We are committed to making the collections and services of the Grinnell College Libraries as accessible as possible. If you have concerns or questions about physical access or services in the Grinnell College Libraries that aren't addressed here, please contact Micki Behounek, manager of access services, via email or phone (641-269-3354).
Adaptive Technology
A hand held MagniPros LED Magnifier with dimmable anti-glare screen is available at the circulation desk for checkout.
A desktop hands free magnifier with 3x magnification and 12 LED bright lights is available at the circulation desk for checkout.
An Aladdin Rainbow Personal Reader is located on the third floor of Burling Library, on the north side of Burling near carrel #322. There is a large-print help manual at the carrel.
Two Mini KIC Bookeye scanners are located on the first floor of Burling Library. These overhead digital scanner, designed for bound books and journal volumes, are available for public and staff use. Along with the traditional PDF scan of the page, these machines also automatically create a machine-readable copy of the scanned text, allowing sight-impaired users (and the staff who support them) to easily convert paper books and journals into a form that can be read aloud by a screen-reader.
Hearing Loops: Burling Lounge and the circulation desk are fitted with wireless antennae that connect with the telecoils in hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Kurzweil 3K and Read & Write Gold 11 are installed on all public computers at Grinnell College, including those in Burling and Kistle libraries.
Finding and Using Library Materials
Library staff can provide physical assistance with searching the libraries’ online catalog or other electronic resources.
Circulation services:
- paging of books upon request (please allow ample time)
- renewal of loans by phone
- arrangements for others to borrow materials for the patron
- extension of loans of reserve materials and renewals of reserve materials by phone.
Questions about these services should be addressed to Micki Behounek, manager of access services, via email or phone (641-269-3354).
Campus Support
For more information about support services and programs for students with disabilities at Grinnell College, contact Disability Resources at 641-269-3089 or go to Accessibility and Disability Resources.
Accessibility in Burling Library
Accessible parking for those visiting Burling Library is located northeast and southwest of the building. There is a ramp leading to the north entrance from the lots. The main entrance to the library is barrier-free. Burling Library and parking may be located on the campus accessibility map.
All levels of Burling Library can be reached by elevator. However, some of the book stacks and other areas are currently not accessible. Please ask library staff for assistance if you need materials from these areas.
Most of the computer stations in the first floor Computer Commons are wheelchair accessible.
Restrooms on first, third, and fourth floors of Burling are designated as wheelchair accessible and equipped with grab bars.
Library staff at any public service desk can assist with using the copiers.
The viewing and listening stations in the Burling Media Room may not be accessible to users of wheelchairs. Library staff in the Burling Media Room or at the circulation desk can assist with other arrangements for viewing or listening to discs or tapes that are on reserve.
Accessibility in Kistle Science Library
Kistle Science Library is located on the second floor of the Robert N. Noyce Science Center. Accessible parking for those visiting the Kistle Science Library is located north of the building. The main level of Kistle Science Library can be reached by elevator.
The library, parking, and elevators can be located on the campus accessibility map.
All of the book stacks are accessible. The bound journal collections are contained in compact shelving. Ask staff at the public service desk for assistance. The third floor mezzanine, containing only study carrels, is not wheelchair accessible. Most of the computer stations are wheelchair accessible. Library staff at any public service desk can assist you with using the copiers.
Entering the South Doors of the Noyce Science Center
Almost immediately, turn left and go down the ramp onto the first floor of the Science "elbow." Go around the elbow, turn left before the stairs, and take the elevator to the 2nd floor. On the 2nd floor, turn right out of the elevator and follow the signs to the Kistle Science Library.
Entering the West Doors of the Noyce Science Center
Turn right immediately past the staircase and then turn right again down the short hallway toward the restrooms. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor. On the 2nd floor, turn right out of the elevator and follow the signs to the Kistle Science Library.
Entering the Northeast Double Doors of the Noyce Science Center
Inside the doors, immediately turn left, go down the hallway, and then turn right before the doors to the loading dock. Down that hallway is an elevator, take it to the second floor. Turn right out of the elevator and then — almost immediately — take another right down a long hallway. Follow the signs to the Kistle Science Library.