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 available by the ramp located along the south side of the library 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 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 Access Services desk at (309) 438-7321 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 Reference Desk at (309) 438-3451 for assistance. If the reference desk does not answer, please contact the Circulation desk at (309) 438-7321. 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 Circulation 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 Reference Desk on the main floor of the library or by calling (309) 438-3451. If the reference desk is closed, please contact the Access Services Department at (309) 438-7321.

Need Assistance?

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

Study Space

Milner Library now offers wheelchair accessible adjustable study carrels on Floor 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 reference desk on the main floor of the library during reference hours. You may also call the reference 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 a variety of technology for students with disabilities. The library provides the following software for users with disabilities at Stations 97 and 98 in the Computer Lab on the main floor of the library:

ZoomText & JAWS Fusion Suite

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 very loud strobe alarm with flashing lights will go off. People with disabilities should use the Library’s emergency stairwells as an Area of Rescue if they are unable to evacuate the building. (All stairwells are clearly marked as follows: The North side stairwell is painted with blue squares, the East side stairwell with green circles, and the South side stairwell with red triangles). The person(s) with disabilities should 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 notify emergency personnel and other library staff 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

There will be an announcement over the loudspeaker when there is a tornado watch or warning. A watch means that weather conditions are favorable for the possible development of tornadoes. A tornado 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. If you are on Floor 6 and are able to navigate to restrooms on 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!