Quick Search: Articles, newspapers, books and ebooks, videos and more. Results primarily available online but may also include books available in the library or articles that can be requested for email delivery from ILLiad.

Library Information: Pages on library web site, for example research guides, library policies and procedures, hours and events.

Services For Patrons With Disabilities

University Libraries is committed to providing equal access to information for all faculty, staff, students, and members of the Las Vegas community. In compliance with Nevada State law, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in collaboration with university policies and the UNLV Disability Resource Center (DRC), library faculty and staff will make good faith efforts to accommodate reasonable requests for assistance in obtaining, accessing, and making use of library resources, materials, and services.

Building access and accessible furniture (varies by library building)

  • Automatic doors and wheelchair ramps for users with impaired mobility
  • Elevator access to all levels
  • Accessible tables, carrels, and computers
  • Wheelchair accessible restrooms

Accessible parking near library buildings

View UNLV parking lot maps.

Lied Library

Designated parking for users with handicap parking placards or permits in Lots I, K and N as well as metered parking available adjacent to the building.

Architecture Library

Designated parking for users with handicap parking placards or permits in Lots F and H.

Teacher Development & Resource Library

Designated parking for users with handicap parking placards or permits in Lot J.

Music Library

Designated parking for users with handicap parking placards or permits in Lots B and C.

Compliant electronic library materials (databases, articles, ebooks)

The majority of the library databases come from three companies, EBSCO, Gale, and ProQuest. These database vendors are compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and/or W3C WAI WCAG 2.1. They also provide information about their accessible features.

Learn more about accessing materials off campus.

EBSCO

All HTML Full Text articles in EBSCOhost databases have a text-to-speech option and an option to download the audio file as an MP3. However, many articles are not available in HTML. EBSCO PDFs after 2004 are ADA compliant.

Gale

Provides a "Listen" function for full-text articles. Wherever the "Listen" icon is present, there is the option to have the document read aloud. The Listen Tool also allows you to download the audio file as a MP3

ProQuest

Many ProQuest documents are ADA compliant. However, older PDFs (identified as ‘Scanned image PDFs’) are not accessible to screen readers

Access to library materials

We offer selected services and support for patrons with disabilities. Given the availability of staff and resources at the time, this may also include assistance using the resources or equipment most appropriate to the users' expressed need.

If you have special needs, please contact the library in advance for accommodation.

Students who routinely need additional help using the library should contact the Disability Resources Center (DRC) prior to visiting the library to arrange for the assistance necessary to make the most effective use of library resources.

The DRC is located in the Student Services Center (SSC) -Room 137
702-895-0866
TDD 702-895-0652
Fax 702-895-0651.

Help retrieving library materials from shelf

  • Upon request, library staff in each location can help to retrieve materials for users who need assistance. Users can ask at the circulation desk of the library housing the needed material.
  • If the library is busy and/or there is only one staff member available at the circulation desk, the patron may be asked to come back later to pick up the material
  • Patrons can initiate requests ahead of time via the library quick search and be notified when items are ready for pickup
  • When possible, library staff will make every effort to immediately retrieve the items. Advance notice may be required for larger number of items.
  • The library is best able to respond quickly to such requests during weekdays (8 am - 5 pm), rather than during evening or weekend hours.

Proxy cards

Proxy cards authorize a designated third party to borrow books on behalf of patrons with disabilities. Current UNLV students, faculty, and staff registered with the campus Disability Resource Center (DRC) are eligible for a “proxy card.” Please contact the Lied Library Circulation Desk for additional information at library.access@unlv.edu or 702-895-2111.  

Scanning and delivery service for local print materials

  • University Libraries provides digitized copies of journal articles and book chapters from the Libraries' collection to faculty, staff, and students for their teaching and research (document delivery).
  • Please make sure the items are held by the University Libraries by checking the library quick search. Requests can be initiated from the catalog or directly through the Interlibrary Loan online request system known as Illiad. Please include as much information as possible. Any questions about this service should be directed to Interlibrary Loan at 702-895-2152.

Reference and research consultations

Assistance is offered by the following methods.

Adaptive and assistive technologies

Adaptive technology pod (ATP) computers and adaptive technology laptop

Enhanced computers designed to provide specialized software and hardware resources to patrons with disabilities.

ATP computers are located behind the Research & Information/Computer Help Desk on the 1st floor of Lied Library.

Because of the specialized nature of this equipment, these workstations are not intended for gaming, chat room use, reading personal emails, or other non-research related personal activities. Users engaging in such activities will be asked to relinquish the workstation for those needing to conduct educational or research related work. Patrons seeking instruction in the use of adaptive technology software should contact UNLV's Disability Resource Center. Patrons seeking basic computer help (such as how to print, MS Office troubleshooting, etc.) may request assistance at the Computer Help Desk. View additional policies governing the use of the Adaptive Technology Pod. 

Software

The software listed below is available on both the Adaptive Technology Pod desktop computers and the Adaptive Technology Laptop. The Adaptive Technology Pod can be found on the first floor of Lied Library, behind the Research and Information/Computer Help desk. The Adaptive Technology Laptop can be checked out from the Circulation Desk on the first floor of Lied Library.

JAWS

JAWS (Job Access with Speech) use an integrated voice synthesizer and the computer’s sound card to output the content of the computer screen to speakers. JAWS also outputs to refreshable Braille displays. This software package is now available on workstations throughout the library. JAWS supports popular applications such as e-mail programs, word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, project management and research tools, contract management software, presentation software, web development tools, software development tools, database management software, sound editing software, and much more.

MAGic 14

MAGic is a screen magnification and screen reading solution for low vision users of computers running Windows. Whether you are surfing the web, creating a document, emailing, or engaging in social networking, MAGic provides you the tools you need to work more efficiently. MAGic is designed and tested to work well on computers where JAWS is installed.

Open Book 9.0

Open Book is software developed for blind and visually impaired individuals to read, edit, and manage scanned images from books, magazines, manuals, bills, newspapers, and other printed documents. It essentially turns a computer system into a scanning and reading machine. Additionally, OPEN Book comes complete with a wide range of productivity tools such as email capabilities, a word processing system, one-of-a-kind page layout descriptions, and a whole menu of features for low vision users.

Dragon Naturally Speaking

Dragon Dictate not only enables the user to dictate into virtually any Windows-based program, but also to control Microsoft Office applications. Dragon Dictate lets you control Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and more, all by voice. Comes with built-in vocabularies and TalkingTools. Headsets are available for checkout from the Circulation Desk. (NOTE: Adaptive Technology Laptop only. This software is not available on the desktop computers in the Adaptive Technology Pod)

Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 is an assistive technology which provides a reading, writing and study platform aimed at people with learning disabilities or other disabilities that make reading or writing difficult. Kurzweil 3000 is used to support those with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, English Language Learners in school, higher education, at home and in the workplace. Kurzweil 3000 can read aloud web-based, digital or scanned print material, convert web-based, digital or scanned print materials into mp3 to provide audible files to listen to on the go or through its firefly web app can be read on an iPad.

FS Reader

Daisy player software opens a world of accessible reading material for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Hardware

Lied Library has a variety of assistive technology devices available for patron use. Inquire at the Circulation or Computer Help desks for information on technology and software available.

Powered adjustable height desks

All five work surfaces in the Adaptive Technology Pod are equipped with one-touch fully powered adjustable height desks. 

IntelliKeys Keyboard

The IntelliKeys Keyboard is a touch sensitive button-less keyboard. It has different overlays that provide several different interfaces for the user such as standard computer keyboard and calculator. Available for checkout from the Circulation Desk

TOPAZ Digital Video Text Enlarger

The TOPAZ HD desktop video magnifier offers a high-definition camera with a wide magnification range, but also includes advanced features such as Reading Lines and Masks, Focus Lock, Freeze Frame, and the Find Feature, along with 33 color modes. The TOPAZ HD also includes the unique Enhanced Full Color Mode - perfect for viewing newspaper print, photos, and maps.

SARA CE

SARA CE is the next-generation self-contained scanning and reading appliance for people who are blind or have low vision. It is simple to use, and quickly converts printed text to spoken text.

ZoomText Keyboard (White On Black)

Designed for anyone who struggles to see the lettering on their keyboard, the ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard makes typing faster and easier than ever before. Each key and button label is easy to see, even in low light, thanks to its 36-point text and high-contrast color scheme.

ZoomText Keyboard (Black On Yellow)

Designed for anyone who struggles to see the lettering on their keyboard, the ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard makes typing faster and easier than ever before. Each key and button label is easy to see, even in low light, thanks to its 36-point text and high-contrast color scheme.

Additional assistive technology and equipment

Equipment

  • Pocket Talker (amplifies speech): located at the Research & Information Desk. Also available in the Architecture Studies Library, the Teacher Development & Resource Library, and the Music Library.
  • “Grabber” to get books from high or low shelves is located at the Circulation Desk.
  • High-speed duplicator for textbooks on tape (from Recordings for the Blind & Dyslexic) is available at the Circulation Desk.

Ask Us