NLM Reading Rooms and Services:
Accessibility at the National Library of Medicine

The National Library of Medicine supports the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act by providing disabled researchers access to its buildings and collections located in both the Main Reading Room and the History of Medicine (HMD) Reading Room.

Building and Physical Facilities:

• Parking for disabled researchers on the north side of the Library along Center Drive - handicapped registration plates must be displayed to park in the reserved spaces
• An entrance ramp on the north side of the Library with nearby elevator access to the Library's Reading Rooms
• Accessible restrooms on the lower level of the Library
• Accessible drinking fountains in the Main and HMD Reading Rooms and the first floor lobby
• A wheelchair-accessible public telephone with TTY in lobby of the Library
• An elevator equipped with an accessible control panel and a voice announcer in the Library lobby
• Wide stack aisles in the Main Reading Room

Equipment for Collection Access and Use:

• Screen magnification software
• Speech synthesizers for reading screen text
• Enlarged keyboard lettering at computer workstations
• Height adjustable tables at specified workstations
• Reading machine
• Print enlarger
• Accessible photocopier

The specialized equipment and software are optimized for NLM products. Staff can assist with basic features. Detailed knowledge of the equipment and software is the patron's responsibility.

Staff Assistance:

• NLM staff at the Reference Desk in both the Main and HMD Reading Rooms will assist researchers with disabilities by retrieving Reading Room materials from shelves or cabinets.
• The photocopier technician will copy materials for researchers with disabilities who have trouble accessing the photocopiers. Details are available from the Reference Librarian or the Photocopier technician.
• NLM staff who are familiar with sign language are available to assist hearing-impaired researchers. NLM requests that arrangements for this service be made in advance by calling the Reference Section at 888-FINDNLM or through the Maryland Relay Service at 800-735-2258.

Further information on NLM services is available by calling the Reference Section at 888-FINDNLM or through the Maryland Relay Service at 800-735-2258.

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Last updated: 28 June 2004
First published: 01 January 2001
Metadata| Permanence level: Permanence Not Guaranteed