Accessibility Services

The University Libraries at CU Boulder aim to be part of a fully accessible, integrated and universally designed campus community. Learn about CU Boulder accessibility services or visit Campus Disabilities Services for additional information.

Below we outline options for accessing our buildings and our resources - including books, videos, CDs, databases and other materials. 

Assistive Technology

Computers in all University Libraries locations have assistive technology software. (Information about campus computer labs)

Mac Computers

  • VoiceOver

Windows Computers

  • JAWS 17
  • Windows Ease of Use Tools

Free PDF OCR Service (SensusAccess)
Access a free online PDF OCR service called SensusAccess, provided by Digital Accessibility and the Office of Information Technology. This web-based service allows users to convert documents into accessible formats - for example, taking a PDF and making it text searchable.

Building access and restrooms

A full listing of accessible building entrances is available via the campus map.

ADA accessible parking

ADA accessible parking information for CU Boulder parking permit holders

For visitors and guests without CU Boulder parking permits: please contact libraries@colorado.edu for information about ADA accessible parking options.

Norlin Library

  • Norlin Library's east entrance allows wheelchair access; a service desk, holds pickup, and accessible restrooms are available at this entrance. West entrance allows wheelchair access; an elevator is available, as is the Dean's Office and some 2nd floor collections and classroom spaces. 
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities are located in Norlin Commons and on the southeast side of the 2nd and 3rd floors.

Business Library

  • Located in the Koelbel (KOBL) building, first floor.
  • The West and South entrances of the KOBL building offer wheelchair access to the library on the lower level by elevator.  Take the elevator on the Southwest side, from floor 2 down to floor 1, take the hallway to the North to access the library.
  • The East and West entrances of the Rustandy building offer wheelchair access to the library on the lower level by elevator.  Take the elevator on the Northwest side, from floor 1 up to floor 2, go through the café and take the elevator across from The Deming Center entrance on the East side of the building down to the first floor library. 

Earth Sciences & Map Library

  • Located in Benson Earth Sciences building on the first floor.
  • The west, east, and south sides of Benson Earth Sciences offer wheelchair access, but only the west and south sides have automated doors.
  • There is an elevator inside the library for access to the lower level. The building has a different elevator to access the basement outside the library as well as the upper floors of the building.

Engineering, Math & Physics Library 

  • Located in the Mathematics building on the first floor.
  • The South and West sides of the Mathematics building offer wheelchair access.
  • There is an elevator to access the basement level.

Music Library

  • Located in the Imig Music building, 2nd floor.
  • The west side of the Imig building offers wheelchair access.
  • The library is accessible by elevator and is located on the 2nd floor.

Printers

There is a Braille printer located in the Norlin Commons.  Ask at the service desk about printing a .doc, .docx, or .txt file on this printer from your jump drive.

A low vision accessibility student print station is available in the Norlin Commons adjacent to the other printer/scanners (E119, see campus map). 

Photocopiers and scanners are located at all locations in the University Libraries system.

Library Materials

Accessing physical materials

For assistance locating or retrieving materials, please inquire at a service desk in any of our five libraries. Current library patrons can also request materials be delivered to any campus library using the "Request It" link in the Libraries catalog. Requested items are typically ready for pick up within one to three days.

Accessing online materials

Each of the publishers we purchase online materials from have different levels of accessible content and features. For assistance using these features please contact libraries@colorado.edu, or see the vendor’s accessibility site for more details.

Requests for more accessible formats

For faculty, staff and students:

  1. If the request is for a CU Boulder class that you are taking, you may register with Disability Services and request the creation of alternate format for materials (textbooks, articles, class documents etc.). Please contact Disability Services (dsinfo@colorado.edu) for more information.
  2. If the request is for something you need to perform your duties as a CU Boulder employee or student worker, you may fill out an accommodation request with the ADA office.
  3. Current CU Boulder faculty, staff and students may use the SensusAccess software to convert inaccessible files (such as image heavy article PDFs) into accessible formats.

For faculty, staff, students, and members of the public:

  1. Request an alternative format copy be added to our collection. Please specify which format you would like in the “Other Information” box (Braille, audio book, etc.).
  2. Email libraries@colorado.edu to ask about making a specific resource accessible. We might be able to provide you with an accessible scan or other accessible copy.

Additional Resources

Bookshare

Bookshare is a service that offers online access to a large number of accessible reading materials, such as books, newspapers and magazines. Bookshare membership is available to individuals with a qualifying print disability.

Colorado Talking Book Library (CTBL)

CTBL is a free service to Coloradans of all ages who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical or learning disabilities, whether permanent or temporary. CTBL provides audio, Braille and large-print books and magazines.