Accessibility Services

This page is designed to introduce various library services for people with disabilities.

Entering Milner Library

The main entrance on Floor 2 is accessible by the ramps located along the North and South sides of the library, the bridge over College Ave, and via elevators across the plaza at the Bone Student Center.

For more information about parking on campus, please view the Accessible Spaces Map from the Office of Parking and Transportation. Parking around Milner Library is available in Bone Student Center Parking (10) lot as well as a coin meter parking lot, just east of the building (M66).

Accessing physical library materials

There may be times that one or both elevators are out of service. If you are unable to access the stairs, please go to or call the Service Desk at (309) 438-3451 and an employee will accompany you to the staff elevator. When you are ready to return to the main floor, call the same number and someone will assist you.

Library staff can assist you in retrieving materials from bookshelves. During regular reference hours, you may contact the Service Desk at (309) 438-3451 for assistance. You may also request library materials by logging in to your Milner/I-Share account, selecting the item that you need, and click on the Request Item tab to the far right of the catalog entry. It may take 48 hours or so for that item to be available to you at the Service desk. Faculty members may also request campus delivery.

For assistance with using the online catalog, searching for research resources, using the printer, copiers, scanners, and reference area materials, or any other library resources, please contact the Service Desk on the main floor of the library or by calling (309) 438-3451.

Accessing online library resources

Library personnel can assist you in identifying online library resources. You may contact us at (309) 438-3451 or email, text, or chat with us for assistance during regular Chat, Text, and Email hours. If you encounter any accessibility issues with library resources, please report them to liberesourceshelp@IllinoisState.edu.

Need Assistance?

Our staff can help with you with any request through chat, phone, text, email, or in person!

Study Space

Milner Library offers wheelchair accessible adjustable study carrels on Floor 6 and accessible adjustable height group tables on Floors 2-6.

Research Assistance

Subject librarians are available to assist you with obtaining the resources you need for research. Every student on campus is assigned a librarian based upon a major or status as an undeclared student.

Library employees will be available at the Service Desk on the main floor of the library. You may also call the Service Desk at (309) 438-3451 or e-mail or send us an instant message using the green chat button on the bottom right of the page.

Technology for Students with Disabilities

The library provides ZoomText and JAWS Fusion Suite for users with low-vision disabilities on our ADA Low-Vision Workstation located in 213B on the main floor of the library.

Service Animals

Milner Library follows the Illinois State University policies regarding service animals.

Service Animal Policy

Emergency Procedures

Fire

At Milner Library:

In the event of a fire, a loud alarm will sound, emergency strobe lights will flash, and the elevators will automatically return to the main floor and become unavailable for use. People with disabilities should use the Library’s emergency stairwells as an Area of Rescue if they are unable to evacuate the building. Within each of the stairwells, a sign is posted with a phone number and a location. The person(s) with disabilities should call the number, indicate where they are within Milner, and wait in the Area of Rescue for emergency personnel to assist them with evacuation, if necessary. Do not attempt to move wheelchairs down stairways or leave a wheelchair. Library staff will also notify emergency personnel of the presence and location of a person with disabilities.

At University Archives:

All exits from public spaces at Archives are at ground-level. People with disabilities should use the nearest emergency exit to evacuate the building.

Earthquake

In the event of an earthquake while you are in the library, move to an open space away from objects that could fall on you. If you are able to do so, move under a table or desk. If not, cover your head with your hands. Do not use the elevators. After the earthquake is over, evacuate the building if you are able. Otherwise, remain in place and wait for emergency personnel.

Tornado

In the event of a tornado warning, an announcement will be made over the public address system. A tornado watch means that weather conditions are favorable for the possible development of tornadoes. A warning means that a tornado has been sighted. In the event of a tornado warning, move quickly to a safe zone, such as the restrooms and various spaces on Floor 1. Do not use the elevators. If you are on Floor 6 and are able to navigate to a lower floor without using the elevators, do so. If not, go to the 6th floor restrooms. After the tornado is over, if you are not able to evacuate the floor, remain in place and wait for emergency personnel.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with concerns or questions. Your feedback is welcome!