Accessibility Services at Gerstein

Objectives:

  • to provide accessibility to the library and its facilities, resources, and collections
  • to facilitate the retrieval of materials required in the pursuit of study and education

Contact us:

Hours of service:

  • Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • If you are unable to visit the library from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, please email us with a request for help 
  • Requests submitted on weekends or after 4:30 pm during the week will be processed on the next business day

Services provided to those eligible:

  • book and journal retrieval
  • photocopying and scanning of library materials
  • items from the collection held for extended periods of time
  • materials for pick-up will be left at the Loans Desk counter unless other arrangements have been made

Eligibility:

Accessibility services' process: U of T students, staff, faculty

  • please email us 48 hours ahead of time with a request for help 
  • outline the nature of the assistance and the deadline
  • each person’s request is considered individually

No advance notice?

  • identify yourself to a staff member at the Loan Services Desk
  • outline the nature of the assistance required and the deadline
  • library staff will attempt to assist you as quickly as possible
  • it may be necessary for you or your facilitator to return at a later time or to refer you elsewhere

Computers, Software, and other Assistive Technologies:

  • All Gerstein computer workstations are equipped with assistive technology including ZoomText Fusion (ZoomText + JAWS) and Kurzweil 3000 screen reading software.
  • More details about accessible workstation locations throughout the library
  • Need some other types of assistive technology? We offer technology loans, including phone/laptop chargers and headphones at our Short Term Loans Desk (main floor). See also the Library Accessibility Office for additional assistive technologies available at other libraries, including laptops.

Accessible entrance:

Thank you for your patience as the U of T Landmark  construction continues.

The barrier-free entrance on King's College Circle to Gerstein Science Information Centre is now open.

Once at the door, please select the intercom button and a member of staff will open the entrance. If this button is not accessible to you, please call 416-946-5227.

Wheel Trans or other accessible vehicles should drop off patrons outside this location, drop off signage is visible from the road leading up to the temporary barrier-free entrance. These vehicles should enter and exit King’s College Circle via Anatomy Lane. Access to Anatomy Lane is via southbound along Queens Park Crescent West.

For more campus accessibility information:

Study spaces:

  • We offer a variety of spaces for individual and group study. Some spaces may not be barrier-free, and alternative arrangements mat need to be made with our staff.
  • Check our Accessible Spaces page for locations and level of accessibility.

Emergency exits:

  • it is recommended that patrons with accessibility needs inform staff at the Loan Services Desk of their presence and intended location in the building, so that assistance can be provided in case of emergency
  • select washrooms are equipped with self-opening doors and emergency alarms

Washroom facilities:

  • 1-below: adjacent to the accessible entrance just inside the door on the right
  • main floor: south end of the building near the entrance to the journal stacks
  • second floor: to the north of the public elevator
  • accessible washrooms are all-gender
  • accessible washrooms are equipped with self-opening doors and emergency alarms