The Hesburgh Libraries are committed to providing accommodations for patrons with permanent or temporary disabilities. We work in conjunction with the University Office of Disability Services. Patrons seeking assistance are encouraged to email hl-accessibility-list@nd.edu to request assistance or share their concern. We will arrange for accommodations at any of the Hesburgh Libraries locations to enable you to make the most efficient use of the resources, spaces, and services.

What to Expect

Advanced notice of your visit may be helpful to make your Hesburgh Libraries’ experience successful. Ideally, we ask for 2 working days to process your request.

Need one-on-one assistance? Schedule an appointment using this form with an Accessibility Coordinator or the staff at the specific branch you are using.

The Hesburgh Library Co-Accessibility Coordinators are trained to assist all patrons, including those with visible and invisible disabilities. They are available to provide:

1. Guidance on using assistive technology
2. Support in locating accessible and less-accessible library materials
3. Help with research using screen reader-compatible databases

We are available to assist you during the open hours for the Hesburgh Libraries Ask Us Desk posted on the library.nd.edu/hours webpage.

Assistive Technology and Alternative Formats

We offer a range of assistive technology to support patrons, including:

1. Adjustable-height desks and workstations
2. BookEye Scanners with OCR software
3. Screen readers
4. Screen magnifying software
5. Topaz Video Magnifier

Patrons may also request alternative formats for materials, such as accessible PDFs.

To view our circulating assistive technology devices, please visit libcal.library.nd.edu/reserve/equipment/ and select “Assistive Technology (1st Floor Hesburgh Library Circulation Desk)” in the dropdown menu at the top of the page.

To request assistive technology support or alternative formats, contact:  hl-accessibility-list@nd.edu or use the Accessibility Assistance Request Form.

Document Delivery Services & Interlibrary Loan

With document delivery services, you can request that materials be found and held at the library location of your choice. Depending on an individual's needs, we may be able to arrange for dorm delivery. Learn more about document delivery.

Library staff can also scan a book chapter or journal article and send it to you electronically as a PDF to view on your own computer.

Material that Hesburgh Libraries does not own may be requested through Interlibrary Loan. Learn more about Interlibrary Loan.

Physical Accessibility

Our library is designed to be physically accessible and include:

1. Step-free entrances
2. Automatic doors
3. Elevators with tactile input
4. Accessible restrooms
5. Wheelchair accessible workstations and study rooms

Private study space is available upon advanced request. 

Need assistance navigating the library? Ask a staff member at the Ask Us Desk or request a guided tour by emailing hl-accessibility-list@nd.edu or use the Accessibility Assistance Request Form.

HathiTrust Enhanced Access

In participation with HathiTrust, Hesburgh Libraries can provide access for eligible patrons with print disabilities to those items within HathiTrust that Hesburgh Libraries also hold in print. Access is through a proxy. Eligible patrons wishing to use this service of enhanced access may contact Scott Howland, coordinator of disability services, Sara Bea Disability Services.

1. Eligible patron: an affiliated user at a supporting institution who has a print disability for which access to digital copies of library books is a reasonable and appropriate accommodation
2. Print disability: a disability, such as visual impairment, learning disability, physical disability, or other disability that impedes access to printed content in the standard way.
3. Proxy: a representative designated by a HathiTrust supporting institution who accesses in-copyright content on behalf of an eligible patron.

Feedback and Accessibility Concerns

We welcome feedback to improve accessibility for all patrons. Patrons can:

1. Email the Accessibility Coordinators at hl-accessibility-list@nd.edu.
2. Visit the Hesburgh Libraries’ Ask Us Desk in person and ask to meet with the available Accessibility Coordinator.
3. Contact the branch staff where the additional support is needed.

University Resources

For additional information on accessibility services available at the University of Notre Dame, please visit:

1. Sara Bea Accessibility Services (students)
2. Office of Institutional Equity (faculty, staff, postdocs, and visitors)