Miller Nichols Library Accessibility
Book Retrieval
While library stacks have been configured to be accessible, library personnel can retrieve materials upon request. If requesting many items, advanced notice is preferable. Books from UMKC requested directly through the library catalog are usually ready for pick up by the next afternoon (excluding weekends).
Assistance in Obtaining Your Borrowed Materials
A Proxy Account will allow you to grant any other person temporary access to your library account on your behalf:
- Contact Scott Laurent to register with UMKC Disability Services.
- Complete the Proxy Borrowing Form to establish your Proxy Account.
Scanning & Printing
Students can scan materials using the scanners on the ground and first floors of Miller Nichols Library. Scans can be saved to flash drives, or emailed. Scanners are accessible, but may not meet all needs. If students wish to copy print materials, they must first scan and save or email them. Students may print from library computers using their student print quota. For more complete information, please visit the Printing in the Libraries Guide.
Silent Study
The fourth floor of the library is reserved for silent study. Consult the Miller Nichols Library page for information on noise levels, study locations, technology and services by floor.
Study Areas
The Miller Nichols Library has several study rooms on the first floor which can be reserved by UMKC students. In addition, study tables, carrels, and lounge areas are available on all floors of the library.
Research Assistance
You can get help using the library from the Circulation Service Desk in person, or via phone or email. Reference staff can assist patrons in using the library catalog, online databases, the Internet, and other research materials. Basic reference assistance is available whenever the library is open; however, in-depth research questions may require a longer consultation that will be provided by appointment. Consult our Meet with a Librarian page for more information.
Online Databases and Catalog
The University Libraries’ databases and catalog, like some websites, do not always work well with screen readers and adaptive technology. If you are unable to or unsure of how to use the databases or catalog, we can assist you in your research with:
- Instruction in how to use a database or catalog.
- A research consultation in which we facilitate your use of the database.
- Librarians searching the databases and providing results and articles for your review.
Need to listen to a PDF?
Watch this video to learn how to use Adobe Reader’s Read Out Loud feature on your computer. We also recommend NaturalReader, which can be installed on your computer or downloaded as an app to your mobile device.
Library Instruction Sessions
In addition to individual instruction and research consultations, the Library offers instruction sessions to entire classes. Miller Nichols Library’s main classroom Room 121, has a workstation with an adjustable table to accommodate students who use wheelchairs. If you are coming to the library with your class and have specific needs, please feel free to contact the library or ask your instructor to contact the librarian teaching your class.
The Miller Nichols Library has two workstations located on the first floor that are reserved for priority use by students, faculty, or staff with disabilities.
Software
Universal Access Workstations on the First Floor of Miller Nichols Library are equipped with:
- JAWS screen reader
- Window Eyes screen reader
- ZoomText screen magnifier
- Duxbury Braille Translation (DBT) text-to-braille translator for braille embossing
- HP PrecisionScan Pro scanning software
- OmniPage Pro OCR converts scanned text into computer-editable text.
Hardware
- 22 inch widescreen monitors
- ScanJet ADF Scanners automatic document feeder
- Juliet Pro Braille Embossers The Library’s equipment has limited image embossing capabilities. Those needing a tactile version of an image, table, map, or other non-text information should contact the OSSD which can arrange access to a Tactile Graphics Embosser.
- Height adjustable table
- Handling phone calls for deaf or hearing-impaired patrons The Library accepts call through the National Relay Service (711) and the Missouri Relay Service at 800-735-2966
Contact
First Floor Service Desk
For appointments and general information
- (816) 235-1526
Scott Laurent
Coordinator of Student Disabilities
- (816) 235-1580
Building Accessibility
- Accessible parking is available north of the building.
- The north entrance, south entrance and west entrance are equipped with power-operated doors and access ramps.
- Three elevators are available for all floors of the building.
- Accessible restrooms are located on every floor of the library.
- Emergency stairwell is located on the east side of the building.
