeley students may contact the Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) at 260 Cesar Chavez Student Center, by phone at (510) 642-0518, or by TTY at (510) 642-6376.

Services for Users with Physical Disabilities

Finding and Using Library Materials

All Library users are responsible for complying with due dates and other library borrowing rules for all materials checked out in their name. Library staff can assist you with services such as:

  • Facilitating use of the LawCat, Pathfinder and Melvyl library catalogs
  • Paging books from stacks and shelf areas (may be on a delayed basis)
  • Extending loan periods or modifying other rules (when possible)
  • Accepting telephone requests to confirm that a book is available
  • Calling another library to confirm the availability of books and periodicals
  • Assisting with photocopying of a limited number of pages from library books and journals. For extensive photocopying, students should consult the DSP office in the Cesar Chavez Student Center about alternatives. Public patrons may use the for-fee Canon Copy Service.

If library staff is busy or the assistance you need will take some time, a library staff member may ask you to return later. Service priority is given to Boalt Hall students, faculty, and staff.

Reference Assistance

The ability to provide reference assistance may vary depending on the high use or light staffing of the Reference Desk at the particular time that a request is made. You are encouraged to contact Doug Avila at (510) 642-2146, avilad@law.berkeley.edu to arrange for reference services such as:

  • Explanation and description of library resources
  • Instruction using specialized library resources
  • Help with extensive bibliographic citations

Proxy Borrower Cards

If you are a Boalt Hall student, faculty, or staff member with a physical disability, you may be eligible to obtain a proxy borrower card for a specified friend or attendant to borrow Law Library materials for you. Please contact Doug Avila at (510) 642-2146, avilad@law.berkeley.edu or Patty Heard at (510) 642-1170, pheard@law.berkeley.edu.

If you are a UC Berkeley student, faculty, or staff member with a physical disability in need of a proxy card, please apply at the Privileges Desk (Doe Library, floor 1) or call (510) 642-6647. Issuance of proxy cards for non-students and staff will be determined by the applicant's particular circumstances.

Assistive Technology

The Law Library has a wheelchair-accessible computer terminal and adjustable desk in the Main Reading Room.

All students currently registered and eligible for DSP services who require the need for assistive technology may utilize the Assistive Technology Center (also known as the Cave). The Cave is located in 224 Moffitt, on the classroom side of the building. For additional information, contact Lucy Greco at (510) 643-7591.

Services for Users with Learning Disabilities

Library users with learning disabilities that impede their use of library services or collections should explain to staff what assistance is needed. Library staff will comply with requests such as reading a call number or providing oral or written directions to locate library materials.
email: webmaster-library@law.berkeley.edu Last modified on May 31, 2007.