Accessibility at Musselman Library

Noise

The library is divided into quiet and collaborative study spaces. The main level and lower level are intended for collaborative study and can get loud, while the second and third floors are quieter. The second floor also has the Ultra Quiet Study Room, which is intended for even quieter study. Unfortunately, the Ultra Quiet Study Room does not currently have seating that can accommodate a wheelchair.

White noise in the library from the HVAC can be quite loud. Ear defenders or headphones available at the Check Out Desk can help to reduce this volume.

Light and Visual Distractions

The library tends to be brightly lit, with lamps in some areas to provide additional light. Library classrooms 014 and 018, on the lower level, do have lights that can be dimmed.

Study carrels with screens available on the second and third floors can help to minimize visual distractions. These workstations can accommodate a wheelchair.

Smell

Food is permitted in all areas of the library except Special Collections. Smells from other patrons' food may be present. There may also be smells from patrons' fragrances.

Chairs with and without armchairs are available throughout the library.

Workstations that can accommodate a wheelchair are located in several places throughout the library.

• On the lower level, use the single person or two-person gray tables. Some of them are pushed together in larger groupings.
• On the main level, use the 4-person circle tables or the donut tables around the poles, some of which have lab computers at them.
• On the second floor, use the single person tables and study carrels with Plexiglas screens. Also use the longer tables by the Ultra Quiet Study Room back door, some of which have lab computers on them.
• On the third floor, use the study carrels with Plexiglas screens. Also, the north wall has long wall-mounted tables which can accommodate a wheelchair. The gray single person tables cannot accommodate a wheelchair but the ones with wooden edges in the northeast corner can.
• On the fourth floor, use the 4-person circle tables.

Accessible and inclusive restrooms are located on the main and lower levels. The main level restroom has a changing table. 

The elevator is on the west (Stine Lake) side of the library and is not immediately visible from the main entrance. After entering the main level, pass the Check Out Desk, turn left down the hallway, and follow the signs. Anyone may use the elevator; no permission or key is required.

The elevator may be too small for some patrons. The opening is 31 inches, and the interior is 40 inches by 60 inches.

Special Collections is located on the fourth floor of the library and can be reached by the elevator, circular staircase, or west staircase.

Sensory Information

The Reading Room is lit with dim lights; lighting can be increased with table lamps. Food and drink are not permitted. Noise is limited.

Mobility Information

Furniture throughout the room is spaced wide enough for a wheelchair user to maneuver. However, the tabletops are too low to accommodate a wheelchair.

Chairs in the Reading Room do not have armrests.